Prince of Wales microscope, c.1756-60
The inscription on this instrument reads
'Invented and made by Geo Adams in Fleet Street Mathematical Instrument Maker to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales'.
It is therefore known as the Prince of Wales microscope. As the inscription refers to the future George III, the microscope must date between 1756, when he set up his household, and 1760 when he became king. A rather better instrument than the silver microscope, it has exceptionally fine focusing.
© Science Museum/Science & Society Picture Library