A Victorian lacquered brass monocular compound microscope J. White, Glasgow, circa 1870 The tube with rack and pinion course focus adjustment above fine screw to the single objective end, the stage fitted with slide clips and the underside with pivoted double-sided plano-concave mirror, the limb pivoted via an axis support behind the stage between two curved tapered uprights applied to a Y-shaped foot engraved J. WHITE, GLASGOW to the rear edge, in original mahogany box with two objective lenses, two eyepieces, a condenser lens with stand and small selection of other accessories including stage forceps and slides, the box 39cm (15.25ins) high. James White was an optical instrument maker, who with the support of William Thompson (later Lord Kelvin), Professor of natural philosophy at Glasgow University (held 1846-99), set up business (primarily to service the demands of the University) in 1850. They initially traded from numerous addresses on Renfield Street but had a fairly precarious existence until the 1860's when White became involved with Great Eastern who were encountering problems with laying transatlantic telegraph cables. With Lord Kelvin's assistance White was able to resolve many of the issues. During the mid 1870's Lord Kelvin turned his attention to the development of an accurate marine compass which resulted in a design which was subsequently supplied by James White. In 1884 White died leading Lord Kelvin to move the business to new premises at 28-20 Cambridge Street which was subsequently managed by Matthew Edwards and David Reid on his behalf and continued in various guises until they merged with the rival firm of Henry Hughes and Sons Limited in 1942.