Mr. M. P. J. Swift, and Mr. M. J. Swift

Abstract

THE name of Swift has been associated with the manufacture of scientific instruments since the inception of this firm in 1852, and has been a household word whenever microscopes have been mentioned. By the death of Manell Powell John Swift on October 12, 1942, at the age of fifty-seven, the firm has lost one of its outstanding figures. M. P. J. Swift was educated at University College School, London, and entered the firm when he was eighteen. He did much towards raising the microscope to its present high standard of precision, especially by attention to detail both in its optical and mechanical requirements. His interest in the development of the polarization microscope was well known, and the various optical accessories connected with this branch of work (for example, Nicol, Glan-Thompson prisms, retardation wedges, etc.), always difficult to make, held a peculiar attraction for him. His energy, enthusiasm, and thoroughness in all he undertook was maintained to the end: a most likable man, who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.