What is it? Set 359

2069 Reflecting telescope mirror blank.

Correct, although it wasn't described as being used by a biologist, a different but related word was used. Also, no one has yet given the right use for the spike on the end.

Rob

Well ... I just got through posting my answers with the word "naturalist", FWIW. as for the spike -- it might be for capturing certain kinds of specimens -- perhaps frogs or tadpoles?

Enjoy, DoN.

That's the word that I was looking for, it was described as a naturalist's cane. Not sure if you saw the other post where I replied to someone who correctly explained that the spike was to be stuck into the ground so the cane would make a stand for the microscope.

Rob

I saw it -- after the posting above. :-)

How tall was the cane exclusive of the spike? It strikes me that it would require bending over an uncomfortable amount to use it as a microscope stand. (Now -- it might be possible to stick it into a tree truck horizontally at a convenient height -- but then the objects being studied would be likely to fall off.

Enjoy, DoN.

Hmm ... not a constant weight difference for a number change of five, so that does make weights pretty unlikely. Even if it were a different unit of weight, the step size should be constant.

Perhaps the smell of cutting oils?

The small diameter of the hole strikes me as a bit too small to be strong enough for securing a pilot to a metalworking bit.

Enjoy, DoN.

I changed my answer for this one, they are listed in the Dictionary of American Hand Tools as auger bit guides, which are used to keep a bit centered when enlarging an existing hole, to see a diagram of one in use, scroll to the bottom of the link below and look on the right page of the catalog.

O.K. This makes sense -- and explains the barrel shape. It looks as though your puzzle is a more complete set than they show in the catalog.

Thanks, DoN.