German maker of optical instruments (1816–1888) known for his very high quality, large aperture lenses. ALS in German Sutterlin script, one page both sides, 8.5 x 10.5, March 1, 1856, Jena. Letter to “Mr. Macso & Manno in Pest,” in full (translated): “In response to your value letter dated February 25th, I’d like to inform you of our Prussian prices, since local post offices don’t send cash on delivery to Hungary. Pertaining to your source of ‘Schacht’s microscope’ I also should most humbly add that the prices from the first edition, which was printed in the year 1851, were by mistake copied into the new edition of the year 1855. Since 1852 I have made mechanical, as well as excellent optical improvements, making them the most exquisite of their kind. That is the reason of the small increase in prices of 2 Reichstaler (see Schacht’s description of my new, basic microscope in the Berliner Botan[ical] Magazine of October 52, and Schleiden’s in the Augsburg Allgemeine [newspaper] dated 14 July 1852).” Zeiss goes on to offer a list of prices for various parts, including a dissecting base, steel tweezers, needles, and glasses, concluding: “The required cover glasses are included with the microscope, and according to your request I’ll also include several beautifully polished specimens of fossilized wood. Above items can be sent out the following, or 3rd day after we have received your valued, and final order.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds and moderate show-through from writing to opposing sides.
Zeiss began to construct microscopes full-time in 1847, and a decade later—the year after penning this letter—he began to make compound microscopes, which considered among the best scientific instruments in the world. In the book mentioned, The Microscope and Its Application, botanist Hermann Schacht endorses Zeiss's microscope as one of his favorites due to its simplicity, light intensity, and image sharpness. Extremely rare, this is the very first Zeiss item we have offered, made especially interesting as he discusses technical improvements and microscope sales during an early period of his career as one of the foremost innovators of optics. RR Auction COA.
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