A lacquered brass microscope with case and accessories dating from around 1890. The microscope was made by James Swift & Son and is a histological and physiological microscope, it is in working order and good condition with a rack and pinion focussing mechanism, there is an inclination joint which allows the microscope to be angled for more comfortable viewing when seated. It comes with two packs of microscope samples 'Hive Bee Dissections' and 'Microscopic Seeds', these were sold at the time for mounting and use in. microscopy; both retain their contents. There is also a small box of glass 'Circles', three black and one marked 'Mosquito Wing'. The microscope is missing the brass pad from the rear foot.
 
The Microscope stands 32cm (12.5") high before being extended, 37cm (14.5") after being extended. 
 
James Swift were microscope makers trading from London and founded in 1853 by James Powell Swift, who was son of the watchmaker Thomas Swift. Before founding his company, James Swift was apprenticed to the well-known microscope maker Andrew Ross. In 1881 they made improvements to microscope design, including the replacement of the straight rack and pinion focusing to helical cut components and a new fine focus system. In 1884, Mansell James Swift, son of James Powell, joined the company and the name was changed to James Swift & Son. In 1901, Captain Scott was supplied with Swift microscopes for use on the R.R.S. Discovery for the 1901-1904 expedition, named in the catalogue of the time as the 'Discovery' model. In 1903, Mansell Powell John Swift, grandson of the founder, joined the company. In 1906, the founder of the company, James Powell Swift, died. In 1912, the company was incorporated as a limited company and the name changed to J. Swift Ltd. In 1942, both Mansell Powell and Mansell James died. In 1946, ER Watts and Son Ltd took over the company, mainly due to the association between the Watts and Swift families in earlier years.