Microscope

This microscope was made by Powell and Lealand, one of the leading firms of optical instrument makers in Victorian London. In 1842 the Royal Society's Microscope Committee offered a prize of £100 for the best compound achromatic microscope to be delivered to their rooms in Somerset House by May 1843. The prize was awarded in June 1843 to 'Mr Powell', and this is probably the prize-winning instrument.