Chest-type compound and simple microscope made by James Ayscough, based on a characteristic John Cuff model. Held by a pillar to the side of the chest. The body-tube, now lost, was inserted in the collar fixed to the top of the pillar; focusing was by turning a knob screw. The stage is fixed and the instrument could be used as either a compound microscope or a simple microscope. The chest-type microscope was invented by Edward Nairne c. 1765. The case contains many items, including six objectives for the compound microscope and three for the simple microscope, along with many accessories for preparing specimens. Provenance: Lorraine collections.