The human being's thirst for wisdom knows no bounds. Just as he felt the need to observe distant bodies, his infinite curiosity led him to develop the microscope to perceive tiny objects. More than 400 years have passed since the invention of those ancient microscopes.
In the 13th century, the Italian Salvino D'Arm...
The human being's thirst for wisdom knows no bounds. Just as he felt the need to observe distant bodies, his infinite curiosity led him to develop the microscope to perceive tiny objects. More than 400 years have passed since the invention of those ancient microscopes.
In the 13th century, the Italian Salvino D'Armato created eyeglasses, but the invention of the microscope is attributed to Zacharias Janssen, an eyeglass maker who, in 1590, created the first compound microscope. In 1665, the English scientist Robert Hooke published "Micrographia" where he described his experience with microscopy. He used the word cells for the first time. Anton van Leeuwenhoek was a Dutch merchant with skills in building microscopes. With them he observed red blood cells and spermatozoa for the first time in 1673. Findings such as this make him the "father of microbiology."
In the 18th and 19th centuries, several firms emerged in Europe and the United States to market this product. Some of them are still in force today. Among the most famous is the Ernst Leitz brand, which became one of the leading optical companies in the 19th century in Germany. It was later renamed Leica. Also in Germany, Carl Zeiss began production in 1847.
The microscopes he invented were very precise and of high quality. Today it is one of the leading companies in microscopy. Carl Friedrich Wilhelm Reichter founded his own company in Vienna in 1876; there he invented a modular and versatile microscope. The French optician Camille Sebastien Nachet designed models that placed great importance on aesthetics. This type of microscope was used by Pasteur and Cajal. Richard Beck's firm was first known as Smith&Beck until his brother James joined.
The English firm built lenses of excellent quality. William Watson founded the company in 1837 in London. His son Thomas extended the business by manufacturing photographic equipment. Thomas Ross was the son of Andrew Ross, a founding member of the Microscope Society in London in 1839. He was one of the top manufacturers in Victorian England. Henry Crouch was one of the top English microscope makers exporting to the United States after an impressive demonstration at a fair in 1876 in Philadelphia. The Bausch &Lomb company was founded in the United States by two German immigrants. They began by manufacturing spectacles. In 1874 they began building compound microscopes.
And these are just a few, though perhaps the most famous.
Over the years several types of microscopes were created according to the purpose behind them: mainly there are two main groups, simple microscopes and compound microscopes.
Some of these collector's gems have more than two hundred years behind them and a very special beauty. Antique microscopes are also witnesses to the passage of time and the advancement of mankind. Any collection of microscopes will shine on its own.
Fine Nachet 11 microscope in very good condition. Original mahogany case. In great working order. Fine Nachet 11 microscope in very...
Outstanding Seibert Wetzlar Monocular microscope in excellent working order. With wooden case, objectives and eyepieces. Outstanding Seibert Wetzlar Monocular...
Exceptional binocular microscope with storing case and accessories. Very clear vision. Museums piece. Exceptional binocular microscope with...
Big C. Reichert microscope from the early 20th century, with accessory set. Double shutter. In its original case. Big C. Reichert microscope from the...
Amazing jug-handle microscope by Carl Zeiss Jena. In excellent condition and with a complete accessory set. Original case and key. Amazing jug-handle microscope by Carl...
Amazing collection of 144 microscope samples in good condition. In its original wooden case. Collectors piece. Amazing collection of 144 microscope...
19th century silver chalice in perfect condition with gilded cup....
Rare silver naveta from Valladolid, Spain, circa 1775. Rich vegetal...
Antique French gilt bronze clock with Cupid, circa 1850. Paris 7-day...
Exceptional 1915 HMV Monarch 13C gramophone-phonograph with mahogany...
Automatic "Victoria" cigarette rolling machine, made in Spain around...
Antique French gilded bronze clock ca. 1850. Diana the Huntress seated...
Elegante reloj de sobremesa de bronce dorado al mercurio, circa 1840, en...
Elegant gilt bronze portico clock, France, 19th century. Working condition.
Superb large marine spyglass with...