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Historical microscopes

Every microscope is described as fully as possible. This includes detailed information about the manufacturer, time period, optical data for the eyepieces and objectives, and other components. An English-language description of all of the microscopes is not yet available, but we are regularly improving our website and will add to the data and descriptions when possible.

Optical investigations (Dr. J. van Zuylen († 1995) and Dr. ir. J.C. Deiman)
A number of important optical parameters of the microscopes in the collection of the foundation have been investigated, notably the focal length and the magnification (eyepieces and the objective lenses) and the numerical aperture and the resolving power (objective lenses). The methods of measuring these parameters and the instruments used have been developed and partly described by Van Zuylen. Van Zuylen and Deiman did work together in the Utrecht University Museum during some 10 years, investigating and describing the microscopes from that collection. A chapter of Deiman’s thesis deals with this subject as well.