SCIENTIFIC & MEDICAL

Catalog Page 9

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SIGHT	OPEN	INCASE	DETAIL

CLOSED	CASE	CARD DETAIL	BOTTOM

BEARING

 

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9.03  ARMILLARY SPHERE.  Rare early 19th century model of the solar system made by the famous French globe maker Delamarche as printed on the terrestrial globe in the center.  This planetary model is based on the Ptolemaic system devised by early Greek astronomer Claudius Ptolemaeus (A.D. 90 – 128) in which he envisioned the solar system as a set of nested spheres.  Ptolemy’s model depicted the Earth at the center of the solar system, whereas the later (and correct) Copernican system was sun-centered.  This exceptional example features a pewter equatorial ring engraved in single degrees, 0 – 360.  It is supported on a cast iron strut which also houses the brass Meridian ring divided into quadrants of 90 degrees each.  As mounted, the Meridian ring is free to revolve and thus indicates the sun’s declination at any time of the year.  The broad diagonal paper ring is beautifully engraved with the signs of the Zodiac.  The remaining horizontal rings indicate the north and south tropics and the equator.  This especially fine model is in a marvelous state of  preservation, considering the fact that it is over 200 years old!  Museum Quality.   

 The first maker to produce globes in France for use by the general public was Charles-Francois Delamarche (1740-1817).  Delamarche’s workshop was on Rue du Foin, St. Jacques au College Me. Gervais’, Quartier Latin.  Subsequently his addresses were Rue du Jardinet, then  No. 7 Rue du Battour, all Paris.  Likely this sphere is the work of his son and successor, Felix.

The term Armillary sphere comes from the Latin armilla meaning hoop or bracelet.   The earth is shown as a small globe in the center of the sphere which is formed by 2 rings at right angles.  The tropics of Cancer and Capricorn (representing the sun’s maximum North and South declinations from the Equator) and the Arctic and Antarctic circles are represented by narrower rings.  A broad ring crossing the tropic rings represents the ecliptic or path of the sun.  The sphere is mounted within a Meridain ring set into the Equatorial ring.  Practical use of the Armillary sphere as a solar system teaching aid was superseded by the Orrery in the early 18th century.  (A. Major, Maritime Antiques, 1981, Tantivy Press, London).

TOPE TAIL	SIGNATURE	REVERSE

POLE DETAIL	PERSPECTIVE	GLOBE INSIDE

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9.02  POCKET SUN DIAL.   Rare, incredibly old sun dial made entirely of ivorywith pewter plates and brass fittings.  This amazing relic is of French originand represents what is known as a “Dieppe Magnetic Azimuth or Bloud-type dial.”  It is attributed to the early Parisian dial maker Jacques Senecal and datescirca 1660!  It is of the diptych type, meaning it has two leaves or tablets, hinged in the middle.  The outside top of the upper leaf is equipped with a pewter equinoctial dial for telling time by means of a pin gnomon.  The inner side is fitted with a lunar volvelle, allowing it to be used to determine the time at night when the moon was visible.  The main part of the dial occupies the lower leaf of the diptych.  A recessed bowl accommodates a delicate magnetic needle suspended on a pyramidal brass pivot.  Cleverly, this dial actually represents a form of mechanical computer.  The underside of the leaf holds a rotating disc engraved with the months and days of the year.  It is connected to the interior hour scale below the compass needle which acts as the gnomon.  Rotating the outer disc to the corresponding day moves the hour scale within setting it to the proper “altitude” for the time of year.  A typical horizontal dial with string gnomon is also provided, with the hours engraved in the ivory around the periphery of the compass rose.  In the bottom plate of the dial there is a finely-engraved paper card, the outer edge of which is marked in degrees by tens in four quadrants.  Within is an 8-pointed star with a fleur-de-lis at the North point.  The other star points are marked with the latitudes of important European cities such as “Paris, Venise, Rheims, Roma, Londre,” etc.  It is alsoequipped with a clever pivoting brass “stay” which holds the lid open, fitting neatly into a recessed slot when not in use. This lovely instrument is profusely engraved with decorative pinwheel elements on the periphery of each of its tablets, inside and out.   There are two very early pewter repairs in the lid to stabilize an age crack, and the very tip of one of the tiny brass hooks is off.  Otherwise this 350 year old instrument is in amazing condition for its age.  A museum piece!    

Literature:  Hester Higton, “Sundials, An Illustrated History,” 2001, PhilipWilson Publishers, Ltd., London.  Page 89 depicts a very similardial described as, “Dieppe magnetic azimuth dial by Jacques Senecal, c. 1660.  The inside of this dial has a lunar vovelle in the upper leaf and the main dialset into the lower one.  Collection of the National Maritime Museum, London.”

This sun dial represents the oldest antique we have ever offered in our 35 yearsin business.

CALENDAR	COMPASS	LUNAR VOLVELLE	OUTER DIAL

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9.01  EARLY POCKET COMPASS.  Finest quality late 19th century gentleman’s pocket compass “MADE IN FRANCE” as impressed near the “W” for west.   This precision instrument is of all brass construction with a silvered brass compass dial marked with the cardinal and intercardinal points of the compass.  In addition it is marked in degrees around its periphery from 0-360 in two degree increments. The North point (and “0”) are set opposite the “watch bow” on the case.  A small arrow is engraved on the card indicating the degrees west of true North that magnetic North existed in France at the time (approximately 19 degrees west).  The delicate compass needle is blued on the southern end and suspended on a brass pivot with agate cap.  It is equipped with a caging device operated by a small button just to the left of the bow.  In addition the compass is equipped with a revolving arrow on the inside which can be operated by turning the entire knurled bottom of the compass.  This feature allowed the user to set a relative bearing as a course or for sighting on a landmark to determine line of position.  The dial is protected by a beveled glass crystal overlaid by a hinged brass cover with a precise, snap fit.  The top is equipped with a typical pocket watch-style bow which could have been attached to a fob or chain for suspension.  This diminutive instrument is a mere 2 inches in diameter and ½ inch thick when closed.  Excellent original condition.  Fully functional. 

CLOSED	DIAL

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9.97   AMERICAN SURVEYING COMPASS.  Genuine 3rd to early 4th quarter of the 19th century, pocket surveying compass made by “W. & L.E. GURLEY, TROY N.Y.” as finely impressed on the silvered brass dial.  This precision all brass instrument consists of the main dial marked with the cardinal compass points, North being designated by an engraved star.  Inset into the dial are two bubble levels positioned at 90 degrees from one another to give a perfectly level compass reading.  On the periphery of the main dial is a raised brass ring marked in single degrees beginning with 0 at North up to 90 degrees on both sides, East and West.  The same calibrations are indicated with South at 0.  Two folding sight vanes are present, one with a narrow slot and the other with a horse hair line of sight.  The fine blued steel compass needle has an agate pivot and built-in caging device operated by a thumb screw on the bottom of the instrument.  For compensating the magnetic compass reading for variation from true North, this instrument has an added complication.  The upper housing of the compass is designed to rotate through an arc of 40 degrees over the bottom plate.  A vernier scale allows a setting to an accuracy of 5 arc minutes.  A small knurled knob on the opposite side of the instrument locks the setting into place.  The instrument is mounted onto its original ball and socket joint which would have set atop a Jacob’s staff or light tripod.  It comes complete within a lovely, high quality tooled leather carrying case with two eyelets for attachment to a carrying strap.  The compass measures 4 ½ inches in diameter and stands just under 7 inches high.  Excellent, functional condition.  495

There is a description of the Vernier Pocket Compass in the 21st edition of Gurley’s “Manual of American Engineers & Surveyors Instruments, 1874.”  It reads,

“This instrument, shown in the engraving, has also a three and a half inch needle, and is furnished with a vernier outside, reading to five minutes, by which the sights can be placed at any desired angle with the line of zeroes, so as to set off the variation of the needle, as with the Vernier Compass.
The compass is furnished with Jacob-staff mountings; sometimes, if desired, with a very light tripod, as shown in the engraving; has two levels, and is neatly packed in a mahogany case.

It makes a most excellent and portable little instrument in locations, and is especially useful for the surveyor of government lands.”  Priced at $23.00 in 1874!

 William (b. March 16, 1821) and Lewis E. (b. December 30, 1826) were born to Ephraim Gurley of Troy, New York.  Their father was employed by the famous brass founders and instrument makers, the Hanks Brothers of Troy.  Ephraim died in 1829, but his sons continued in his footsteps, apprenticing to instrument maker Jonas Phelps.  In 1846 William partnered with Phelps to form the firm of Phelps & Gurley.  In February 1852 the brothers bought out Phelps’ interest in the firm and changed the name to W. & L.E. Gurley.  Under that name the firm continued for the next 115 years producing surveying and engineering instruments of superior quality.  No other company in the United States or abroad matched the Gurley’s output and quality.  In 1855 they published their first Gurley Manual.  By the time Lewis died in 1897, the firm had published 32 editions of the manual.  The Gurley manual became the surveyor’s Bible, and every apprentice was encouraged to own a copy.  But in fact the “manual” contained a section entitled “Supplement to the Manual” which was a full fledged catalog advertising hundreds of Gurley products for sale!

 

BOTTOM	CASE	DETAIL

IN CASE	PERSPECTIVE

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9.73 EARLY SURGICAL TOOL.  Very rare early 19th century surgeon's tool used for the removal of a patient's tonsils. This "Tonsil Guillotine" as it was known, consists of a fearsome sharp probe and two stationary steel orifices connected to a brass shaft terminating in a cross hatched ivory handle. Pulling the handle engages a sliding blade, the guillotine, which in theory would have sliced off the hapless patient's tonsil once engaged by the probe and held by the orifices! Clever in its construction, this no less gruesome device bears decorative elements in its construction reminiscent of instruments from the Queen Ann period. It measures 10 inches long and is in excellent original functioning condition. Both the steel and brass components bear deep patination with surface oxidation, but no rust or corrosion. The ivory handle is sound with only minor staining (blood?). A very rare early surgical tool of museum quality.  895

Elizabeth Bennion in "Antique Medical Instruments," 1979, Sotheby Parke Bernet, London, pictures and describes a similar device with finger pieces on page 108. The photograph is captioned, "Tonsil guillotine, c. 1860, Museum of Historical Medicine, Copenhagen." The text, in part, reads, "Guillotines and forceps were listed in the catalogues from the early nineteenth century and were in two sizes, for adults and children. Tonsil-guillotines are easily recognisable by means of the two parallel sliding rings, one with cutting edge... Unlike many other instruments, the earlier examples tend to be lighter while those of a later date become complicated and cumbersome with elaborate finger pieces. Cased sets with various spare attachments were made c. 1860, but simple steel and brass guillotines have survived from at least ten years earlier." It is our belief that the example here is much earlier than 1850 and thus may in fact represent a prototype!

BLADE DETAIL	BLADE OPEN	CLOSED

HANDLE	SHAFT DETAIL

 

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 9.95  SURVEYOR’s COMPASS.  Complicated, second half of the 19th boxed century surveying compass with the silvered brass dial engraved “HENDERSON’S HYPOPHONITE, HUSBAND’S, BRISTOL.”  It consists of a solid brass surveyor’s compass with folding sight vanes arranged in standard fashion.  The compass rose is engraved with the cardinal and intercardinal points of the compass and is divided by single degrees from 0-90 between each of the cardinal points. On a raised outer ring is a second degree scale, 0-360 running counterclockwise!  The blued steel needle with agate pivot is suspended on 3 spokes which overlay the central bubble level (now dry).  A brass caging device allows the needle to be safely locked into place when not in use.  In addition to the central bubble level below the needle, this compass has several other unusual features.  The compass body is “gimbaled” allowing it to tilt in the axis of the vanes.  When this feature is employed a detachable scale with a sextant-like vernier arm may be affixed which allows for reading of elevation 0-90 to an accuracy of 1/10th degree.  Interestingly this device has a separate maker’s signature, that of  “Dunscombe, Bristol.” A lock on the side of the instrument holds the compass in a flat plane when the elevation function is not in use.  The base of the instrument is equipped with an opening with knurled thumb screw for attachment to a Jacob’s staff or tripod.  The entire unit fits into its original hand-dovetailed mahogany box with brass hinges and hook closures.  It was originally fitted with a lock which is no longer present.  Overall the instrument is in a very good condition.  The compass needle is lively and functions properly.   All moving parts are free and fully operational.  The box, measuring 10 ¼ by 6 ¼ by 4 ¼ inches high shows some distress but is still very sound.  The instrument itself is 9 ¼ inches long by 6 ½ inches wide and the compass measures 4 ¾ inches in diameter under its original wavy glass.  A very nice antique surveying instrument with rare complications which has a retail value of $1995.  995

Henry Husbands was an optician and instrument maker working in Bristol, England from 1870-1913.  Husbands was affiliated with theodolite designer William Ellis Metford.  Some of his clients included Henry Marc Brunel (son of the famous engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, of S.S. Great Eastern fame), John G. Gamble, James M. Dobson, S. Moyle and the Surveyor General of New South Wales, Philip Adams.  A Metford theodolite produced by Husbands was exhibited at the Melbourne, Australia International Exhibition in1880.  The Surveyor General went on to order from Husbands four theodolites in 1881 and 12 traversing stands in 1885 for the trigonometrical survey of the state.

DIAL DETAIL	INBOX	SIGNATURE	INSTRUMENT

BOTTOM	CASE	DIAL

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9.96  ANTIQUE SAND TIMER.  Authentic late 19th century “hour glass” of French manufacture.  This classic old time keeper is constructed of maple or similar hardwood.  Two decoratively-turned end discs are supported by 3 graceful wooden columns enclosing the glass within.  The single glass comprising 2 bulbs is hand-blown and exhibits bubbles and striations indicative of early manufacture.  Also telling of the timer’s age is the small fabric “plug” fixed with sealing wax on one end.   This end bears the stamped mark “FRANCE” in the wood.  Interestingly, the timer runs for 15 minutes in one direction, yet slightly more than 20 minutes in the other!  While uncertain of its application, we can certainly attest to its beauty, functionality and age.  A lovely example with a nice age patina, over 100 years old.  395

 

MARK	TOP

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9.74 EARLY SIGNED SUN DIAL. Original late 18th century garden sun dial of English origin. This all brass dial is entirely hand-engraved bearing the maker's signature "J. Bryant Fecit" engraved in fancy script, along with the inscription "Fugit Lord" on a furled banner. The large ornate gnomon overlays a charming effigy of the sun radiating outward, around which are recurring wheat head designs typical of 1700's decoration on such instruments. The left side of the dial is engraved with the morning hours beginning with 4 A.M. in 15 minute intervals to 12 noon. The right side of the dial continues with the afternoon and evening hours up to 8 P.M. This early sun dial is in an outstanding state of original preservation with deep crisp engraving and a very rich, dark statuary bronze age patina. It measures 8 inches in diameter and the gnomon stands 5 inches tall. 849

Gloria Clifton in "Dictionary of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851" lists Bryant at the Parish of St. Olave, Southwark, London in 1790 as an "Hour Glass Maker."

PERSPECTIVE

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9.94 EARLY SEA CAPTAIN's APOTHECARY CHEST. Rare, pre-Civil War shipboard apothecary chest of American manufacture with original contents. This large, well-equipped set contains an extensive array of bottles, flasks and canisters, most of which appear to be original and date to the first half of the 19th century! Many of the containers have contents and bear their original labels, the earliest being that of "Adamson & Olliff, N.Y." dated ""16 Oct 1849." Many come from "E. Trowbridge, Sign of the Gilt Mortar, Norwich, Con." Many of the bottles are hand-blown, evidencing distinctive pontils on their bottoms, and contain their original cork stoppers -- some with thin doeskin covers! There are several tin canisters, some with labels. In all there are 41 items. As expected many of these have minor flaws consistent with great age and actual use. The chest itself is constructed of rich African mahogany with hand-dovetailed joints. It is complete with its folding brass handle on the top and original brass lever lock with functional skeleton key. The compartmentalized interior comprises the first tier, with a drawer below. The drawer bears its original turned ivory pull. This handsome chest measures 13 inches wide by 8 1/2 inches deep and stands 6 inches high. It is in an outstanding state of original preservation in consideration of its 150+ years.

During the 19th century and earlier, it was rare for all but the largest warships to carry a ship's doctor. The task of administering to the crew's well being, in every sense, fell to the Captain. Such shipboard medicine chests were state-of-the-art for their day, but nevertheless primitive by modern standards. They contained a variety of traditional herbal remedies for stomach and intestinal ailments, as well as early antiseptics and of course pain killers.

PERSPECTIVE	CONTENTS

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9.41 SURGEON'S KIT. Mid-19th century American field surgeon's kit with the maker's label in the lid reading "Chas. W. Kolbe 15 S. Ninth St., Phila, PA." This amputation kit is housed in its original "tiger stripe" mahogany case with brass binding bearing the engraved oval presentation plaque reading "Presented to Dr. J.E. HANNA by his Bro. C.E. HANNA." Within are contained the fearsome state-of-the-art tools of the medical trade as known in the mid-1800's. They consist of 4 razor sharp knives and one probing hook, all with their original ebony handles. A tourniquet is provided along with a compartment for holding the needles and thread used in suturing. A removable panel in the lid reveals the remaining instruments which include a small bone saw, bone snips, and an artery clamp. The latter of which is fitted with a locking device in the form of a fish! A space also is provided for a large amputation saw, which is absent. This set measures 15 1/2 inches long and 5 inches wide. Save for the one missing component, it is otherwise in simply outstanding condition. A very rare and highly sought after example of an American doctor's field amputation kit of the type used during the Civil War. 2800

The "Directory of American Tool Makers" shows an entry for a "Kolbe & Son, D.W." of Philadelphia, makers of Medical Tools, 1879. Presumably the initials "D. W." are those of the younger Kolbe, confirming that this set by the elder Kolbe predates 1879.

CONTENTS	SIGNATURE	BOX

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9.92 EARLY AMERICAN SURVEYOR's COMPASS. Impressive, Civil War era surveyor's compass of large size and of absolutely the finest quality! This lovely instrument is made entirely of brass with a silvered dial and vernier scale. The large compass rose is marked with the cardinal and intercardinal points of the compass. The North point is designated by a very delicately hand-engraved fleur-de-lis and below the pivot it is engraved "Warranted" in fancy cursive script. Encircling the dial the rim is finely divided from 0 - 360 degrees in 1/2 degree increments. The double-ended blued steel compass needle has an agate pivot and terminates with very sharp points on both ends providing very precise readings. It is equipped with a caging device operated by a knurled thumb screw on the underside. This superb instrument has a vernier scale operated by a tangent screw which allows for precise bearings with an incredible accuracy of one arc minute! It is equipped with two bubble levels which assure level orientation in both planes for taking an accurate reading. It is complete with both of its large, removable brass sight vanes attached by threaded knurled screws. It is complete with its original heavy ball and socket mount which would have mounted to a Jacob's staff. The entire presentation is housed in its original dove-tailed mahogany box with brass lock and a single closure hook. Totally original and fully functional in all respects. All surfaces retain a brightly polished lacquered surface. The original compass dial evidences some minor age spots and the original box shows wear and tear, but is very sound. This surveyor's compass measures 14 3/4 inches long and the compass dial is 6 5/8 inches in diameter. The solid mahogany box measures 15 inches long, 7 3/4 inches wide and 3 5/8 inches thick. A rare, old, very displayable American surveying instrument! 1295

PROFILE	DETAIL	TOP	DIAL	DIAL DETAIL

VERNIER	BOTTOM	MOUNT	BOX

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9.90 CIRCUMFERENTOR. Rare, first quarter18th C. English circumferentor, complete in all respects with its original, rarely-found wooden case! This early form surveyor's instrument also known as Digge's theodolite or "Holland circle" bears a decoratively-engraved central compass, using "wheathead" motifs typical of 17th and early 18th century English design. The silvered dial is marked with cardinal points and intercardinal points of the compass, in English, and is divided to single degrees around its periphery. The compass is flanked by 2 sighting vanes which revolve with it on a second full circle. One of the vanes has a vernier scale which allows for a reading down to one minute of arc. The outer circle bears a hand-engraved scale divided to single degrees and a second set of sighting vanes. The instrument is supported atop its original ball and socket joint which would mount atop a "Jacob's staff" for use. Each vane is detachable, attaching with a close tolerance "dovetail." The ball and socket support attaches to the instrument with a simple press fit and locking thumb screw. These features allow the whole instrument to disassemble and fit neatly within its wooden carrying case with lock. The entire presentation is in outstanding original condition. The instrument itself measures 6 inches in diameter and stands 8 1/4 inches high. The box is 6 1/4 wide by 6 1/2 inches deep and is 2 1/2 inches thick. This is a true museum piece, circa 1730 or earlier.

Thomas Digges (1546-1595) was an English astronomer and mathematician who wrote about and produced both navigational and surveying instruments. He devised a cross staff with a transversal scale which was the forerunner of the scale used on early Hadley quadrants. (J.A. Bennett, "The Divided Circle," 1987, Christie's Ltd., Oxford).

PERSPECTIVE	DIAL	VERNIER	IN BOX	BOX	PLATE

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9.88 EARLY THERMOMETER. Very rare and particularly handsome second half of the 19th century American thermometer signed "The Hoehn Co. New York," as impressed at the top of the scale with the hand-painted "red cross" trade mark. This large mercury thermometer has a bold black enameled brass scale with etched indications. The scale reads in degrees Fahrenheit from -50 to 120 degrees calibrated in 2 degree increments. The traditional Olde English notations "Zero, Freezing, Temperate, Sumr Heat and Blood Heat" are marked at the appropriate points on the scale. The thermometer tube is exquisitely fashioned with a very large flat, hand-blown glass bulb! This is mounted to the scale by means of two ornate brass brackets. The scale is then mounted to a mahogany backing with a clever retractable brass hanger at the top. 10 1/2 inches tall by 2 1/4 inches wide. This fine precision antique instrument is in a absolutely fabulous original condition! It is completely functional and is stunning to behold. A rare, pristine surviving example of the output from this little known mid-19th century American scientific instrument making firm! 395

In the "Directory of American Toolmakers," Robert E. Nelson, Editor, 1999, Early American Industries Association, the R. Hoehn Company is listed as scientific instrument makers working in Brooklyn, New York from 1865 to 1905. They were acquired by the well-known barometer making firm of Taylor Brothers, Rochester, New York in 1905. The Hoehn Company specialized in barometers and thermometers.

 

BULB	BRACKET	SIGNATURE

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9.54 DRAFTING SET. Large cased mechanical drawing set as used by the ship's navigator or a professional draftsman. This impressive 19th century set features a variety of drawing implements with interchangeable components. Functions include use as a compass, beam compass, straight line and parallel drawing, and dividers. Pen nibs and pencil holders allow for drawing in either pen or ink. Included in the set are the original ivory sector, for making logarithmic calculations, ivory parallel rules, and two ivory pens. Filling out the set are a box of leads, eraser and multi-purpose tool for sharpening and filing leads and adjusting the instruments. This is a very high grade, precision set, which appears to be all original. The finely fashioned instruments are of brass with steel components. Many are signed with the original owner's initials ""JMC." All are in excellent condition with the exception of the small compass which has become detached from its knurled handle. Each component fits neatly into its velvet lined slot in the form fitted liftoff tray. Removing the tray reveals another compartment within the fine rich mahogany case. This is devoid of contents, which were likely a larger set of parallel rules and a protractor. Nevertheless this is a large handsome set which would display beautifully on the executive desk. 14 1/2 inches wide and 5 1/2 inches deep. 995

DETAIL	CASE

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9.69 MINIMUM / MAXIMUM RECORDING THERMOMETER. Scarce early 1900's American made multi-function thermometer with the register plate signed "Tycos, Rochester, N.Y. U.S.A. Toronto, Canada." This all brass precision instrument has two scales, one marked "COLD" and the other "HEAT" calibrated in degrees Fahrenheit from -40 to 110 and -30 to 120 respectively. The ingenious mercury/glycerine system provides readings for the high and low temperatures indicated by means of small blue metallic indicators "floating" atop the mercury columns within the tubes. These can be "reset" using a small magnet. The engraved brass registers are calibrated in 2 degree increments and are protected from the elements by a brass "roof" at the top. Stout suspension brackets are affixed at the top and bottom for hanging. The entire instrument measures 11 3/4 inches tall by 3 inches wide. Outstanding original condition, fully functional, with a nice old bronze age patina.

DETAIL

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9.66 REFERENCE BOOK. Gerard L'E. Turner, "Collecting Microscopes," Christie's International Collectors Series, 1981, Mayflower Books, New York, 120 pages, hard cover with dust jacket and protective cover. Here is what is widely regarded as "THE" indispensable first reference for antiquarian microscope enthusiasts. Long out of print, this comprehensive reference is fully illustrated in color with chapters on optics, microscope construction and operation, the simple microscope, tripod and drum, the side pillar microscope, microscopes in Victorian England, 19th C. continental microscopes, the projection microscope, microscope accessories and practical hints for the collector. Also contained are appendices on museums and other collections, a price guide and bibliography. As new condition. 59

PLATE

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9.59 AMERICAN ORREREY. Rare late 19th century American solar system model constructed of wood and brass with a nickeled plaque reading "Laing's Planetarium Patented (March 2nd 1897) Laing Planetarium Co. Detroit Mich. U.S.A." This intriguing apparatus features a large brass sphere representing the sun about which Venus, the Earth, and the Earth's moon rotate. Relative planetary motion is accomplished through a complex series of runners and pulleys rove with linen thread. A working compass is inset in the main wooden arm next to the maker's plate. The entire assembly is supported on the decoratively turned wooden column mounted to the sculpted wood base inset with a disc marked with the seasons, signs of the Zodiac and months. This antique orrerey stands 12 1/2 inches tall by approximately 19 inches wide at the extreme dimension. The globe of the earth is constructed in the traditional manner with engraved paper gores and is signed "Rand McNally & Co's New 3 inch Terrestrial Globe." This extremely rare scientific instrument is in a remarkable state of original preservation, showing good age and use, but no abuse. A most desirable and readily displayable 19th C. planetary model.

GLOBE	SIGNATURE	BASE

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3.57 THERMOMETER. Lovely late 19th century wall hanging thermometer with a milk glass scale. This functional instrument reads in degrees Fahrenheit with a large, bold scale hand painted onto the milk glass which is bordered by a clear beveled edge. The graduations are in two degree increments from -28 to 120. The huge bulb is filled with blue alcohol making the entire presentation very colorful and at the same time easy to read. The scale measures nearly one foot tall and 2 1/2 inches wide and is complete with its original small brass suspension loop at the top. 199

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