Accession Number

2008.005.277a-b

Description

An ivory needle case in the shape of an umbrella, the handle of the umbrella containing a glass lens, also known as a "Stanhope" or "Stanhope peep", the lens magnifying a microphotograph of buildings, lettering at the bottom reading pictures of various buildings and at the bottom reading "Made In France", the threaded handle capable of unscrewing to reveal a storage chamber for needles.

Narrative

This type of needle case is generally referred to as a Stanhope peep because of the optical device incorporated in its handle. It is a miniature magnifying clear glass lens which enables the user to see a microphotograph. As described in this entry in Wikipedia, the on-line encyclopedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanhope_lens) accessed on March 30, 2020, this type of lens is named after its inventor:
 

"A Stanhope lens is a simple, one-piece microscope invented by Charles, the third Earl of Stanhope. It is a cylinder of glass with each end curved outwards, one being more convex than the other. The focal length of the apparatus is at or within the device so that objects to be studied are placed close to or in contact with the less curved end. Because its construction is simple and economical, it was popular in the 19th century.^[1] It was useful in medical practice for examining transparent materials such as crystals and fluids.^[2]

René Dagron modified the lens by keeping one curved end to refract light while sectioning the other end flat and locating it at the focal plane of the curved side.^[3] Dagron used the modified Stanhope lens in mounting his microscopic pictures in photographic jewels known as Stanhopes.

A rival lens is the Coddington magnifier. This was considered superior as a magnifier but was more expensive.^[4]

1. John Henry Pepper (1864). Scientific Amusements for Young People. Routledge, Warne, and Routledge. p. 71.
2. Dr. Laycock (1846). "Clinical observation - its value and nature". London Medical Gazette. 38: 142.
3. The Strad Archived 2009-10-09 at the Portuguese Web Archive
4. John King (1859). The microscopist's companion. Rickey, Mallory & Company. p. 22

History of Use

Unknown. This needle case was collected by the donor.

Date

circa 1890

Dimensions

11 x 0.7 cm

Material

Ivory; Glass

Technique

Carved; Cut; Turned