<![CDATA[Science Heritage - ]]> <![CDATA[Screw Barrel Microscope, Sector Stand Reproduction, Culpeper, c. 1720]]> Edmund Culpeper, born in the late 1660's, was apprenticed to Walter Hayes, a famous engraver and instrument maker of Moorfield, London. The elaborate hand engraving of this microscope is an exact duplicate of the original.

This instrument was reproduced from the original antique microscope #0204 in the McCormick Collection.

]]> <![CDATA[Compound, Screw-barrel Microscope, Wm. Robertson “Edinburgh” Reproduction, c. 1750]]> This instrument, which converts to a solar microscope, is an unusual modification of the screw-barrel microscope. The Scottish instrument maker, William Robertson, issued a pamphlet describing this "New Catadioptric Microscope."

This instrument was reproduced from the original antique microscope in a British museum collection.

]]> <![CDATA[Compound Microscope, J. Cuff Reproduction, c. 1757]]> This important design was devised by John Cuff, in 1744 at the suggestion of Henry Baker the well-known 18th century microscopist. The most significant innovation is in the composite side pillar, which gives rigidity, enabling the instrument to be provided with a delicate fine focus.

This instrument was reproduced from the original antique microscope in the McCormick Collection.

]]> <![CDATA[Simple Compass Microscope, Lieberkuhn type Reproduction, c. 1800]]> In 1783 the German anatomist and physician, Dr. Johann Lieberkuhn, attached a concave polished silver mirror around a simple microscope objective lens. Light was thus reflected onto a solid object so that it was well illuminated from the eye side, till then virtually impossible, even though the idea had been around for approximately 100 years. Both the Lieberkuhn lens and the instrument's portability enhanced the use of the microscope for botanical field work.

This microscope was reproduced from the original antique microscope #0212 in the McCormick Collection

]]> <![CDATA[Simple Microscope, Spring object holder Reproduction, Early 19th century]]> During the late 18th and early 19th century the interest in simple image magnification included both the serious student who might carry a small pocket magnifier or field microscope and the casual novice who might purchase an inexpensive magnifier such as the Fruitwood Continental simple microscope. Some of these devices were manufactured by "toy makers" among whom were the wooden toy craftsmen of Nuremburg, Germany. This is a contrast to the optical or mathematical instrument makers who were providers to the scientific community.

]]> <![CDATA[Micrographia by Robert Hooke (1665)]]> A facsimile edition of Robert Hooke's most profound work, Micrographia includes minutely detailed descriptions, philosophical queries, and beautiful engraved illustrations. The book was authorized on November 23, 1664 by the Council of the Royal Society of London for the Improving of Natural Knowledge.In the dedication "TO THE KING" the author pays homage to a monarch who, by power and right, ruled over all aspects of society - both individual and collective. Hooke acknowledges that "philosophy and experimental learning have prospered under royal patronage," yet places them in perspective with the "nobler matters: the improvement of manufactures and agriculture, the increase of commerce, and the advantage of navigation."

]]> <![CDATA[The Microscope Made Easy by Henry Baker (1769) and Pocket Microscopes by James Wilson(1706)]]> These impressive works review the state-of-the-art in eighteenth century microscopes. Baker wrote to those who "desire to search into the wonders of the Minute Creation, tho' they are not acquainted with optics." He includes complete directions on "how to prepare, apply, examine and preserve all sorts of objects: and proper cautions to be observed in viewing them." In first presenting he book to the Royal Society of London on October 28, 1742, Baker wrote that his goal was to "attempt to excite in mankind a general desire of searching into the wonders of Nature." Baker's descriptions of many microscopic objects must certainly have left some readers of the time in disbelief.

]]> <![CDATA[The Microscopic Cabinet by Andrew Pritchard (1832)]]> This book describes Pritchard's studies of the biology and anatomy of minute organisms. Is also includes a stimulating account of the author's experiments with precious jewel lens systems in his attempt to perfect and color correct the optics of the microscope.  In the preface, Pritchard provides an excellent summary of the book. "While almost every part of nature has within the last few years been explored, and our knowledge augmented, the living objects described in this work, have been nearly overlooked by naturalists, and such representations as we possess of them are delineated in the most incorrect and grotesque manner that can well be conceived; for these reasons the Author has presumed to call the attention of the public to this interesting branch of natural history."

]]> <![CDATA[Practical Treatise on the Use of the Microscope by John Quekett (1848)]]> Quekett provides an authoritative history of the microscope from ancient times to the perfection of the achromatic lens... This book is a classic of the mid-19th century and a model for contemporary text design. In the Preface, he acknowledges the importance of the microscope as an instrument second only to the telescope. He also expresses the need for a generalized book of instruction applicable to any instrument. Finally, he attributes the extensive sections on microscopical specimen preparation to his own experience and expertise. The book opens with a 46-page history of the microscope that perhaps is one of the most accurate and detailed ever written.

]]> <![CDATA[The Achromatic Microscope by Richard Beck (1865)]]> The author of this treatise writes in great detail on the construction, proper operation, and capabilities of Smith, Beck, and Beck's achromatic microscopes and accessories. It is a rare description and detailed instruction on the use of an advanced design achromatic microscope and numerous special accessories. He begins with a description: "A Compound Achromatic Microscope consists essentially of two parts, an object-glass and an eyepiece - so called because they are respectively near the object and the eye when the instrument is in use.

]]> <![CDATA[The Microtomist’s Vade-Mecum by Arthur Bolles Lee (1885)]]> Lee presents an organized collection of 660 tested reagents and procedures for fixing, staining processing, mounting and demonstrating all manners of biological and histotechnological material as known up to the publication date of 1885. As Lee points out in the preface, the book provides "a concise but complete account of all the methods of preparation." The introduction explains the purpose of the book, which is to provide zoological scientists with a collection of microscopical methods to participate in a wide list of needs. It is intended to reveal additional information from the images of nature viewed or enhanced for study through the microscope.

]]> <![CDATA[A History of Microtechnique – SHL 2nd Edition by Brian Bracegirdle (1987)]]> As Bracegirdle explains in the preface, "This book sets down the main facts of the evolution of the microtome and of the development and of the development of histological methods. The basis of the work was a comprehensive survey of the large literature and full documentation has been provided in over a thousand references..." In addition, more than 40,000 microscopical preparations have been inspected and evaluated as a check on written accounts, as have some 55 microtomes: some of these were used to cut sections as they would have been when first introduced."

]]> <![CDATA[18th Century Microscopes: A Synopsis of History and Workbook by James B. McCormick, M.D.(1987)]]> This book concentrates on a significant period in the evolution of the microscope. As expressed in the Preface, "It is not the author's intention to offer yet another charge of the brigade to form a comprehensive history of the microscope, but rather to dwell in the middle period of its evolution, when both simple and compound instruments were influenced by many novel mechanical designs; all attempting to stabilize the image and improve resolution."

This book is important in understanding the assembly and function of many accessories or attachments to evolving microscopes.

]]> <![CDATA[Complete Science Heritage Library Collection]]> The History of the Microscope library set of books was prepared to make the philosophical and technological heritage of microscopy easily accessible.  The set consists of a collection of eight books – six rare facsimile editions of classic science literature and two recent works concerning the development of histotechnology and microscopy.  The bound books are presented in an attractive slipcase.

]]> <![CDATA[The Atlas Catalogue of Replica Rara Ltd. Antique Microscopes (1657-1840)]]> After years of searching, the Directors of Science Heritage Ltd. assembled this collection of twenty rare microscopes (c. 1675 to c. 1840). Each instrument has been selected with great care to demonstrate the development of knowledge and technology during the important phase in the evolution of science. The collection has been reproduced in limited editions for collectors and museums in all parts of the world.

]]> <![CDATA[Notes on Nursing by Florence Nightingale (1860)]]> The book, Notes on Nursing by Florence Nightingale, English nurse and founder of modern nursing, was first published in 1860.  Treasured by nurses, this practical and witty guide to the healing arts is an exact replica of the first 1860 edition, hand-bound and gold embossed.  Certainly of historical importance, these “notes” remain relevant to the healing arts as they are practiced today.

]]> <![CDATA[Microscopic Photographs of J.B. Dancer by Brian Bracegirdle and James B. McCormick]]> The Microscopic Photographs  of J.B. Dancer features 265 of the 277 listed titles in the Dancer 1873 catalogue and a total of 388 from the combined Dancer-Suter lists.  The 288 page, 9×12 inch deluxe bound volume of photographic art, is of special importance to those who are interested in photography, science, and social history.  Each of the J.B. Dancer atlas pictures is accompanied by informative notes that form a fascinating portrait of the taste and interests of the 19th Century.

]]> <![CDATA[Compound Microscope, Marshall’s “Great Double Constructed” Reproduction c.1700]]> John Marshall (1663-1725), an optical instrument maker at the sign of Archimedes and Spectacles, Ludgate Street, London, advertised this microscope for viewing the circulation of blood in 1693. For such examination the base is fitted with a lead counterweight, so the body tube can swing beyond the edge of the base support.  A means for maintaining the object in the optic axis when the main pillar is inclined is also provided. This was a significant step forward in the evolution of the microscope. A hallmarked sterling registration plaque  is fitted within the instrument drawer.

This microscope was reproduced from the original antique instrument #0189 in the McCormick Collection.

]]> <![CDATA[Olde English Tripod Microscope Reproduction c.1680]]> The earliest known microscopes were a cylindrical tube supported by a small tripod, a pattern which continued in some form for over 200 years. This is a reproduction of one of a rare group of English instruments of the 1680's. The tooling is in the manner of bookbindings of the period. A study of tooling motifs has shown that all late 17th century microscopes and telescopes were made by very few workshops whose products were retailed by many London shopkeepers.

This instrument was reproduced from the original antique microscope #0141 in the McCormick Collection.

]]> <![CDATA[Compound-Brass, Culpeper-type Reproduction c. 1750]]> The traditional tripod microscope was popular through the 18th century, and, this design, associated with Culpeper's name, developed into an all brass instrument during the middle of the century. There are two basic sizes of this type among extant microscopes. The smaller, about 10-11" tall, is more rare than the larger which is usually about 15-16" tall.

This instrument, often called the apprentice model, is of the smaller (10-11" tall) model and was reproduced from the original antique microscope #0188 in the McCormick Collection.

]]> <![CDATA[Simple Microscope, Leeuwenhoek, Antony Van Reproduction, late 17th century]]> Antony Van Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723), a Dutch Burgess, whose early use of lenses in examining cloth as a draper's apprentice probably led to his interest in lens making. As a student of nature he was probably the first man to see blood corpuscles, protozoa, and bacteria. For these investigations, he designed and made a simple microscope.

Leeuwenhoek made several hundred such microscopes. Of the nine originals extant today, the best has a magnification of 275x. These hand held instruments could reveal more detail than 18th century compound microscopes and were not really superceded in resolving power until the 1820's.
A reproduction of this antique instrument was made for this collection in the Royal Microscopical Society Collection at Oxford, England .
]]> <![CDATA[History of the Microscope (1665 to 1830) Collection of 25 Woodcut Prints]]> History of the Microscope (1665 to 1830) Collection of 25 Woodcut Prints

]]> <![CDATA[Study and Preparation of 17th, 18th, and 19th Century Microscope Slide and Sliders]]> Study and Preparation of 17th, 18th, and 19th Century Microscope Slide and Sliders
The workshop kit includes a CD instruction guide and materials to review the history of microscope slide making along with selected book references from the Science Heritage Library with classic references and pictorial instructions on how to complete the workshop. The program guides the workers hands, step by step in the preparation of eight wonderful sliders and slides with 24 wonderful samples of nature’s gifts.

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