Microscopes Collection (#2)

Aquatic microscope, circa 1780 C018 / 7125
Simple aquatic microscope with a sharkskin case, dating from around 1780, England. The objective lens is positioned at the top

Roberts stellar pantograver. This device was invented by British amateur astronomer and engineer Isaac Roberts (1829-1904)

Engraving of a Wilson microscope
Engraving of a Wilson screw barrel microscope (1720), designed by James Wilson, an English optical instrument maker. The microscope is about 1 inch (2.54cm) in diameter & 2 inches (5.08cm) long

Polymer poem written with an AFM
Tiny poem. Coloured atomic force micrograph (AFM) of a poem written in polymethylmethacrylate polymer by dynamic plowing lithography (DPL)

Robert Hookes microscope in Micrographia 1665
Robert Hookes drawing of his own compound microscope in Micrographia (1665). The illuminator (left) consisted of an oil lamp with a spherical flask acting as a condenser (G)

Scanning tunnelling microscope head. Physicist Ali Yazdani looking at the head of a variable temperature scanning tunnelling microscope (STM)

Powell and Lealand Number 1 Microscope
Engraving of the Powell & Lealand No. 1 microscope built around the middle of the nineteenth century. It was considered one of the best microscopes ever made & was in continuous production

19th century microscope
Engraving of the Powell & Lealand No.1 single lens microscope built around the mid nineteenth century. It was considered one of the best microscopes ever made & was in continuous production

Atomic force microscope. Television screen (left) displaying a specimen being analysed by an atomic force microscope (AFM, right)

Engraving of a Culpeper microscope (1730)
Engraving of a Culpeper-style microscope (1730) modified by Edward Scarlett (1677-1743). The characteristic feature of this microscope is the three-column support for the body of the microscope

Operator using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The operating console is seen with a TV monitor and magnified image

Scanning electron microscope. Sample stage (centre) of a combined scanning electron microscope (SEM), scanning auger microscope (SAM) and scanning probe microscope (SPM)

Early electron microscope being operated by a researcher. Electron microscopes use the wave-properties of electrons to examine samples at a higher magnification than would be possible using visible

Descartes giant microscope, 1637
A drawing of the giant microscope from Rene Descartes Dioptrique, 1637. Li is a condensing lens, the specimen is placed at z. It is unlikely that this microscope was ever constructed

Simple microscope from Descartes Dioptrique, 1637
A drawing of a simple microscope from Rene Descartes Dioptrique of 1637. This is a single lens design, with the specimen, impaled on spike G

Bonannis horizontal microscope of 1691
A drawing of a horizontal microscope, from Bonannis Micrographia Curiosa, 1691. This instrument shows advanced features for its time, such as rack and pinion focusing and a double condenser system

Microscope lenses. Close-up of the objective lenses mounted on the quick-change turret of an optical microscope. Each lens can be swivelled into place to provide a different magnification

The Marshall microscope, historical
A drawing of the Marshall microscope used for observation of the blood circulation, with a fish lying on the specimen stage

Wilson screw barrel microscope, circa 1746
A version of the Wilson screw barrel microscope, probably made by George Adams around 1746. In the foreground are ivory sliders used for mounting specimens

Brass solar microscope for projecting large images
A drawing of a solar microscope made by W. and S. Jones. This was an 18th century brass instrument for projecting an enlarged image of a small object onto a wall for general amusement

George Adams New Universal Single Microscope of 1746. The instrument was made of brass or silver, and had six double convex lenses of different focal lengths mounted in a rotating holder

Drawing of nettle from Hookes Micrographia
Drawing of the underside of a stinging nettle leaf which was printed in a book called " Micrographia" by Robert Hooke, 1665

Drawing of a simple single lens microscope
A drawing of a flea glass, a simple form of a single lens microscope. AB is a tube with a lens fixed at end B. The tube is sealed by a flat glass plate at end A

Drawing of mould from Hookes Micrographia
Drawing of fruiting bodies of a " Small white Spot of hairy mould" growing on the cover of a book bound in sheepskin. The fruit bodies are shown in various stages of dehiscince (A-D)

Drawing of the leg and foot of a fly (not specified) printed in a book called " Micrographia" by Robert Hooke, 1665

Light microscopy
MODEL RELEASED. Light microscopy. Researcher operating a light or optical microscope. She is looking through the eyepiece of the microscope and operating the focus control with her hand

Locating DNA security beads using video microscope
MODEL RELEASED. Video microscope. Technician locating CypherMark DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) security beads using an optical microscope with video attachment

Microscope objective lenses
Microscope lenses. Microscope with five objective lenses mounted on a quick-change turret. The lenses are reflected by the glass plate on which a sample being observed would be placed

Dmitry Rozhdestvensky, Soviet physicist
Dmitry Syergeyevich Rozhdestvensky (1876-1940), Soviet physicist and industrialist. Rozhdestvensky, a professor at the University of St Petersburg

Microscopes, historical artwork
Microscopes. Historical artwork of a range of microscopes and associated equipment. Six optical microscopes are shown here, together with tools used to handle samples

ISS Biolab training station. This is the training station for the Biolab rack contained in the Columbus module of the International Space Station (ISS)

A technician doing miniature work
A technician uses an unidentified instrument, incorporating a microscope and an electomagnetic circuit to work on very tiny electronic components. Photograph by Heinz Zinram

Selection of Microscopes
A selection of single microscopes

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Microscopes have revolutionized our understanding of the microscopic world, allowing us to explore and unravel the intricate details of various organisms and structures. In the realm of parasitology, microscopes play a crucial role in studying organisms like the Liver Fluke. Through meticulous microscope slide preparation techniques, scientists can examine the entire animal under high magnification, revealing its complex anatomy and life cycle. Venturing into nature's hidden treasures, we encounter mesmerizing creatures like the Tardigrade. In a false-coloured SEM image captured amidst moss from Derbyshire's Peak District National Park, this tiny tardigrade appears larger than life. Measuring just 0. 1 millimeters long, it showcases its resilience and beauty through this digital composite. The Thrip's head presents another captivating sight when observed through scanning electron microscopy. The bulging compound eyes on either side reveal an array of sensory hairs sprouting between individual units called ommatidia. This intricate structure highlights nature's remarkable adaptations for visual perception. It also allow us to delve into botanical wonders such as pollen grains found on the style of a Harebell flower at Hoe Grange Nature Reserve in Derbyshire during August. A false-coloured SEM image reveals stunning details that would otherwise remain invisible to our naked eye. Looking back in history, we witness Dr Koch diligently searching for the Rinderpest Microbe at Kimberley while utilizing early optical microscopes in lithographed illustrations from times past. These images remind us of how far microscopy has come since those pioneering days. From advertisements showcasing Stathams combined telescope and microscope to vintage chemistry sets with accompanying microscopes dating back to 1948; these artifacts reflect society's fascination with scientific exploration throughout time. Even artistry finds inspiration in microscopes as seen in beautiful inventions cards featuring chromolitho renderings or trade cards depicting scientific instrument makers like John Smith engraving their legacy onto history.