Name/TitleEquipment: Monocular Microscope Belonging to Sir Joseph Verco
About this objectBrass monocular compound microscope consisting of a pillar form, mounted on a polished timber base with a horseshoe foot. The instrument features a cylindrical body tube with a single eyepiece and is supported on a curved arm attached to a vertical pillar. The body is engraved "Geo Dixon Maker London No 3786". The microscope was purchased and used by (Sir) Joseph C Verco during his study at St. Bartholomew's and London University, 1872 – 1876. The microscope was part of a small display Sir Joseph Verco had in his private consulting rooms.
Focusing is achieved through a rack and pinion mechanism, with adjustment controlled by side mounted knobs. The stage is fitted with clips to secure slides and is paired with a mirror mounted on a swivel, allowing light to be directed upward through the specimen. The mirror is double sided, offering both plane and concave surfaces for different lighting conditions. The microscope is housed in its original case and also has a spare ocular lens, indicating it was part of a complete working set.
Date Made1872
Place MadeLondon, England
Medium and MaterialsWood, metal, glass
MeasurementsBox: H21 x W17 x D13.5 cm
Box open: W 34 cm
Microscope: H 40 x W 16 x D15 cm
Subject and Association DescriptionSouth Australian Sir Joseph Cooke Verco, 1854-1933, studied medicine and forensic medicine in the UK and worked as house physician, then midwifery assistant, in St Bartholomew's Hospital London during 1876-1877. Returning to South Australia in 1878 he had a career in general practice, and as a physician at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and Adelaide Children's Hospital. He was a lecturer and founding member of the University of Adelaide Medical School, a member of the university's council, Acting Dean and then Dean of the medical and dental faculties, and instrumental in the establishment of the dental school. He held positions with the South Australian Branch of the Australian Mutual Provident Society, and was a president and founding member of the South Australian Branch of the British Medical Association. He was elected President of the first Intercolonial Medical Congress of Australasia in 1887. Verco was knighted in 1919 for his medical services. The Verco Ward at the old Royal Adelaide Hospital was named after him. Built in 1921, it was demolished in 1963.
Named CollectionVerco collection
Object TypeEquipment
Object numberAR#917
Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved