Carl Zeiss Jena Centering Slide [ Kreuztisch-Zentrierglas ] with excellent case

Description

Carl Zeiss Jena Centering Slide [ Kreuztisch-Zentrierglas ] with excellent case
Very nice Kreuztisch-Zentrierglas glass slide in its original case.  Translated as "
Cross table centering glass", this slides was used to assist in the process of centering a particular mechanical stage.  The left label shows three numbers on it, and the center of the slide has a small circle with cross ruled upon it.  The right hand label notes which instrument this slide was calibrated for.  In this case serial number 9734, dating the accessory to 1886.
The left paper label reads:
"Der tisch ist zentriert, wenn der Nonius I auf 13.30 , II auf 15.00, III auf 23.40 steht"
which loosely translated is:
"T
he table is centered when the vernier I is at 13.30, II at 15.00, III at 23.40"
An important accessory in professional use, Zeiss offered a velvet lined, domed custom box for it, still present here and in nice condition.
The 1898 Zeiss catalog has a note on page 38 as follows:
"An object-slide having a cross ruled upon it is supplied with the (Large Stand Ia) stand to facilitate the process of centring."
The accessory box measures 3 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches by 3/4 inches.
Please
see photos for condition and some content.  While not obvious in the first few scans, there is some minor surface patina removed on the case (probably from an old sticker), shown in raking light on the last image.  Otherwise the case is bright and clean.
PROVENANCE:
We have been commissioned to sell Howard L Schwartz's collection of  scientific instruments, gathered carefully over 20 years.  Some of his collection was featured in an exhibition at the University of Pennsylvania Libraries, March 14-August 17, 2012.  The exhibition, titled
Wonders of the Microscope! An Exhibition selected from the Collection of Howard L. and Karen Schwartz
, was well received.  An accompanying book was published in conjunction with the exhibition, and it features some of the instruments we'll be selling over the next few months.   There are some real Zeiss rarities in the collection - the nicest grouping we've seen in one place.  While the focus is Zeiss, there are other makers represented and other forms as well.
In Howard's words: "The microscope was not only a tool for serious investigators but also a diversion for the well-to-do.  It had begun life as a diversion in the seventeenth century, and later - much like astronomy, which today attracts considerable attention from amateurs - [it] returned to use as a diversion even while its professional and scientific uses were expanding.  The late 19th century saw renewed interest in microscopy as a leisure-hours pastime...I hope you enjoy [Wonders of the Microscope!].  Assembling the collection on which [the exhibition] is based has been an incredible experience for me.  Because of it, I have made friends and visited places totally out of my normal range..." (Wonders of the Microscope!, pp. 3-4)
Whether you are a new or sophisticated collector, dealer, institution, or just want a great looking instrument for your shelf, Howard (and Kuenzig Books) welcome this chance to move these instruments on to new, good homes.  Please ask questions if you have any - as Howard notes (and we feel the same way) after nearly 20 years of study: "I now have some small idea of how little I really know."
We welcome new enthusiasts!
From Zeiss website:
"ZEISS has been producing high-precision microscopes since the middle of the 19th century. From 1857 onwards, the simple models were followed by compound microscopes. Thanks to the work of scientist Ernst Abbe, microscopes have been based on theoretical calculations since 1872. This enabled the production of large numbers of microscopes to the same exceptional quality. In addition to scientific applications, the microscopes came to be used for routine tasks in clinics, for checking materials, and for educational purposes."
Keywords: HOW37 scientific instruments  microscopy slide science technology biology
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