This R&J Beck compound monocular microscope is the original model from the Beck & Beck “Star” series. It is identified with the number 17,142. Different models were derived from it that can be seen in this collection with the numbers: 75, 75a and 75b.
Its base is made of cast iron with a triangular shape, which embraces (claw footed system) from above a very long iron shaft in which the microscope tube is integrated. Coarse focusing is done manually by moving the optical tube. Fine focusing is achieved by a single screw, which moves vertically, located at the top of the support shaft. A small arm, also made of iron, is screwed onto this shaft, which ends in the mirror and allows two-way movements. It has a square plate also made of cast iron. In its lower part it houses a robust condenser with an iris diaphragm (concentric blades).
This model was manufactured from 1876 to 1910, both in Europe and in the United States. Extraordinarily robust it was a very popular model. It was used mostly in histology. It incorporated innovative systems such as the foot that ended in two arms that allowed the optical tube to be tilted (claw footed system) and the diaphragm condenser.