Title: Society of Arts Prize Microscope

Identifier: LL02.48.02.11   (https://digital.lib.ecu.edu/21998)

Description: Robert Field won the Society of Arts prize in 1854 for designing this bar limb microscope, which sold for 3 guineas, and includes the following: 2 objectives, 2 eyepieces, bullseye lens, live well, stage forceps and case. He was required to maintain the price and to always have the microscopes in stock at the original price. He made numerous minor changes to try and control costs, but eventually went bankrupt in 1880. This microscope was widely copied, but other manufacturers were not constrained by the 3 guinea price.