Description: A compound monocular microscope.

Caption: Andrew Ross (1789-1859) introduced a number of important improvements, with Joseph Jackson Lister (1786-1869), to the design of microscopes. This instrument includes crossed Nicol polarizers, invented, in 1838, by William Nicol (1768-1851), Edinburgh born Professor of Natural Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh.

Introduction: Made by Andrew Ross & Co. at London, in about 1894, this petrological microscope was originally designed for examining rocks and minerals It is based on a standard design, by the engineer Francis Herbert Wenham (1824-1908). Introduced in 1878 it was called simply "The Ross Microscope".

Background: It was mistakenly thought to be a Ross "Medical School and Educational" microscope but was probably useful in the Botany Department because it was fitted with a Berger micrometer (Prof. Hans Berger (1873-1941)) for fine adjustment of the x-y axes of the stage. It was rescued from the ashes of the Bower Building of the University, which was destroyed by fire in October 2001.

Historical Context: Designed the polariser system - When: 1838 - Where: Edinburgh, Scotland - Who: Nicol, William (1768-1851) Professor of Natural Philosophy at Ediburgh University

Historical Context: Designed the stereoscopic - When: 1878 - Where: England - Who: Wenham, Francis Herbert (1824-1908)

Historical Context: Manufacture - Who: Andrew Ross & Company

Historical Context: Manufactured - When: circa 1894 - Where: London, England

Historical Context: Used in Department of Botany - When: 1994 - Where: Scotland, Glasgow, University Avenue, University of Glasgow, Bower building - Who: Department of Botany, Glasgow University