Title: Pritchard Type Microscope

Identifier: LL02.48.01.19   (https://digital.lib.ecu.edu/21987)

Description: Benjamin Pike was one of the first microscope and instrument dealers in the United States, opening in New York City in 1804. His son, Benjamin Jr., was a partner at first, but then opened his own shop down the street in 1843. This signature is probably from before that time. The microscope is achromatic. Benjamin Jr. published two large catalogs, and a similar instrument manufactured by Andrew Ross in England is illustrated as Figure 789 in the 1856 edition. This microscope was probably made in England, but does not have the typical Ross tripod base, although it does have the Ross-type stage. A similar microscope made by Joseph Amadio is in the Museo Galileo in Florence, Italy. Smith and Beck also made a similar model, number E8 in this collection.