A Treatise on the Construction, Proper Use, and Capabilities of Smith, Beck, and Beck's Achromatic Microscopes

Lincolnwood, Illinois: Science Heritage Ltd, 1987. Reprint. Boards. Near Fine. Reprint. [2], viii, 144 pages + XXVII plates with descriptions (not paginated). 8vo. Publisher's green leather(ette). A bright clean copy. Upper corners bumped. Boards. This book contains a facsimile reprint of this work published in 1865 (London: John Van Voorst). With original copies getting very expensive, this facsimile is very useful for those who collect / use early instruments. The plates in the rear are particularly helpful as they show parts of the microscopes and provide names that can help when using the text.

This volume is one of eight books published by Science Heritage, Ltd. in their History of Microscopy Series. The series was intended to make important works in the history of microscopy more widely available. The Science Heritage Ltd. History of Microscopy series included: 18th Century Microscopes A Sypnosis of History and Workbook (McCormick, 1987); Practical Treatise on the Use of the Microscope (Quekett, 1848); A History of Microtechnique 2nd edition (Bracegirdle, 1987); The Microscope Made Easy and Pocket Microscopes (Henry Baker 1769 and James Wilson 1706); Micrographia (Robert Hooke, 1665); The Achromatic Microscope (Richard Beck, 1865); The Microscopic Cabinet (Andrew Pritchard, 1832); The Microtomist's Vade-Mecum (Arthur Bolles Lee, 1885).

Historian Brian Bracegirdle when asked by the Quekkett Microscopical Society to list his twelve favorite microscopy books included this one. "My fourth choice is Beck's work on the achromatic microscope. Richard Beck died soon after this was published in 1865, but I know that he had already started to think of a new edition...The work is important because it gives full directions for using the microscopes and accessories made by Smith, Beck, & Beck, and thus an insight into the use of instruments made by others. The text is a model of clarity, but it is the plates which excel. The ones in my copy have had their outer margins cut out and numbered just like an indexed notebook, and all 28 of them are of the highest quality in engraving and printing. A few show the results of observations, included to show what was achieved by use of particular techniques: plate 14 shows darkground illumination of Polycystina from Barbados, and is unsurpassed for its stunning quality. Most show details of instruments, and are key for identifying the parts found in cases of accessories from the time. This is a super book, a pleasure to read and re-read for its clarity and even its beauty. Fortunately it has been reprinted, for originals are scarce and expensive."

Literature:
Austin and Blankenhorn, Microscopes and Microscopy A Preliminary Checklist, (The Gemmary: 1993), #972.