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J.W. Queen's Microscope for Students

From The Journal of the Franklin Institute, 1855


The committee on Science and the Arts, constituted by the Franklin Institute of the state of Pennsylvania, for the promotion of the Mechanical Arts, to whom was referred for examination, a "Microscope for Students", invented by Mr. James W. Queen, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Report:

That in the instrument submitted by Mr. Queen to the Committee, nothing of originality is claimed, either in the optical or mechanical arrangements, but the endeavor has been to produce an instrument containing, as far as possible, all the best qualifications, with such cheapness as will render it accessible to a much greater number of persons than are now able to procure them, and thus to spread the habit of using this very valuable instrument.

The instrument examined by the Committee has its tube of brass furnished with the usual lenses, so mounted upon a cast iron stand as to be capable of motion in the vertical plane, so as to be used either vertically or inclined, and carrying a well arranged platform for holding the objects. It is likewise provided with a plain mirror and a separate condensing lens. The whole of the instrument, including the glass of the lenses, is of American material and manufacture.

The mechanical arrangements of this instrument are neat and efficient, and its movements are executed easily and with precision; it is substatially made, and of good workmanship, and its defining power is entirely satisfactory. It is, however, at present provided only with a single objective (1 inch focus), and a single eyepiece; and although these are sufficient for examinations of a rough and popular character, and even available for many investigations into the structure of plants, yet they are altogether insufficient for the investigation required in physiology and pathology, and are therefore not fitted for the use of students in these sciences. For such persons, the Committee would not recommend the use of any instruments which had not at least 3 objectives of 1/2 inch, 1/4 inch, and 1/12 inch focal distance respectively, and the eyepieces such that the highest power with the shortest objective should magnify at least 600 diameters. The present instrument of Mr. Queen is sold for $25, and Mr. Queen believes that, with the additions recommended by the Committee, the cost of the instrument will not be more than $50, which the Committee regard as low for a good instrument with the above requisites. They, therefore, in acknowledging the merits of the instrument as at present made, recommend that the additional powers be added to it, when it will be justly entitled to the name of Student's Microscope.

By order of the Committee, William Hamilton, Actuary
Philadelphia, February 8th, 1855


James W. Queen other microscope makers

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