A CUFF-TYPE MICROSCOPE
Lot 10

A CUFF-TYPE MICROSCOPE

JOHN CUFF (c.1702-1772)

Closed24 May 2019

Price Realised

GBP 2,375

More Information

How to sell

A CUFF-TYPE MICROSCOPE
JOHN CUFF (c.1702-1772)
Signed on the stage JOHN CUFF IN FLEET STREET LONDON, the limb engraved with markings for objective positions 1-6, accessories include: stage forceps; six objectives (one lacking lens); frog plate; lieberkuhn; tweezers; brass slides; on mahogany stand with drawer.
14 x 6¼ x 6¼in. (36 x 16 x 16cm.)

Specialist note

In response to demand from the English naturalist Henry Baker (1698-1774) for an easier-to-use microscope, Cuff invented a new "Double Microscope," the design of which would be much copied by instrument makers across England and Europe throughout the 18th century. Alas for Cuff his innovation was unable to compete with the arrival next door of the workshop of Benjamin Martin (c.1705-84), and in 1750 he was declared bankrupt.