This is Something Cool

I completed my three auctions in three days marathon last night. It was an interesting little auction at Dave Miller's last night. And I bought one of my favorite items ever last night. It appears to be some kind of microscope. It doesn't have any model number on it, so I am not exactly certain what kind of microscope it is. It came in this nice wood case with box joining on the corners.

But the best part was found when I removed the black metal cover. Under it were these two beautiful crystal pieces.

They are about 4 inches long and 1/2 inch in diameter. I think that they may light up, or glow, when the lamp in the base is turned on. However, the bare wires sticking out of the insulation on the cord made plugging it into an electric socket seem to be a bad idea.

I have visions of it glowing, or even better having a spark bridge the gap and move, Frankenstein like, up and down between the crystals.

I am going to do some more research on the microscope thingey. And I will be replacing the cord early next week. Then the SPARKS will fly, but hopefully only between the crystals.

Mr. Flannery

PS - While I was posting this blog Terry left me a note on the previous posting identifying the item as a colorimeter. It was used to compare the concentration of chemicals in solution. I did a little looking and determined that it is a Duboscq Colorimeter, made by Bausch & Lomb in the 1930's-40's. The crystals will glow the color of the solutions that the light passes through when placed between the light source and the crystals. BUT no sparks!!!