Historical and Antique Microscopes

Advances in Light Microscope Technology

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From Nikon MicroscopyU

Historical and Antique Microscopes

Museum of Microscopy

Moleculars Expressions' comprehensive Museum of Microscopy features over 300 microscopes ranging from sixteenth century Dutch designs through the magnificent microscopes of eighteenth and nineteenth century Europe to the latest models available today.

Nikon's Museum of Microscopy

From the first brass microscope in the early 1900s to the ergonomic designs of the the 1990s.

ars machina.com

The site is currently building a chronological record of the history of the microscope.  The instruments are given a very thorough photographic coverage in an effort to provide an internet museum for research into the history of the light microscope.

Golub Collection

A selection of historically significant antique microscopes from the 18th and 19th centuries generously donated to the University of California, Berkeley by Orville J. Golub, Ph.D., '44, and Ellina Marx Golub, B.A., '39.

Micscapes Main Articles Library

A variety of articles on older microscopes.

American Microscope Makers

19th century journal reprints, patent illustrations, and advertisements for microscopes.

Microscopes of the American Agriculturist

Microscopes were offered as subscription premiums.

Robert B. Tolles, American Microscope Maker

Famous for his large aperture immersion objectives, Tolles also produced fine microscopes. From American Artifacts

Antony van Leeuwenhoek and Robert Hooke

From Brian J. Ford

Moody Medical Libraries

The historical microscope collection, considered one of the major collections of its type owned by an academic institution, consists of representative samples documenting the development of microscopy from the 18th through the first quarter of the 20th century. The work of more than 30 individual makers or firms is included. The online exhibit includes images and descriptions of over 40 microscopes, ranging from the 1760s through the 1920s.

Antique Light Microscope Dealers

ars machina.com
Artifice Antique Scientific Instruments
The Gemmary: Antiques
James Kennedy Antiques, Ltd.

Microscope Manuals

Science-Info.org

Collection of manuals for microscopes that are no longer in production. From Gordon Cougar.

Manuals Plus