Pocket Microscope Pocket Microscope Pocket Microscope

Your Microscope - Pocket Microscope

Pocket Microscope

With the invention of the microscope in 1595, scientists and laymen alike have desired a way to study in the field, using pocket microscopes. Pocket microscopes have provided people with centuries of natural discoveries. Their portability and ease of use make them easily accessible to children, providing hours of entertainment and study.

Some of the original pocket microscopes were made of a wood cylinder, and two glass lenses. The ocular lens, placed closest to the eye, reflects light from the objective lens, placed closest to the specimen. The objective lens is adjustable, for increased magnification. These pocket microscopes often include a simple carrying case. The cylinder also extends, to adjust magnification and focus.

Around 1738, Benjamin Martin developed a pocket microscope that later became known as the drum microscope. It consisted of two tubes, one within the other. The inner tube held the two lenses, and the outer tube acted as a stand for the microscope. The outer tube was a cardboard tube layered with dyed rayskin. The focus was adjusted by sliding the inner tube as needed, to examine the specimen placed at the bottom between the two tubes.

In 1827, Charles Gould published a booklet about his design of pocket compound microscopes. The Companion to the Microscope and a Description of C. Gould’s Improved Pocket Compound Microscope detailed his improvement of a pocket microscope while working in William Cary’s “Mathematical Instruments” shop. His design mounted the compound microscope onto the edge of the box, stabilizing the pocket microscope. However, these microscopes became known as “Cary-style microscopes.” Charles Gould’s name has largely been ignored regarding these microscopes, although was attributed correctly in a few publications, such as The Great Age of the Microscope (1989, Turner.)

Another pocket microscope, known as the Nachet pocket microscope, was described in detail by Pieter Harting in his 1859 book, Das Mikroskop. Stored in a case only 9cm by 5cm, the microscope provided results as clear as any other traditional microscope used in that era. The tube of the microscope was 7cm long, and extended to 10cm. The focus was adjusted by a micrometer screw, similar to traditional microscopes. Harting enjoyed these microscopes, and used his quite frequently in his studies.

Modern pocket microscopes vary greatly in design and functionality. Some are completely analog, resembling older pocket microscopes. These are lightweight, and provide magnification of up to 30X. Others use LCD screens and built in LED lights to improve clarity and magnification, from 60X to 100X. The most high tech of the modern pocket microscopes is the USB microscope, which uses digital imaging technology to capture images and video of the specimens, and downloads them to your computer.

Pocket microscopes have developed quickly over the past few centuries, while maintaining their portability and ease of use. Lovers of natural history and science enjoy taking their pocket microscopes into the field, to examine the world around them. Advances in science will only increase the use of pocket microscopes, as they gain popularity with scientists, students, and teachers.

Like this article? Pocket Microscope
Bookmark and Share

Recommended Products for Your Microscope

Transformers Universe Exclusive 25th Anniversary Commemorative Edition Perceptor (Toy) newly


Transformers Universe Exclusive 25th Anniversary Commemorative Edition Perceptor
Transformers Universe Exclusive 25th Anniversary Commemorative Edition Perceptor (Toy)
By Hasbro

Buy new: $46.46
19 used and new from $40.50
Amazon Customer Rating: 5.0

First tagged "microscope" by A. Bernard
Customer tags: transfomers g1(2), classics(2), reissue, microscope, perceptor, generation 1, hasbro, transformers, 25th anniversary, autobots, g1, exclusive

Proxxon 27100 Micro Compound Table KT 70 (Tools & Hardware) newly


Proxxon 27100 Micro Compound Table KT 70
Proxxon 27100 Micro Compound Table KT 70 (Tools & Hardware)
By Proxxon

Buy new: $86.21
4 used and new from $84.21
Amazon Customer Rating: 5.0

First tagged "microscope" by Rich Gibson
Customer tags: power tool accessories, modeling, microscope, microscope accesories

100X hand-held pocket microscope (Office Product) newly


100X hand-held pocket microscope
100X hand-held pocket microscope (Office Product)
By Science Stuff

Buy new: $29.99

First tagged "microscope" by Davina Hunter "dancing bookworm"
Customer tags: microscope

ST-640 LCD Microscope (Office Product) newly


ST-640 LCD Microscope
ST-640 LCD Microscope (Office Product)
By iOptron

Buy new: $199.00

First tagged "microscope" by Davina Hunter "dancing bookworm"
Customer tags: science(2), microscope

72 Blank Microscope Slides and 100 Square Cover Glass (Office Product) newly


72 Blank Microscope Slides and 100 Square Cover Glass
72 Blank Microscope Slides and 100 Square Cover Glass (Office Product)
By CB

Buy new: $6.99
Amazon Customer Rating: 5.0

First tagged "microscope" by M. Halsey
Customer tags: slides(2), science, educational toy, microscope, science products, microscope slides, lab slides, clear glass slides

Binocular Stereo Microscope 5X-10X-15X-20X-30X-60X (Office Product) newly


Binocular Stereo Microscope 5X-10X-15X-20X-30X-60X
Binocular Stereo Microscope 5X-10X-15X-20X-30X-60X (Office Product)
By EM Scopes

Buy new: $189.99
Amazon Customer Rating: 5.0

First tagged "microscope" by Kyle Bairdsen "Kyle Bairdsen"
Customer tags: microscope

The Bizarre and Incredible World of Plants (Hardcover) newly


The Bizarre and Incredible World of Plants
The Bizarre and Incredible World of Plants (Hardcover)
By Wolfgang Stuppy

Buy new: $19.77
44 used and new from $5.98
Amazon Customer Rating: 5.0

First tagged "microscope" by Paul Sas "Paul Whitmore Sas"
Customer tags: nature education(2), botany(2), microscopy(2), photography, science, microscope

What's With the Mutant in the Microscope: Stuff to Know When Science Says Your Uncle Is a Monkey (Paperback) newly


What's With the Mutant in the Microscope: Stuff to Know When Science Says Your Uncle Is a Monkey
What's With the Mutant in the Microscope: Stuff to Know When Science Says Your Uncle Is a Monkey (Paperback)
By James R. White

31 used and new from $0.01
Amazon Customer Rating: 5.0

First tagged "microscope" by Arphaxad "model-builder"
Customer tags: intelligent design, microscope

GSI High-Definition Scientific Digital LED Microscope, USB Video Connection to Computers/Laptops/Notebooks, Magnifies All Microscopic Articles 200x, Special Image Treatment, Includes Stand for Handsfree Use, for Hobby/Science/Education/Industrial (Electronics) newly


GSI High-Definition Scientific Digital LED Microscope, USB Video Connection to Computers/Laptops/Notebooks, Magnifies All Microscopic Articles 200x, Special Image Treatment, Includes Stand for Handsfree Use, for Hobby/Science/Education/Industrial
GSI High-Definition Scientific Digital LED Microscope, USB Video Connection to Computers/Laptops/Notebooks, Magnifies All Microscopic Articles 200x, Special Image Treatment, Includes Stand for Handsfree Use, for Hobby/Science/Education/Industrial (Electronics)
By GSI

Buy new: $43.99
6 used and new from $41.00
Amazon Customer Rating: 5.0

First tagged "microscope" by E. D. Giralt "enriqx"
Customer tags: 200x usb microscope(3), digital microscope(3), usb microscope, microscope, usb magnifier
Home | Articles | RSS
Copyright YourMicroscope.com 2009. All rights reserved.
Pocket Microscope Pocket Microscope Pocket Microscope