Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

Microscope 185 (Scientific Optics Ltd; McArthur Microscope, The Open University Model; early 1970s)

In the early 1970s, the Open University in the UK needed thousands of microscopes for their students. They selected what was known as a McArthur's microscope design, patented by Dr McArthur (application No. 19259/70). The patent specifically covered McArthur's illumination system. According to a 1972 Design Magazine publication quoting Dr McArthur, these microscopes were made by Scientific Optics Ltd of Hastings, England. Microscope 185 contains a label with the inscription ‘McArthur Microscope, The Open University Model, Patent Applied for’, and the serial number 2912. The instrument is made almost entirely of plastic. The eyepiece and objectives are fixed and not removable. The condenser is also fixed. There are two objectives, but models with three objectives were also sold. The instrument is labelled with the instructions 'SLAKEN focus screw after use', a precaution to prevent the plastic from losing elasticity.

References

McARTHUR PORTABLE COMPOUND MICROSCOPE, C. 1970 (https://www.microscope-antiques.com/ou.html), last accessed on 27.05.2021

McARTHUR PORTABLE COMPOUND MICROSCOPE, C. 1972 (https://www.microscope-antiques.com/oupole.html), last accessed on 27.05.2021

The Open University McArthur Microscope and Accessories, by Scientific Optics Ltd., Hastings, 1972 (https://www.mhs.ox.ac.uk/collections/imu-search-page/record-details/?thumbnails=on&irn=29512&TitInventoryNo=13297), last accessed on 27.05.2021

LAST EDITED: 27.05.2021