|
|
|
Anthony van Leeuwenhoek was born in Delft on October 24th 1632. In 1648 he was apprenticed in a linen-draper's shop and at some time before 1668 he learned to grind lenses, made simple microscopes and began observing with them. He seems to have been inspired to take up microscopy by having seen a copy of Robert Hooke's illustrated book Micrographia, which depicted Hooke's own observations with the microscope.
Leeuwenhoek is known to have made over 500 "microscopes," of which fewer than ten have survived to the present day. In basic design, probably all of Leeuwenhoek's instruments, certainly all the ones that are known, were simply powerful magnifying glasses, not compound microscopes of the type used today and this replica represents generally his design although there were many changes. Compared with modern microscopes it is an extremely simple device, using only one lens mounted in a tiny hole in the brass plate that makes up the body of the instrument. The specimen is mounted on the sharp point that sticks up in front of the lens and its position and focus can be adjusted by turning the two screws.
The entire instrument is only 3 -4 inches long and has to be held up close to the eye; it requires good lighting and great patience to use. |
|
The Anthony van Leeuwenhoek Replica Microscope |
|
The Society of Electron Microscope Technology |
|
Keeping you informed of the latest technology |
|
Leeuwenhoek's skill at grinding lenses, together with his naturally acute eyesight and great care in adjusting the lighting where he worked, enabled him to build microscopes that magnified over 200 times, with clearer and brighter images than any of his colleagues could achieve. What further distinguished him was his curiosity to observe almost anything that could be placed under his lenses and his care in describing what he saw. Although he himself could not draw well, he hired an illustrator to prepare drawings of the things he saw to accompany his written descriptions. Most of his descriptions of micro-organisms are instantly recognizable.
He continued his observations until the last days of his life and he died on August 30th 1723.
These limited edition replica microscopes will be displayed in a presentation box along with a personalised manufacturing number and will be available to purchase later this year from the SEMT for £65.
Only requests for one microscope per person will be considered due to a limited supply
Further details will be announced shortly.
|
