Slide box
Category
Furniture
Date
c. 1860
Materials
Glass, Ivory, Mahogany
Measurements
213 mm (H); 207 mm (W); 167 mm (D)
Order this imageCollection
Castle Ward, County Down
NT 835098
Caption
A microscope slide holding a scrap of hair, hand-labelled ‘Wool of a Sardinian Dog’, may seem an unusual object to find at a grand estate like Castle Ward. It is one of many that belonged to Mary Ward (1827–69) and her husband Henry, who made frequent visits to the family home where Mary pursued her scientific endeavours. Encouraged by an early love of astronomy, Ward was given her first microscope aged 18. She explored the world both on a vast scale in the sky and, minutely, under a lens. Ward became a leading voice on these sciences, publishing books and popularising the subjects as hobbies for middle-class Victorians. She was allowed to receive the notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, and was even given special permission to enter the Royal Observatory at a time when it was against the rules for women to do so. Sadly, this pioneering scientist is often best remembered for her tragic death – the first recorded motor-vehicle fatality. Her microscope, slides and watercolours at Castle Ward, however, tell of a woman who followed her passion and became an acknowledged expert in her field.
Summary
Mahogany microscope slide box, five drawers with ivory handles. Slides still present.