Scientific Instruments, Specimens, Books and Collectables

The Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle, under the Command of Captain Fitzroy, R.N., during the years 1832 to 1836 – Edited, introductions and Notes by Charles Darwin

Originally published by Smith and Elder in parts from 1839-1843. Considered a superb example of scientific publishing.

This is the three-volume facsimile published by Nova Pacifica, Wellington, New Zealand in 1980. Til then the only reproduction and even now the standout in terms of quality.

Limited to 750 copies. Three volumes quarto, 34 cm by 26 cm. Original quarter blue leather binding with salmon buckram covered boards. Separate contrasting title labels and gilt to spine, marbled end papers. Various pagination, complete, illustrated in colour and black and white including tipped in plates. A very good set. Very heavy may require a postage supplement especially Overseas.

Volume one comprises Fossil Mammalia by Richard Owen [part 1] and Mammalia by George R Waterhouse [part 2]. Volume two comprises Birds by John Gould [part 3] and Anatomical Appendix by T.C. Eyton. Volume three contains Fish by Leonard Jenyns [part 4] and Reptiles by Thomas Bell [part 5]

Who can afford the original? This super facsimile set the best alternative.

$790.00

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Antique Microscope Slide – Exhibition Standard – Arranged Diatoms with Spicules of Syncyota Holothuriale [Sea Cucumber] – W. A Firth – c1890.

A circle arrangement of numerous diatom types along with spicules from the cucumber – these spicules forming part of the sea cucumber’s skeletal structure.

William Allott Firth [1853-1923] was a professional mounter specialising is diatoms. Born in Barnsley, England he moved as a child with his family to Belfast where he remained for the rest of his life. His slides are regarded as of the highest quality, and this is an unusual example. His name label is supported by his characteristic handwriting which never varied.

The slide is difficult to precisely date partly because of the consistency of Firth’s handwriting noted above. The labelling arrangement is identical with Bracegirdle’s example Plat 17/K but no date is given. Bracegirdle does show a slide dated 1877 but we think this one is later – probably circa 1890. The pricing noted is a later reseller.

Good condition given age albeit crack across cover slip not affecting the view.

Complex arrangement of diatom types and spicules by expert Firth.

$120.00

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Antique Microscope Slide – Cuprite “Ruby Copper” from the Burra Burra Mine South Australia – circa 1860-70

Unusual historic microscope slide of cuprite of “ruby copper’ labelled as from the Burra Burra Mine in South Australia mounted in open cell wood slide characteristic of the period.

The Burra Burra deposit was found in 1845, and mining was started at scale very quickly. Large dividends were being paid by 1849. The deposit dwindled, technical difficulties arose, including flooding, other lower cost deposits were found so the mine effectively stopped circa 1877. There were numerous attempts to get it going again but they were nor commercial.

Unusual Australian Mining Collectable

$60.00

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Fuller’s Spiral Slide Rule [Calculator] – Manufacturer W.F. Stanley, London

Invented by George Fuller, Professor of Engineering at Queens’s College Belfast, patented in 1878.

The rule consists of a logarithmic scale of numbers spiral wound in the form of a helix; the scale is 500 inches [circa 42 feet] in length having 7,250 divisions. This rule is therefore equivalent to a straight slide rule twice that length or c 84 feet. If you understand the principle – it’s the [lack of] length of a slide rule that inhibits accuracy. It can be held in one hand while performing calculations or fixed on the removable brass holder if more convenient. The mahogany box is true to the instrument and has felt covered fittings to protect it in transit. The original instruction booklet is still with the instrument.

The manufacturer was W.H. Stanley at one time the biggest instrument maker in the World. Stanley a Fellow of all the right Societies was an architect and had near 100 patents to his name.

This instrument is one of the last manufactured, which probably accounts for its pristine condition. We can date it to 1965 for two reasons. First, all instruments were numbered at the bottom of the B cursor, and this one is serial number 13111 and below that stamped 65 for 1965. Secondly, there is a magnificent paper published by the esteemed Oughtred Society [Look it up] which gives excellent background information on the instrument and provides a graph of the serial numbers and dates of a good sample from No 1 in 1884 to number 13688 in 1973 – so you can see that ours is placed right in the twilight zone.

We find it interesting that only 14,000 instruments were ever made over a period of 90 years. After a slowish start and an end tail-off the graph of units made is pretty steady with a bit of a jolt during WWI and WWII. Your guess is right it was killed pretty dead by Hewlett Packard.

We haven’t gone into full details of how the instrument is constructed and functions, but we do have information in our Research Section, and you can always look up the aforementioned “Oughtred” reference – best information going – forget Wiki.

In terms of size the box is 46 cm x 12 cm x 11 cm. The rule is 43 cm long 9 cm in diameter.. Total weight around 2 kgs.

A postage supplement may be required dependent on location of buyer.

Fullers system of spiral slide rule – top of the pile and an instrument of some beauty

$690.00

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Antique Brass Table Spectroscope by John Browning of London circa 1880

An original prismatic lacquered brass spectroscope by the leading London based Victorian maker John Browning. Special quality as would be expected from a Browning instrument. Original fitted Mahogany Case with carrying handle, which has lost its lock as often, no damage to the case.

The table is engraved and Vernier works as it should. Telescope and collimator. The adjustable slit is in perfect condition and has its cover or protector which is usually missing. The optics are in A1 condition. The telescope arm is fully articulated and can be locked into position. The flint glass prism looks original to the instrument and has its original oxidised table housing. The telescope length is 20cms fully in 30cm fully extended. The instrument stands 25cms high.

Quality Victorian Spectroscope Top Maker

$790.00

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Folding Georgian Guinea Scales circa 1805

A very good set of early Guinea Scales with contemporary instructions label. Manufactured Stephen Houghton who took over from Anthony Wilkinson at Ormskirk, Lancashire. Wilkinson had died in 1804. We have two very good examples this probably the best.

Self-erecting and known generally as the Lancashire Gold Balance. The brass beam is rectangular in section and has a hinged “turn and swing” overweight which counter poises the beam for the guinea or half-guinea. Once folded the end-button release mechanism sets and releases nicely.

A small rectangular sliding weight on the load arm registers in graduations to show discrepancies in of under-weight coins.

The collapsing mechanism makes the whole entirely portal in the gentleman’s trouser.

Functioning Georgian Gold Sovereign Scale

$190.00

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The Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle, under the Command of Captain Fitzroy, R.N., during the years 1832 to 1836 – Edited, introductions and Notes by Charles Darwin

Antique Microscope Slide – Exhibition Standard – Arranged Diatoms with Spicules of Syncyota Holothuriale [Sea Cucumber] – W. A Firth – c1890.

Antique Microscope Slide – Cuprite “Ruby Copper” from the Burra Burra Mine South Australia – circa 1860-70

Fuller’s Spiral Slide Rule [Calculator] – Manufacturer W.F. Stanley, London

Antique Brass Table Spectroscope by John Browning of London circa 1880

Folding Georgian Guinea Scales circa 1805

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