supplied for educational use. For the Imperial Cancer Research Fund in London, 1962, Prior supplied a Modular Inverted Microscope housed in a temperature controlled cabinet for cell culture examination. The provision of a cine camera enabled continuous or time-lapse cine-photography to be carried out. The Cinemicroscope was adaptable for still photography or closed circuit television. This microscope was one of the fore-runners of the modern inverted microscope - now such an essential tool in cell biology and tissue culture work. A Prior Tissue Culture Chamber was also supplied and enabled work to be carried out when using an inverted or standard erect microscope. 1970 - present day In 1978 W.R.Prior & Co.Ltd. was acquired by The Gwyndann Group of Companies and the name of the company was changed in 1979 to that of Prior Scientific Instruments Ltd. In 1981 Prior Scientific Instruments Ltd. merged with James Swift and Son Ltd. James Swift & Son was founded in 1854 producing student and research polarising microscopes. The Swift Point Counter complimented the polarising microscope range and was sold worldwide. The James Swift factory was initially at Basingstoke, Hants. this was closed after a year and the company joined Prior Scientific Instruments at London Road, Bishop's Stortford. In 1981 Prior launched a modular series of stereomicroscopes-the S2000 series. The intention was that this instrument would replace and upgrade the Stereomaster microscope. The design had been based on that of an operating microscope featuring a long working distance, it also had a tumbler rotating magnification system and a common objective. The design was a complete deviation from that of the previous Prior Greenough type microscope. Fire at the Bishop Stortford factory in 1988 meant the company had to relocate to its present site in Fulbourn, Cambridge, England, offering precision mechanical engineering, optics, electronics and precision assembly. Expanding its operation further the company opened a new office in 1991, Prior Scientific Inc, based in Rockland near Boston USA, in 2008 Prior GMBH in Jena, Germany, in 2010 Prior KK in Tokyo, Japan and in 2018 Prior China in Suzhou China. The company continues to manufacture in the UK and has renewed emphasis on OEM projects. The company celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2019. Products Microscope Automation products that includes motorised microscope stages, automated focus mechanisms, filter wheels, shutters, illumination systems and automated slide loading systems. OEM Solutions for customised design, manufacturing and assembly. Optical Microscopy