parts box for dissecting tools for Nachet medium compound microscope
Inventory Number: 1025c
Classification: Dissecting Tools
optics, biology, medicine, microscopy,
Maker: Nachet et Fils (I) (fl. 1862 - 1880)
Maker: Charles A. Zeitz (fl. 1840 - 1842)
Owner: William F. Whitney (1850 - 1921)
User: Ernst-Lewis Collection of Microscopes
Cultural Region:
parts box: 4.6 × 17.5 × 9.7 cm (1 13/16 × 6 7/8 × 3 13/16 in.)
glass, cardboard, mahogany, ebony, brass, steel,
Description1025 is a fine example of the type of compound microscope that Nachet et Fils called the "moyen modèle." For descriptive purposes and better comparison with similar but not identical, early "moyen modèles" by Nachet, the assembly is divided into these components, each with their own images and written details:
1125a: the microscope with eyepieces
1125b: box of objectives and condensers
1125c: parts box, with diverse accessories
1125d: bull's eye condenser
1125e: manuscripts found in case
1125f: case
The parts box is made of mahogany and has 2 latch hooks of brass. The lid is fitted to hold dissecting instruments; the base is fitted to hold 2 cup diaphragms and 1 diffuser plus other accessories. Dissecting instruments include 6 needles of various sizes, 2 scalpels, scissors, 2 tweezers, and 1 brush. Five needles and the two dissecting knives have ebony handles, and are by the same maker. (One dissecting knife is signed "ZEITZ / BOSTON.")
The box also holds 4 glass slides and a cardboard box of cover glasses.
Signedon box of cover slips: Nachet, à Paris
on blade end of dissecting knife: ZEITZ / BOSTON
Inscribedon box of cover slips: 50 / LAMELLES
Historical AttributesDr. Ernst note: "Presented by Dr. William F. Whitney with 4 oculars & 5 objectives; 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, & 1/14 for mag. to 1400 and a most interesting sprung attachment to the clips."
Dr. Lewis note: "contains box of objectives 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 immersion, 3 oculars, condensing lens & stand, 3 cup diaphragms, 2 pr. forceps, scalpel, 3 needles with black handles, scissors, brush."
Primary SourcesMaison Nachet & Fils Fabrique d'Instruments de Micrographie (Paris, 1872), 9.
ProvenanceDr. William F. Whitney, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, gift to the Ernst-Lewis Collection of Microscopes.
See also/See also