More on the Microscopes of The Challenger Expedition

The Challenger Natural History Workroom

Several other microscopes are illustrated here.  I am curious about the stereomicroscope at the right.  It would not be possible to view (in this configuration) living specimens in water.  I think that's an aquatic microscope further along the same side of the bench, a simple magnifier.  These are incredibly effective: Darwin used one extensively.

A List of Microscopes of the Challenger 

From the Science Museum, London

(I do not see the aquatic microscope (stand for magnifier, I think, with accomodation for trans-illumination.   )

• 1921-678 - Microscope, E. Hartnack and Company; Carl Zeiss Optische Werkstaette, 1860-1872, donated by J Murray
• 1921-679 - Binocular microscope, Smith, Beck & Beck; Ross, Andrew; R. & J. Beck, 1857-69, donated by J Murray
• 1921-679/1 - Binocular Microscope, no. 4351, with triangular adjustable stand by Smith, Beck & Beck, London, England, 1857-1864. Fitted with 1 1/2-inch objective lens by Ross
• 1921-679/2 - Box with accessory eyepieces for binocular microscope by Smith, Beck & Beck, London, England, 1857-1869.  Used on "Challenger" Expedition
• 1921-680 - Petrological microscope used in Challenger research, Voigt and Hochgesang 1860-76
• 1921-680/1 - Petrological Microscope used in Challenger research, Voigt and Hochgesang 1860-76

Another interesting engraving

Microscopic study of slides of Millepora platyphylla

Here are a few slides

RETRACTION: Millepora dichotoma is stable.

A familiar species.  I suspect that Millepora platyphylla, which I studied more extensively, and M. dichotoma partition their reproductive timing.  I observed this species to be in reproductive condition later in the summer, approaching fall.  M platyphylla's first event on Guam was in April,  or late March.

I will use this blog to write more about Millepora spp.

http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/133553/0

[So is M platyphylla on the red list, as "Least Concern" and stable.  I should look before I leap]