Catalogue Number: 1551 De Zeng Retinoscope Category: Equipment Sub-Category: Retinoscope Designer/inventor: Henry DeZeng Year Of Publication/Manufacture: c1903 Time Period: 1900 to 1939 Place Of Publication/Manufacture: Camden, New Jersey, USA Publisher/Manufacturer: De Zeng Standard Co Description Of Item: Cased De Zeng retinoscope head, instrument handle & 2 spare globes. Retinoscope stamped 'DE ZENG STANDARD Co- MAKERS- CAMDEN N.J./PATENTED AUG 23 03'. Handle imprinted 'DE ZENG STANDARD Co, CAMDEN N.J. MAKERS'. Case covered in black leatherette, lined with purple velvet. Retinoscope head: L:7.4cm x W:4.0 cm. Case: L:19.5cm x D: 7.5 cm x H:5.0 cm Historical Significance: Henry DeZeng was a prolific inventor of many eye and ear, nose and throat instruments but his first love was the ophthalmoscope. This is reflected in his many patents. He made the first practical electric ophthalmoscope, the first with a non-corrosive mirror, the first with illuminated lens indicating numbers and the first commercially produced ophthalmoscope with a battery contained in the handle. The list goes on, including being the first to use filters, a rheostat and standard commercial lamps. The DeZeng Company became part of American Optical in the early 1920s: Henry ended his career with a flourish, producing the Professional and the wonderfully named Knickerbocker ophthalmoscopes! How Acquired: On loan from Optometrists Association of Australia via Joe Chakman Date Acquired: 2.08.2010 Condition: Poor Location: Archive room. West wall. Unit 6 Drawer 4 |