Credit: © The Royal Society
Image number: RS.8491
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Leeuwenhoek’s microscope
Date
17th century
Creator
Antoni van Leeuwenhoek (1632 - 1723, Dutch) , Microscopist
Object type
Archive reference number
Image reference
Material
Dimensions
length: 100mm
Subject
Description
Single lens microscope, replica of an instrument by Antoni van Leeuwenhoek.
Antoni van Leeuwenhoek developed his own very strong microscopes. Each had a tiny single lens, but they could magnify up to 250 times. Van Leeuwenhoek investigated the structure of muscles and plants , the shapes of crystals in grains of sand and much more. He was the first to describe microscopic organisms living in water. We know them today as bacteria and protozoa.
Antoni van Leeuwenhoek developed his own very strong microscopes. Each had a tiny single lens, but they could magnify up to 250 times. Van Leeuwenhoek investigated the structure of muscles and plants , the shapes of crystals in grains of sand and much more. He was the first to describe microscopic organisms living in water. We know them today as bacteria and protozoa.
Object history
Leeuwenhoek wrote many letters to the Royal Society, keeping the Fellows informed of his discoveries.
Associated place