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James Swift Paragon
[Microscope Photographs and Discription by Tom Grill. Tomgrillphotography.com]
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20012
Swift Paragon Brass Binocular Microscope:
London 1890. Easily one of the most innovative and practical instruments of its day, the Paragon by James Swift can be seen as a pinnacle of perfection in the development of the Wenham binocular microscope. This model stands about 17” tall when fully racked down. It features the semi-circular Wale limb that had been introduced by the American, George Wale, on his New Working Microscope in 1879. This limb, also featured in a variation on the famous Ross Radial, allowed the microscope to be easily inclined, even parallel with the working surface, and held firmly in place with a simple twist of the radial knob.
The microscope is signed, “Swift & Son, 81 Tottenham Court Ru., London N.W.,” and “Paragon” on its base. The signature and address help to date the instrument to circa 1890. Coarse focus is by rack and pinion of the main optical tube. Fine focus is with a knob conveniently placed just below the coarse focus knob (see photo). Eyepiece separation is also rack and pinion controlled. The mechanical stage is equipped with full lateral movement controls (X & Y), and circular positioning with a micrometer scale. The substage condenser is uniquely designed, having a variable iris diaphragm, centering knobs, optical elements, an attached Nicol prism that swings easily into place, and a rotating filter holder with rotating filters for advanced petrological use. The Nicol prism analyzer as well as the Wenham binocular prism slide into place within the main optical tube via small engineered drawers with knurled brass handles. Both prisms are in excellent, original condition. All controls work perfectly. The mirror is plano-concave, excellent on the plane side, but showing some age clouding on the concave side.
The microscope comes with an extensive array of accessories housed in their own mahogany box that stores within the main case. The optical system is comprised of six original Swift lenses in their own brass canisters, three pair of binocular eyepieces, one high power monocular eyepiece, and a camera lucida. Objectives include: ½”, 1”, 1 ½”, 2”, 3” & 4”. In the accessory drawer, an additional Swift signed metamorphic objective of 1/4", 1/2", & 1" in a brass canister. All of the objecties with RMS threading. The optical system is in excellent operating condition, producing sharp images with good contrast. Other accessories include: a compressorium, live box, stage forceps, two pair of brass tweezers, a brass canister containing an extensive variety of black stops, a zoophyte trough, and three filters (blue selenite, ¼ mica, and red selenite) for petrological work (see photo). Also included are two standing lenses: one a bullseye, and the other a double concave used for light focusing. The outfit is stored in its own hand dove-tailed mahogany case with brass carry handle, lock and key, and an inside slide and accessory drawer. The microscope is finished in lacquered brass with a black japanned base. The lacquer coverage is complete and in excellent condition showing only minor age wear.
James Swift originally worked for Andrew Ross, and set up his own firm in 1857 at 43 University Street, London, off of Tottenham Court Road. In 1877, he was joined by his son and the company changed its name to James Swift & Son. In 1881 the firm moved to 81 Tottenham Court Road.
Swift was clearly at the forefront of innovative instrument design. The Paragon featured here is easily one of the most significant microscopes introduced toward the end of the 19th century. More than just a magnificent display, it remains a practical and usable instrument of exceptional quality.
Condition:
Extra fine throughout. Full lacquer coverage. A full complement of accessories, all in extremely fine condition, and all very likely original to the set. A highly sophisticated microscope, well cared for, and in full working order.
Bibliography:
1. Turner, Gerard L’E (1989) The Great Age of The Microscope; (The collection of the Royal Microscopical Society through 150 years); ISBN [0-85274-020-4] p. 184.
2. Turner, Gerard L’E (1981) Collecting Microscopes ISBN [0-8317-5950 x] p. 78
3. Henderson, J.E.; et. al. (1987) The Billings Microscope Collection 2nd Ed. , p. 143
4. Turner, Gerard L’E (1991) Museo Di Storia Della Scienza (Catalogue of Microscopes) ISBN [88-09-20208-2] p. 94.
2. Turner, Gerard L’E (1981) Collecting Microscopes ISBN [0-8317-5950 x] p. 78
3. Henderson, J.E.; et. al. (1987) The Billings Microscope Collection 2nd Ed. , p. 143
4. Turner, Gerard L’E (1991) Museo Di Storia Della Scienza (Catalogue of Microscopes) ISBN [88-09-20208-2] p. 94.
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