Lot Essay
James Simons (fl. 1774-93) described himself as a mathematical, philosophical and optical instrument maker. His shop was at the sign of Sir Isaac Newton's Head, Marylebone Street, London.
This massive instrument is idiosyncratic in design, showing elements as it does of standard 18th century microscopes and the early 19th century attempts to improve the optical tube. There are many novel features, including the high-powered objective which is unusual for this date, the candle-holder and the extra stages, which may be the invention Simons claims in his signature. In this instrument Simons is doing his best to enhance the illumination at the specimen, attempted at both sides through the focusing condenser and the improved eyepiece.
Instruments by Simons are rare; examples are an electrical machine, a circular protractor and a microscope similar to this example. A theodolite by Simons was sold in these rooms on 3 March 1994, lot 301.
This massive instrument is idiosyncratic in design, showing elements as it does of standard 18th century microscopes and the early 19th century attempts to improve the optical tube. There are many novel features, including the high-powered objective which is unusual for this date, the candle-holder and the extra stages, which may be the invention Simons claims in his signature. In this instrument Simons is doing his best to enhance the illumination at the specimen, attempted at both sides through the focusing condenser and the improved eyepiece.
Instruments by Simons are rare; examples are an electrical machine, a circular protractor and a microscope similar to this example. A theodolite by Simons was sold in these rooms on 3 March 1994, lot 301.