Historical Notes.

The compound microscope was "discovered" by a Dutch optician Zacharias Janssen in 1590. Before the end of the 17th Century another Dutchman, Anthony van Leeuwenhoek made small simple microscopes to observe hundreds of objects. He was the first to see red blood corpuscles, protozoa, spermatozoa and bacteria. Towards the end of the 19th Century many of the diseases which plagued mankind were being discovered and conquered by such men as Robert Koch, Louis Pasteur and many others. Read Paul de Kruif's fascinating book "The Microbe Hunters"
    

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Microscopy as a hobby.

Microscopy is a wonderful hobby. A Microscope and books can be purchased for a few pounds or many hundreds depending on ones purse! The cost will be amply repaid with the delightful and pleasant time spent observing the hidden world of nature. There are many microscopical clubs and societies in existence which will give willing and expert advice in all aspects of microscopy. Details of how to join any of the clubs and societies in the United Kingdom can be found in our catalogue.