Microscope of Levenguk. The first microscope

One of the most important inventions of the Middle Ages is the development of a microscope. Through this device, it was possible to examine structures invisible to the eye. It helped shape the positions of the cellular theory, created prospects for the development of microbiology. Moreover, the first microscope became the engine for creating new highly sensitive microscopic devices. They also became tools, thanks to which a person could look at an atom.

Historical reference on the first microscope

Obviously, a microscope is an unusual device. And what is even more surprising is the fact that it was invented back in the Middle Ages. His father is Anthony van Leeuwenhoek. But, without detracting from the merits of the scientist, it should be said that the first microscopic device was developed either by Galileo (1609), or by Hans and Zachary Jansen (1590). However, there is very little information about the latest information, as well as the form of their invention.

For this reason, the development of Hans and Zacharias Jansen is not taken seriously as the first microscope. And the merits of the device developer belong to Galileo Galileo. His device was a combined installation with a simple eyepiece and two lenses. This microscope is called a composite light. Later, Cornelius Drebbel (1620) finalized this invention.

Apparently, the development of Galileo would continue to be the only one, if Anthony van Leeuwenhoek in 1665 did not publish the work on microscopy. In it, he described living organisms that he saw with his one-lens simple microscope. This development is brilliant and simple, and incredibly complex at the same time.

The microscope of Levenguk, ahead of its time

Anthony van Leeuwenhoek's microscope is a product consisting of a bronze plate with attached lens and fasteners. The device was easily placed on the arm, but concealed extraordinary power: it allowed to increase the objects in 275-500 times. This was achieved by installing a flat-convex lens of small size. And interestingly, until 1970, leading physicists could not think up how Levenguk created such magnifiers.

Previously it was assumed that the lens for the microscope was ground on the machine. However, this would require remarkable persistence and extraordinary jewelry precision. In 1970, a hypothesis was proposed that Leuvenook melted lenses from a glass filament. He heated it, and then polished the area with which a glass drop was attached. This is much easier and faster, although it has not yet been possible to prove it: the owners of the remaining Leuvenhook microscopes did not agree to experiments. However, in this way it is possible to assemble the Levenguk microscope even at home.

The principle of using the Levenguk microscope

The structure of the product is extremely simple, which speaks of its ease of use. In fact, it was extremely difficult to apply it because of the unknown focal length of the lens. Therefore, before consideration, it was necessary to bring the device from the investigated section for a long time and to move it away. And the cut itself was located between the lighted candle and the lens, which made it possible to maximize the microstructure. And they became visible to the eye of man.

Characteristics of the Levenguk microscope

According to the results of the experiments, the increase of the Levenguk microscope was astounding, at least it increased by 275 times. Many researchers believe that the leading microscopist of the Middle Ages created a device that allowed to increase 500 times. Science fiction figures figure 1500, although this is impossible without the use of immersion oils. They simply did not exist then.

Nevertheless, Leuvenook set the tone for the development of many sciences and realized that not everyone sees the eye. There is a microcosm, invisible to us. And it's still a lot of fun. From the height of centuries it should be noted that the researcher was prophetically right. And today the Leuvenook microscope, whose photo is below, is considered one of the engines of science.

Some hypotheses about the development of a microscope

Many scientists today believe that the Levenguk microscope was not created from scratch. Naturally, the scientist knew some facts about the existence of Galileo optics. However, with the invention of an Italian, he has no similarities. Other historians believe that Levenguk took as the basis for the development of Hans and Zacharias Jansen. By the way, about the microscope of the latter, too, almost nothing is known.

Since Hans and his son Zachary worked on the production of glasses, their development was rather similar to the invention of Galileo Galilei. The Leuvenook's microscope is a much more powerful device, since it allowed to increase by 275-500 times. Such composite light microscopes both the Yansen and Galileo did not have. Moreover, because of the presence of two lenses, they also had twice as many errors. It took about 150 years for the composite microscope to catch up with the Levenguk microscope for image quality and magnification power.

Hypotheses about the origin of the lens of the Levenguk microscope

Historical sources allow us to sum up the activities of the scientist. According to the Royal Society of England, Leuvenook collected about 25 microscopes. He also managed to produce almost 500 lenses. It is not known why he did not create as many microscopes, apparently, these lenses did not give a proper increase or were defective. Only 9 microscopes of Levenguk reached the present day.

There is an interesting hypothesis that the Levenguk microscope was created on the basis of natural lenses of volcanic origin. Many scientists believe that he simply melted a drop of glass for their manufacture. Others agree that he managed to melt the glass thread and make the lenses this way. But the fact that out of 500 lenses the scientist managed to create only 25 microscopes, speaks volumes.

In particular, he indirectly confirms all three hypotheses of the origin of lenses. Apparently, the final answer is unlikely to be obtained without experiments. But to believe that without the presence of high-precision measuring instruments and grinding machines he managed to create powerful lenses, it is quite difficult.

Creation of the Levenguk microscope at home

Many people, trying to test some hypotheses about the origin of lenses, successfully made a microscope of Levenguk at home. To do this, on a simple alcohol burner, you need to melt a thin glass thread until a drop appears on it. It should cool down, after which it must be sanded with one (opposite from the spherical surface) side.

Grinding allows you to create a flat-convex lens that meets the requirements of microscopy. It will give an increase of about 200-275 times. After that, you just need to fix it on a solid tripod and look at the objects of interest. However, here there is one problem: the lens itself should be turned to the studied substance by a convex end. The researcher at the same time looks at the flat surface of the lens. This is the only way to use a microscope. Levenguk, reviews of the Royal Scientific Society, which at one time provided him with a glorious reputation, most likely, this is how he created and applied his invention.