Murray & Heath registration
Region: United Kingdom Period: 1850–1890 Stereoscope type: Hand-held » Single-view » Box-type » Brewster-type
© Stereoscopy History
In the Brewster-type stereoscope by Murray & Heath, the lens holder with lenses can be slid out of the instrument for cleaning. The focusing knob is located underneath the body. The viewer was also available mounted on a stand.
In 1858, Murray & Heath registered the use of a reflective foil on the inside of the hinged lid to illuminate stereoviews with incident light. However, the company was not the first to do so, as one year earlier Paul Émile Chappuis had patented the use of a mirror for this purpose, which would ultimately become a standard.
Related items:Chappuis, Paul Émile Hinged lid Murray & Heath
Specifications:
Introduction:
1858
Designer:
Murray & Heath
Maker:
Murray & Heath
Construction:
Wood
Medium:
Paper and glass
Format:
8.5 x 17
Lens:
Convex
Lens focus:
Yes
Inter-ocular adjustment:
No
Patents and registrations:
Number: 4049
Described reflectors for use in stereoscopes to help spread the light evenly
Filing: 02-02-1858, Applicant(s): Murray & Heath
Further reading:
- Wing, Paul. Stereoscopes: The first one hundred years (1996) , p. 11
Hinged lid with reflective foil
© Stereoscopy History
Published: 24-04-2026