Paris, P. Berville, [ca. 1900]. Small 8vo (explanatory booklet). 28 pp. Pictorial wrappers. [AND] complete scientific instrument including 12 different lenses. In original pebbled cloth-covered box (27.5 x 6.3 x 3.5 cm).

This object is an intricate yet elegant optical drawing device which is used for reproducing on paper - with the aid of a complete set of lenses - any image or object from bacteria to mountains. The apparatus is named "Chambre claire universelle" (universal camera lucida), a copyrighted trade mark name by the Berville company. The accompanying booklet explains in words and images the properties and applications of the instrument. The Nekes collection of optical devices, prints, and games (Getty Museum, California) holds a similar item, as does the Photobibliothek.ch in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. The booklet is rarely offered for sale, and the apparatus itself is even more rare, especially in this complete state - including the original box. Some very light wear to the box, booklet and instrument in very good condition.