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.