AMADIO

Joseph Philip Amadio (1812-1892)

Joseph Philip Amadio was a successful retailer of microscopes in London in the mid-19^th century. He started his career as a manufacturer of barometers and thermometers, together with his brother Francis (1809-1866). In this, they followed in their father Francesco’s footsteps. Francis worked with his father for a time and was presumably the “Son” in the company name – “F. Amadio & Son” although they retained their separate business addresses.

In the early 1860s, the two brothers ran a microscope company called F. & J. Amadio until Francis died. Amadio may only have produced the microscope lenses, buying the brass and other metalwork elsewhere. However, their microscopes and preparations were very well thought of. Both of their surviving catalogues (1858 and 1864) proclaim them to be “Opticians to the Admiralty”. Amadio also had many influential clients who undoubtedly helped his sales. Among others, Charles Dickens wrote supportive articles about their products.

See also microscopist.net/Amadio.