Down Brothers ophthalmoscope, cased
 Catalogue Number: 3666 Down Brothers ophthalmoscope, cased Category: Equipment Sub-Category: Ophthalmoscope Year Of Publication/Manufacture: c1900 Time Period: 1900 to 1939 Place Of Publication/Manufacture: London, England Publisher/Manufacturer: Down Brothers Description Of Item: Cased non-luminous ophthalmoscope with ivory handle and brassed metal mount. Black metal head. Two round perforated mirrors on a revolving plate on rear of instrument, the smaller mirror is mounted obliquely. Knurled brass disc turns to position a large range of lenses; 0 to +12 and to -20. The lens power is diplayed in a small window at the right of the instrument head. Four supplementary lenses (+5, +20, -10, -30) are mounted on a black disc which rotates at the top of the head. Instrument impressed 'DOWN BROS/ LONDON/ PATENT. Condensing lens +13.50 held in lid of case. Black grained leather hinged fitted case with violet velvet and satin lining. Gold stamped on inner lower rim 'DOWN BROs OPPOSITE GUY'S HOSPL'. Historical Significance: Founded in 1879, the firm of Down Brothers manufactured high quality medical and surgical instruments. In 1946 Down Bros amalgamated with Myer & Phelps Ltd (specialists in instruments for ear, nose & throat surgery). The Downs Group has since acquired other manufacturers of surgical instruments including Lewis Brothers (neurological instruments) in 1960, and more recently Carlsberg & Froud (non ferrous instruments). How Acquired: Donated by Michael Aitken Date Acquired: Sept 2018 Condition: Near fine Location: Archive Office. Cabinet One Drawer 10 |