JOHN CUFF (c.1702-1772)

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.