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An Edward Nairne Solar Microscope, English, circa 1780, image 1
An Edward Nairne Solar Microscope, English, circa 1780, image 2
The Dr. Murray MacKinnon Collection of Microscopes
Lot 118Ф,Y

An Edward Nairne Solar Microscope,
English, circa 1780,

15 September 2021, 14:00 BST
London, Knightsbridge

Sold for £3,187.50 inc. premium

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An Edward Nairne Solar Microscope, English, circa 1780,

signed NAIRN LONDON, the window shutter plate with dual adjustment to the rectangular mirror, in fitted oak case with fish-skin covered box mounted with screw-barrel attachment, with five lenses, tweezers, and other accessories,
the case 10in (25.5cm) wide

Footnotes

Provenance:
From the collection of Dr MacKinnon.

Edward Nairne (1726-1806) boasts an illustrious and long career lasting over half a century. After taking over from his mentor Matthew Loft, he is recorded at his own workshop in 1752 on Cornhill, opposite the Royal Exchange, London. He mentored a new generation of instrument makers, taking eleven apprentices between 1749 and 1788 including Thomas Blunt. Among his technological innovations was a portable version of the Cuff-type microscope, known as a 'Chest' microscope.

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