Chest microscope formerly owned by Pope Benedict XIV, Italy,

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Chest microscope formerly owned by Pope Benedict XIV, Italy,. Science Museum, London. Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). Source: Wellcome Collection.

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The high level of decoration reflects the status of this microscope’s former owner, Pope Benedict XIV. This is an example of a chest microscope, which were popular from the mid 1700s and throughout the 1800s. The microscope folds into the chest, which protects the tube as well as making the microscope portable – although this is quite a large example, measuring 395 mm high and 215 mm in width. The lenses are also adjustable in height. The top lens is protected by a brass cover and there is a drawer to store slides. maker: Unknown maker Place made: Italy

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