Court, Thomas H.
Thomas H. Court collection on microscopes and other optical instruments, 1377-1935.
This collection was assembled by Court and was partly used in the book, "The History of the Microscope" (with Reginald S. Clay, London, 1932). There is historical correspondence (including some by Court), documents, broadsides, and photographs, concerning microscopes and instruments. This includes material on Joseph Bonomi, James Epps, John Lee, Edward Nairne, and others. There is significant material on Cornelius Varley: account book, autobiographical sketch, watercolors and sketches, etc. This collection also contains a large number of deeds pertaining to the property of John Lee (1783-1866), Fellow of the Royal Society and an amateur astronomer. In addition, there are about 300 pamphlets, including early trade and auction catalogs, used by Court for his research.
Thomas H. Court was a collector/dealer and amateur historian of microscopic equipment. He acted as agent for private persons and institutions and together with R.C. Clay, contributed to the Science Museum, South Kensington, London (now the Victoria and Albert museum) collection.
Court, Thomas H.
Nairne, Edward, 1726-1806.
Lee, John, Dr., 1783-1866.
Astronomy
Microscopes.
Scientific apparatus and instruments.
AIP-ICOS
American Philosophical Society. Library. 105 South Fifth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA