The Crisp Collection of Antiquarian Microscopes: Auctioned on Tuesday, February 17th, 1925

摘要

There is evidence to show that even as late as 1914 Sir Frank Crisp intended to leave his Collection to the Science Museum but unfortunately no specific mention was made in his will.' The first-ever antiquarian microscope auction, this landmark 1925 Crisp Collection Sale (Fig. 1 left) held in Covent Garden, London WC2, on 17th February 1925, contained a unique selection of early pre-achromatic microscopes. Sir Frank Crisp, Bart, FRMS, PLS (1843-1919) (Fig. 1 right) was the most renowned and richest leading corporate solicitor in the British Isles who assembled between the years c.1870 and c.1891 the largest collection of microscopes in the world, yet due to a marked indifference he failed in his promise in his last will and testament to mention the planned donation of his entire microscope collection to the Nation.