Andrew Ross
Achromatic telescope in leather case

Achromatic telescope in leather case
nineteenth century

Dimensions:

Closed size 26 cm - Extended size 78 cm

Brass structure, engraved signature "Ross, London" and serial N.24723. & nbsp;

Andrew Ross was born in 1798. From his youth he was interested in the production of high-level scientific instruments and graduated in the industry and in 1813 was an apprentice to London-based producer John Corless for the mandatory seven-year term. Ross left Corless in 1820 and spent three years working for a mechanical engineer before taking up a position at the famous firm W & amp; T Gilbert. He eventually started his business from 5 Albermarle St in Clerkenwell in 1830. Often regarded as a "working" (albeit very skilled) lens maker until the latter part of the decade, the Transactions of The Society of Arts would suggest otherwise, after which in 1831 he was awarded the Isis gold medal for his divider motor. Perhaps unsurprising given his experience in the Gilbert industry. He is also known to have made his first signed microscope in 1832 for botanist W. Valentine, the same drawing was presented again to the Society of Art in 1832. In 1839, Ross moved to a new address at 33 Regent's Circus and shortly thereafter the business was renamed Andrew Ross & amp; Co in which it involved wine merchant and scientist Joseph Jackson Lister who designed lenses to cancel chromatic aberration in microscope lenses just as the Dollonds did in the 18th century for telescopes. In 1841, Ross also received another award from the Society of Arts for his invention of the Sphereometer. The relationship with Lister only lasted until 1842, when Ross moved to 21 Featherstone Buildings in Holborn. In 1851 Ross presented his microscopes at the Great Exhibition and won the gold award. In the same year he also hired JH Dallmeyer, an equally skilled optician who eventually married his daughter, while his son entered the photographic field. Upon Ross's death in 1859, the business was split two-thirds versus one-third in Thomas' favor and subsequently separated from the company although Ross requested in his will that the two remain partners for at least twelve months after his death. Thomas Ross continued the business for another ten years until his death in 1870, after which the business was left to his widow. Within two years, Mary Ann Ross is listed as married to a John Stuart and together they have gone on to run a successful business and win awards for their optical developments under the new nickname Ross & amp; Co. The company was formed in 1897 and went on to acquire a royal warrant in 1911, it also supplied tools to the British army during both world wars. & Nbsp;