#Antonie van Leeuwenhoek

[thepastisalreadywritten]

𝗟𝗘𝗘𝗨𝗪𝗘𝗡𝗛𝗢𝗘𝗞 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗢𝗕𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗘𝗗 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗔 🔍

On this day in 1676, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek (24 October 1632 – 26 August 1723) was able to observe bacteria for the first time.

He initially called the tiny organisms swimming around his pepper water "animalcules."

In the 1600s, Dutch businessman Antonie van Leeuwenhoek turned his hobby of lens-making into groundbreaking science.

With handmade microscopes that magnified over 200 times, he peered into a whole new world and eventually became the "Father of Microbiology."

In 1676, after leaving a flask of pepper water on a shelf for three weeks, he noticed it had turned cloudy. Curious, he took a closer look and made history.

Through his lens, Leeuwenhoek saw thousands of tiny creatures swimming in a single drop of water — so small they were just 1 to 2 micrometers wide, about one-hundredth the width of a human hair!

He called them "animalcules," believing they possessed tiny organs, such as hearts and stomachs.

He formally communicated his findings to the Royal Society in 1683, following a series of experiments and scrutiny by fellow scientists.

However, it took nearly 200 years more before his findings on bacteria were formally recognized.

With nothing more than a simple lens and a curious mind, Leeuwenhoek opened humanity’s eyes to the microbial world, long before we even knew what microbes were.

[newtonian-tragedy]

A Manga History of Medicine

by Tamotsu Ibaraki

Chapter 14

[Chapter 12] [Chapter 13]

This is the third and final part I'll be doing. Once again, I apologize for the one year delay since the last chapter, but 2024 was a brutal year that threw multiple spanners into the works.

Just a minor note for page 81: While he did live in the same house during his entire adult life, it's not exactly true that he never left Delft or the Netherlands. He did travel occasionally, even visiting London in 1668 and Antwerp in 1698.

Special thanks to Lens on Leeuwenhoek for being an invaluable resource on this topic!

[atevegter]

3311 De beller

Is het nou al een verregende zomer of is het gewoon miezerig rotweer? Ik mopper eigenlijk nooit op het weer, maar je kunt het ook te gek maken. Het is bijna midden juni, de gemiddelde temperatuur zou 21 graden per dag moeten zijn, maar in plaats daarvan is het 11 graden, max 15 min 10 en er wordt regen verwacht. Nou, die is er al, hoor! Van die lekkere druilerige regen die de hele dag duurt. Die…

[whencyclopedia]

Cochineal

Cochineal is a brilliant red dye extracted from the crushed bodies of parasitic insects which prey on cacti in the warmer parts of the Americas. The dye was an important part of trade in ancient Mesoamerica and South America and throughout the colonial era when its use spread worldwide. Even today, cochineal continues to be used in foodstuffs and cosmetics.

Cacti & Bugs

The insects required to make cochineal red dye are females of the Dactylopius coccus which feed on the nopal cactus (aka the prickly pear cactus) in tropical and subtropical areas of the American continent and in some highlands in South America. A massive amount of insects is required, some 25,000 live insects or 70,000 dried ones to make around 450 grammes or one pound of dye. Only a few millimetres in length, the insects were so small that there was confusion over what they actually were, most thought them a worm that derived from a berry turning rotten. Not until the arrival of the microscope and the work of Nicolaas Hartsoeker in 1694 and Antoni van Leeuwenhoek in 1704 did science shed its light on the subject of just what was the source of this brilliant red dye.

The insects are collected from cacti and then subjected to extreme heat before being crushed, the precise method and temperature used dictate the colour shade of the resulting dye, produced by the presence of carminic acid. Cochineal red dye ranges in colour shades from orange to scarlet. Pure cochineal dye was also used to make other red-based colour pigments such as lake and carmine. Cochineal dye is particularly effective at bonding with natural animal fibres like silk, rabbit hair, feathers, and the wool of sheep, llamas, and alpaca.

Continue reading...

[grabsomeironmeat]

Antonie van Leeuwenhoek

[setra-studies]

biology !

✧ THE MICROSCOPE !

microscope - tool used by scientists to view objects to small to be seen with the naked eye

allows view of a magnified version of microscopic organisms or cells

most cells studied under microscopes are measured in micrometers (μm) equal to 0.001 millimeter

details of cells can be studied

mid-1660s - dutch scientist antonie van leeuwenhoek invented first practical microscope

used this to examine protozoans, bacteria, and other microscopic organisms

compound light microscope

most common microscope used in laboratories

two lenses - objective and ocular

monocular microscope - one ocular lense

binocular microscope - two ocular lense

has several objective lenses with different magnification power

scanner - 4x

low power objective (LPO) - 10x

high power objective (HPO) - 40x

oil immersion objective (OIO) - 100x

can be used to examine both living and nonliving specimens

parts and functions include:

mechanical

draw tube - holds ocular lens

body tube - connects ocular lens to the revolving nosepiece

coarse adjustment knob - moves either the body tube or stage upward or downward in greater increments to bring specimen into initial focus and should only be used with the scanner or lpo

fine adjustment knob - moves either the body tube or stage upward or downward in lesser increments to bring the specimen into sharp focus and used with hpo or oio

arm - supports body tube and is used to carry microscope

revolving nosepiece - circular and revolving part holding objectives

stage - flat platform to hold specimen slide

stage clips - secures specimen slide

inclination joint - attaches arm to pillar

pillar - provides support above base

base - provides firm and steady support

magnifying

ocular lens/eyepiece - detachable cylinder, capable of magnifying objects to 10x

objective lens - used to magnify the specimen under study, has LPO, HPO, and OIO

illuminating

condenser - concentrates light onto specimen

iris diaphragm - regulates how much light passes through the specimen

mirror - reflects light and directs it to the object

light source - sometimes replaces mirror, usually a small electric lamp

✧ CELLS !

1839 - matthias schieden, theodor schwann formulated cell theory

all living things are made of cells

new cells come from pre-existing cells

energy flows within cells

cells contain dna passed on from parent cell/s

all cells have basically the same chemical composition and metabolic activities

cell activity depends on the activities of subcellular structures within the cell

two main cell types :

prokaryotic cells

lack nucleus and membrane-bound organelles

eukaryotic cells

have both a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles

includes both animal and plant cells

three main parts of a cell include:

cell membrane

nucleus

cytoplasm

cell membrane

outermost boundary

separates cells

regulates movement of materials in/out of cell (semipermeable)

nucleus

membrane-bound structure at the center of the cell

contains dna (deoxyribonucleic acid)

nuclear membrane: gateway to nucleus and separates nucleus from cytoplasm

chromosomes: carriers of the genes, made up of dna

nucleolus: center for ribosomal activity, usually contains protein and ribonucleic acid (rna)

cytoplasm

largest part of the cell in terms of volume

composed of membrane-bound organelles

supports and suspends organelles and cellular molecules

protein synthesis

organelles

endoplasmic reticulum: channel for transport

quality control unit of cell

rough er: presence of ribosomes

smooth er: no ribosomes, site of lipid and steroid synthesis

number of ribosomes depend on activities of the cell

golgi body: packaging of secretory materials

proteins from ribosomes are chemically modified, packed, and sealed off in vesicles

lysosome: breakdown & degradation of substances by digestive enzyme + aptosis (cell suicide)

peroxisome: detoxification of harmful compounds + helps with oxygen

mitochondria: energy generators

produces adenosine triphosphate

number of mitochondrion varies depending on function/cell type

vacuole: for storage and support, filled with fluids and soluble molecules, bigger in plant cells

organelles found in specific cells

plastid: found in only plant cells, double-membrane-bound organelles

called chloroplast if containing chlorophyll

centriole: formation of spindle fibers, only in animal cells

cell wall: for protection and coverage and defines shape of plant cells

cell junction: for cell connections in only animal cells

other cytoplasmic inclusions

ribosome: protein factory, site of protein synthesis in all cells

recieve genetic info from rna and translates into amino acids

cytoskeleton: cellular strength and matility

plant cell

animal cell

✧ LEVELS OF ECOLOGICAL ORGANIZATION !

most cells look the same in early stages

new cells become specialized to carry out specific functions

tissues - cells grouped together to perform certain functions

animal tissues:

epithelial

cover the outermost part of the body

found lining the walls of digestive and respiratory tubes

protect underlying tissues

absorb nutrients

secretion of wastes

classified in number of layers:

simple

composed of one layer of cells

stratified

composed of two or more layers

muscular

ability to contract and relax

enables body movement

give shape to the body

classified according to structure:

striated

found in skeletal ad cardiac muscles

unstriated

smooth muscles found in some internal organs

classified according to movement:

voluntary

if its movement can be controlled

involve skeletal muscles

involuntary

when movement is beyond conscious control

controlled by involuntary muscles (e.x smooth muscles of the heart, esophagus, and urinary bladder)

connective

connect, bind, and pack body parts together

classified as loose and dense:

loose connective tissues

most common type

usually elastic

e.x areolar, adipose, and reticular tissues

dense connective tissues

have fibers as main matrix

composed of inelastic collagenous fibers

compactly arranged

designed for strength and support

e.x tendons, ligaments, cartilages

specialized connective tissues (e.x blood and bone) are not classified

nervous

responsible for the reception of stimuli and conduction of impulses in the body

neuron - nerve cell, basic functional unit of the nervous system

three types:

sensory neuron

reveive impulses from the different sense organs of the body

carry these impulses toward the central nervous system

motor neuron

carry impulses away from the central nervous system to muscle tissues and glands

located in the peripheral nervous system

interneuron

also called associative neurons

link the sensory neurons to motor neurons

plant tissues:

meristematic or embyronic tissues

made up of young, actively dividing cells

small, six-sided, and boxlike

transform into many different shapes and sizes according to function during maturity

usually found at the tips of roots and stems/shoots

types of meristematic tissues:

apical meristems

located at the plant shoot and root tips

produce three tissues:

protoderm

gives rise to the epidermis, the outer protective covering of a plant

ground meristem

produces ground tissues that form the bulk of the interior of a plant

procambium

produces vascular tissues that are responsible for the transport of water and nutrients

lateral meristems

located on the sides of a plant’s stem and in most plant’s roots

cause secondary growth, characterized by an increase in diameter

have two types:

vascular cambium

produces secondary tissues that induce secondary growth

extends throughout plant axis

cork cambium

produces the cork cells of the bark

located in the outer layer of the stems of woody plants and originates under the epidermis

intercalary meristems

located at the internodes or bases of leaves

help increase the length of internodes by pushing newly produced cells upward

nonmeristematic or permanent tissues

composed of mature (nondividing) and differentiated cells

two types:

simple nonmeristematic tissues

composed of only one kind of cell

perform several functions (e.x support, protection and secretion)

complex nonmesterimatic tissues

two types of complex tissues

xylem

aid in upward distribution of water and minerals

phloem

transport the food produced during photosynthesis to other parts of the plant

organs - a group of tissues working together to perform a particular function

made up of cells and tissues which carry out processes that keep animals alive

organ system - several organs working together to perform particular tasks

organ systems of plants are classified as the shoot and root systems

shoot system - usually above ground, and comprised of several organs that work together to perform specific functions (e.x buds, leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits)

root system - comprised of the roots and other associated parts, and is usually found underground, function is to anchor the plant in soil and absorb water and nutrients

organism - life-form composed of related parts that maintain different essential processes

population - group of organisms that belong to the same species living in the same geographical area

community - different populations of different species interacting with one another and their environment

ecosystem - smallest functional unit of ecology, consisting of all living organisms in a given area and nonliving factors in the environment

biome - major ecosystem type characterized by its distinct flora and fauna, which are adapted to their particular environment

biosphere - considered the highest level of ecological hierarchy, as it includes the xones of land, air and water where organisms live

✧ DOMAINS OF LIFE !

swedish taxonomist carolus linnaeus proposed only two kingdoms: plant and animal

the new six kingdoms include:

archaebacteria

eubacteria

fungi

protista

plantae

animalia

1990 - american microbiologist car woese introduce three domains of life:

archaea

consists of extremophiles or prokaryotic microorganisms that live in harsh conditions, such as extreme temperature, pH, and salinity

diverse microorganisms that can adapt to harsh environments

proteins on the gene sequences found in archaebacteria are mostly stable at extreme temperatures

classified based on their habitat and metabolism

archaebacteria - similar to eubacteria, is prokaryotic, but is more similar to eukaryotic cells, and lacks peptidogylcan made of carbohydrates, and cell membranes contain different kinds of lipid

methanogens

strictly anaerobic organisms (don’t need oxygen) whose metabolic activities produce methane

found in lake and swamp sediments, where decompose dead vegetation

found in the rumens of some herbivores where they help digest cellulose

found deep in the oceans where they thrive in undersea volcanic vents, where they synthesize organic molecules from carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas

abundant in dumpsites and raw sewage

e.x methanosarcina

methanotrix

halophiles

live in environments where salt concentration is high

found in tidal pools that have dried up over time

e.x halobacterium, halococcus, and salinivibrio

thermophiles

lack cell walls and a nucleus

usually live in hot and highly acidic conditions (e.x coal refuse piles)

also found in sulfur-rpoducing envronments such as sulfur vents or hydrothermal vents

survival in anaerobic environments depends on sulfur respiration

e.x thermoplasma acidophilum and thermoplasma volcanium

hyperthermophiles

thrive in the deep parts of the ocean

temperature and pressure are high

reduce sulfate to hydrogen sulfide in oil-rich environments

also live in locations rich in sulfide deposits, hot springs, and thermal vents

these places are acidic due to the production of sulfuric acid by hyperthermophiles

bacteria

consists of proteobacteria, cyanobacteria, spirochetes, and gram-positive bacteria

eubacteria - the true bacteria

organisms under this domain are almost everywhere

one of the oldest and most abundant organisms on earth due to their ability to survive in various environments or conditions

has existed for more or less 3.5 billion years

classified based on shape:

can live as a single cell or in colonies

colony - group of identical bacterial cells closely associated with one another

may join together in clusters or chains

prokaryotic

cell wall

rigid, outermost protective covering of a bacterial cell and is composed of peptidoglycan

peptidoglycan - molecule made of polysaccharides (carbohydrates) and amino acids (proteins)

maintains the shape and structure of the cell

site where viruses and antibiotics attach

cell membrane

thin, flexible, and semipermeable material that regulates the flow of materials into and out of the cells

has inward-folding membranes called mesosomes where cellular respiration takes place

nucleoid

where the genetic material is located

usually at the of the cell

not bound by a nuclear membrane

easily distinguished from the other parts of the bacterial cell

cytoplasm

occupies largest part of the cell

semiliquid portion that houses all the cytoplasmic inclusions such as the plasmid

site of essential processes needed for the cell growth, metabolism, and replication

ribosome

same function as those found in other cells

usually smaller

protein factories that translate the genetic codes from messenger rna (mrna) into proteins

pilus or fimbria

hollow hairlike structures made of proteins located on the surface of most species of bacteria

fimbriae allow bacteria to attach themselves to their host

pili are used for bacterial conjugation

flagellum

long appendage that propels the cell by spinning in a corkscrew motion

located at the terminal end of the cell membrane

capsule

serves as the outermost protective covering of some species of bacteria

composed of a slimy gelatinous substance

shields pathogenic bacteria from harsh environments and phagocytosis (also known as cell eating)

endospores

formed by some bacteria

highly resistant to harsh conditions

bacteria are nourished via the same food we eat

they spoil the food, and a change in smell and taste usually indicates their presence

some can make their own food through:

photosynthesis - a special type of chlorophyll is used to produce food (cyanobacteria)

chemosynthesis - converting inorganic compounds from their surroundings into organic materials

some bacteria are decomposers, who break down wastes and dead organisms into usable forms of energy

eukarya

includes most of the living organisms on earth, such as animals, plants, protists, and fungi

protists

eukaryotic organisms that can be unicellular or multicellular

grouped into:

plantlike or algae

diverse and widely distributed

range from single-celled to colonial and multicellular forms

not considered plants due to lack of protective structures for their reproductive cells

not classified as animals because they do not use cilia or flagella for movement

not considered fungus for lack of chitin in cell wall

some phytoplankton are protists

unicellular photosynthetic organisms that float on the surface of fresh water and salt

responsible for 50 to 85% of the oxygen in atmosphere

golden algae - diatoms

brown algae - kelp

red algae - gracilaria verrucosa

dinoflagellates - have two flagella in each cell and are found in marine environments

can grow bloom rapidly, turning water along coasts reddish-brown (red tide)

produces large amount of neurotoxins that harm marine organisms

animallike or protozoans

heterotrophic (depend on other organisms for food)

include zooflagellates

amoeba - one of the simplest known protozoans

consists of a nucleus and all other cellular parts present in a eukaryotic cell

crawls using pseudopodia (false feet)

powered by a protein called actin

eats tiny food particles

amoebiasis/amoebic dysentery - usually acquired in crowded and unsanitary areas

funguslike or slime molds

saprophytic (derive food and energy by breaking down dead organic matter)

fungi

includes wide variety of species

four major groups of fungi:

zygomycetes

rapid growers in soil/dead plants

asomycetes

parasitic and takes over their brains

basidiomycetes

spores develop in basidia

chytridiomycetes

live in soil, fresh water, and saline estuaries

found in dark, moist and humid environments

have eukaryotic cells with chitin cell walls

lack chlorophyll and procures food from other sources

some fungi obtain nutrients through parasitism

a few fungi are unicellular, most are multicellular

hyphae - threadlike filaments present in some species of fungi

elongated, tubular, and have branching filaments from the mycelium

the hyphae of the mycelium secrete enzymes that digest the food

horizontal hyphae grow across the surface of moldy food, making it appear moldy

rhizoids grows into the food

molds can reproduce asexually by growing vertical hyphae, where sporangium disperse individual spores that can develop into a new mycelium

other parts include:

cap - top part of the mushroom that protects the gills and spores

gills - found on the underside of the cap where the special structures called basidia are found

basidia - found on the gills, microscoping club-shaped reproductive structures that bear spores

stalk/stipe - supports the cap

annulus - ringlike structure along the stipe

mycelium - a mass of branching hyphae below the soil or growth medium that absorbs nutrients

✧ REPRODUCTION !

NTO DONE WIP DOSRYR GUS IM NOT DONE WITH MY NTOES

[niseag-arts]

Leeuwenhoek Lore Dump

since I am doing this now appearently, Have some Leeuw.

Welcome to "How the fuck has Nurgle not claimed this idiot yet" Name: Leeuwenhoek, after Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, who is considered the father of microbiology. literally means lion's corner but that is unrelated. Pronounce Lay-wun-hook. History and things: early life is still WIP up to the point where Leeuwenhoek was recruited into the Legiones skitarii. Being naturally lithe, he was made into a Pteraxius and put through all the nessecary augmentations: he was given wings, had his limbs replaced, eyelids removed and all that good stuff, as well as linked to a magos for recieving command orders. He served as such for a good couple of years, but his overseers very quickly found out that their new pteraxii recruit displayed signs of incredible intelligence and natural curiosity. Going against their protocols for the potential of this recruit, the young Leeuwenhoek was pulled from the Legiones and inducted into the cult mechanicus. and Leeuw took to this so hard... He quickly joined the ordo biologis and his fascination and obsession blossommed. Life as a Magos: If it's a pathogen, Leeuwenhoek is studying it. And he's crossbreeding different strains, just to see what will happen. Do not go into his lab unannounced unless you no longer have airways to worry about, whatever is airborne in there should NOT be inhaled. Oh and, for the love of the machine god, don't spook him! His reflexes have dulled a bit since his time as a pteraxii but the augmentations are still in place, and if you scare him he will instinctively fly up, dropping whatever is in his hands at that moment, which is likely a vial of some variety. however, If you do announce that you're coming over, Leeuw will sanitise the place first and welcome you happily, though keeping him from his work is hard and he's very likely to start infodumping about his latest projects. Many of his peers are uncomfortable around him for this reason, not really wanting to hear someone getting super excited about the latest strain of tyranid cancer, which in turn results in Leeuw being somewhat lonely. He has minor beef with the magos dominus that used to be his overseer, as the augmentations brain-linking them are still in place, much to their mutual distate. They don't dislike each other personally, personally, they just dislike the situation. Being a former pteraxii, a disease specialist and a loyal servant of the imperium, leeuwenhoek is occasionally deployed like a human cropduster, a tool in biological warfare. He is uncanny when observing the results of his work, he gets all giddy and excited and will forget to eat or sleep. Luckily for him he has a loving partner that will remind him of such things, and her presence also forces him to keep himself clean and on top of his lab safety, he does not want to risk harming her. notes on his augmentations: He used to be a pteraxii sterylisor. He has replaced his knife-feet with a model that at least allows him to walk. He sleeps perched like a bird, the wingpack making it impossible to lay down comfortably. the "beak" of his face is the result of the many, many airfilters and sensors that have been placed in front of his airways. He cannot remove these and has to eat by means of injections. feel free to ask things about him :)

[no-wave-simpatico]

just read that the first guy to ever view microorganisms under a microscope looked at his own sperm under his microscope too. antonie van leeuwenhoek found out that there were tiny animals unseen to the human eye in all corners of nature and immediately decided to chuck his own jizz under there like guys there’s gotta be something in there i just know it. and he jerked off onto a brass plate and he was right. what is that if not the true spirit of scientific inquiry

[sleepysera]

"As important as food fermentation has been for most of human history we've had no idea what these creatures looked like, nor that they even existed. It wasn't until the late 1600s that a Dutch scientist by the name Antonie van Leeuwenhoek got to see the kind of zoomed-in picture of microbes that we just saw in our sauerkraut. As a textile merchant, Leeuwenhoek had perfected the art of grinding lenses to help him see the quality of fabrics in detail. One day he decided to put a drop of Delft canal water under the lens. What he saw must have been astounding--multitudes of tiny creatures moving around! A new world, just on a smaller scale. And not so different from the world in our mead and sauerkraut."

-Michael Brenner, Pia Sörensen, and David Weitz, Science and Cooking (2020)

[jumpstartfactoftheday]

In JumpStart Adventures 3rd Grade: Mystery Mountain, one of the missions involves finding the Dutch scientist Antonie van Leeuwenhoek. Whenever Botley says Leeuwenhoek's name during the Time Machine segment, it sounds as though the same voice clip was used multiple times and stitched into the rest of the Botley's speech, which is rather unusual given that this sort of thing doesn't seem to happen at any other point in the game. This video includes the lines in question isolated from music/sound effects.

[muspeccoll]

We have an exciting new acquisition to feature this Friday! Last week, a generous donor gave the Libraries a copy of Pierre Borel's De Vero Telescopii Inventore (1655). This work is a history of the invention of the telescope from antiquity to the time of writing. At the time, both Hans Lippershey and Zacharias Janssen claimed to be the inventor of the telescope, and Pierre Borel found Janssen's claims to be more convincing. Present-day historians have tended to recognize Lippershey instead, but they do give Janssen credit for inventing the compound microscope.

Borel also printed a letter from Christiaan Huygens' in which he details his observations of Titan, one of the moons of Saturn. This letter also contained Huygens' identification of the rings of Saturn in an anagram - a sly way to sneak the idea into print without giving it away before Huygens' own publication of Systema Saturnium in 1659.

This volume is bound with several others: Johann Franz Griendel's Micrographia nova (1687); Anton van Leeuwenhoek's Ontledingen en ontdekkingen van levende dierkens in de teel-deelen van verscheide dieren, vogelen en visschen (1696); and Govard Bidloo's Brief aan Antony van Leeuwenhoek (1698).

Many thanks to donor Rick Hardin for this newest addition to the collection.

De vero telescopii inventore : cum brevi omnium conspiciliorum historia : ubi de eorum confectione, ac usu, seu de effectibus agitur, novaque quaedam circa ea proponuntur : accessit etiam centuria observationum microcospicarum / Authore Petro Borello, regis Christianissimi consiliario, & medico ordinario. VAULT QB88 .B72 1655

[newtonian-tragedy]

[Leewenhoek rolling in his grave]

...Now, to be fair: Has anyone ever seen the two of them in the same room together?

[atevegter]

3299 Bijna pijnvrij

Maandag begin ik met de oxycodon. Nu zal dan eindelijk mijn pijn verlicht worden. Helaas voel ik geen enkele verlichting, geen spirituele verlichting, geen verlichting van de pijn, ik voel nog geen fietsverlichting. Niet na twee en niet na vier dagen. Ik lees de bijsluiter, want misschien ben ik te ongeduldig, maar overal wordt gesproken van een paar uur tot zelfs een half uur. Hier klopt iets…

[whencyclopedia]

The Microscope & the Scientific Revolution

The microscope was one of the most significant inventions of the Scientific Revolution, opening up completely new and miniaturised worlds. The first microscopes were invented in the first quarter of the 17th century in the Netherlands, but soon scientists across Europe were using the instrument to make new and often bewildering discoveries in the fields of botany, entomology, and anatomy.

The First Microscopes

The first optical microscopes appeared in the early 17th century, shortly after the invention of the telescope, which is generally credited to the Flemish spectacle-maker by Hans Lippershey (c. 1570 to c. 1619). A year or two later, Galileo (1564-1642) made a superior telescope, with which he observed the heavens in great detail, publishing his findings in Sidereus Nuncius (The Starry Messenger) in 1610. The microscope also originated in the Netherlands, its invention is usually credited to Cornelius Drebbel (1572-1635) or Hans Janssen. Like the telescope, the microscope used two lenses set in a hollow tube. Drebbel's model followed the telescope design not of Galileo, which had a concave and a convex lens, but of Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) who used two convex lenses in his instruments. Although in this latter arrangement, the image was inverted, it was also much clearer.

Soon there were specialist makers of microscopes, one highly respected manufacturer was John Marshall. A Marshall-designed compound microscope, which has three lenses (eyepiece, field lens, and objective lens) and the possibility to add extra light using a candle under the base, can be seen today in the Science Museum in London. One notable private maker was Antonie van Leeuwenhoek (see more below), who made over 500 microscopes, including examples that had an impressive magnification of 270 using a tiny glass bead instead of a larger glass lens. Further adaptations to improve the instrument were made, such as adding a small mirror to the base whose angle could be adjusted to direct more light to the specimen under view. The instrument maker Edward Culpeper (1670-1737) made this mirror concave, increasing the light made available in his microscopes. It was not enough to have an excellent instrument, though, preparing specimens for viewing was a skill in itself and could make the difference between gaining a new scientific discovery or seeing nothing at all.

Scientists soon put the new device to good use and began to investigate what had previously been indistinct or invisible to the naked eye. Anatomists, entomologists, and botanists were particularly keen to use this new invention to further their understanding of the natural world. In 1625, for example, Francesco Stelluti examined in detail the bodies of bees and published his research as The Apiarium, the first study based on microscopic science. Many other discoveries and academic papers soon followed, and by the second half of the 17th century, beautifully illustrated works were being published to reveal to interested readers exactly what could be seen through the latest microscopes. It now became clear that a tiny insect could be just as complex in its structure as a large mammal. The view through a microscope also raised some perplexing questions, such as if a parasitic flea itself has fleas, might not these fleas also have fleas and so on ad infinitum? The microscope had revealed new worlds, but where did they end? The invention seemed to pose more questions than the current technology could answer.

Continue reading...

[iamthetruenhaz]

That moment when the work of printing forbidden potato chips biocompatible hydrogels gets so crazy specific that you go full Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek and construct a crude micro vise from microscopic slides

yes i used a glass cutter

[science-sculpt]

A Journey into the World of Microscopy: From Humble Beginnings to High-Tech Magnification

The science of looking into the hidden invisible Microscopy has transformed our understanding of the world around us. It can explore the universe beyond the reach of our naked eyes, with complex cellular structures, red blood cells, viruses and other viruses and microorganisms taking on amazing perspectives

The history of the microscope is a fascinating story of human curiosity, scientific genius, and relentless exploration. From the humble beginnings of simple magnifying glasses to the sophistication of modern electronic microscopes, the invention of microscopes has shaped our understanding of the microscopic world

In the 1600s, Dutch opticians such as Hans and Zachary Janssen are credited with inventing the first microscope. Known for this hybrid microscope, many lenses were used to magnify objects up to 30 times.At the end of the 17th century, Antony van Leeuwenhoek, Dutch draper some changed our perception of thumbnails. Armed with a well-made single-lens microscope, and explored the hidden reaches of nature. In 1674, Leeuwenhoek discovered microorganisms in lake water, which he aptly named “animalcules”. His discovery laid the foundations of biology and inspired generations of scientists. This incredible feat allowed him to uncover a hidden universe – the first sightings of bacteria, red blood cells, and other microorganisms.

Formation of the scientific environment (17th-19th centuries): Leeuwenhoek’s discoveries boosted scientific research. Robert Hooke, an English scientist, established these developments. In 1665, his book "Micrographia" recorded his observations with a compound microscope. Notably, the term "cell" was coined by Hooke when he examined cork tissue, laying the foundation for cell biology.Microscope systems flourished throughout the 18th and 19th centuries Joseph Lister and other scientists addressed the limitations of the early lenses, introducing improvements that reduced image distortion.

Beyond the Limits of Light: The Beginning of the New Age (19th-20th century): As the 19th century progressed, the limitations of optical microscopy became apparent and scientists yearned for a tool which can go deeper into cells. This research culminated in the development of the electron microscope in the 1930s. The 20th century was revolutionary with the invention of the electron microscope. Unlike light microscopes, which use visible light, electron microscopes use electron beams to achieve much higher magnification.Formation of the scientific environment (17th-19th centuries): Leeuwenhoek’s discoveries boosted scientific research. Robert Hooke, an English scientist, established these developments. In 1665, his book "Micrographia" recorded his observations with a compound microscope. Notably, the term "cell" was coined by Hooke when he examined cork tissue, laying the foundation for cell biology.Microscope systems flourished throughout the 18th and 19th centuries Joseph Lister and other scientists addressed the limitations of the early lenses, introducing improvements that reduced image distortion.

Beyond the Limits of Light: The Beginning of the New Age (19th-20th century): As the 19th century progressed, the limitations of optical microscopy became apparent and scientists yearned for a tool which can go deeper into cells. This research culminated in the development of the electron microscope in the 1930s. The 20th century was revolutionary with the invention of the electron microscope. Unlike light microscopes, which use visible light, electron microscopes use electron beams to achieve much higher magnification.

In the 1930s, German experts Max Knoll and Ernst Ruska made the first electron microscope. This tool let us see tiny things like cells and even atoms by using electron beams, not light, getting images many times bigger. This cool invention showed us the tiny parts inside cells, viruses, and stuff too small to see before. The 1900s brought even more cool microscopes. New kinds like phase-contrast and confocal microscopy let scientists look at live cells without using stuff that could hurt them. Now, the world of looking at tiny things is getting even better. Today, we have high-tech microscopes that use computers and lasers. These let us see and even change tiny things in ways we never could before.

Modern Microscopy's Diverse Arsenal - Today, the field of microscopy boasts a diverse range of specialized instruments, each tailored to address specific scientific needs. Here's a glimpse into some remarkable examples:

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM): Imagine a high-tech camera that captures images using a beam of electrons instead of light. That's the essence of a SEM. By scanning the surface of a sample with a focused electron beam, SEMs generate detailed information about its topography and composition. This makes them ideal for studying the intricate structures of materials like insect wings, microchips, and even pollen grains.

Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM): While SEMs provide exceptional surface detail, TEMs take us a step further. They function by transmitting a beam of electrons through a very thin sample, allowing us to observe its internal structure. TEMs are the go-to instruments for visualizing the intricate world of viruses, organelles within cells, and macromolecules like proteins.

Confocal Microscopy: Ever wished to focus on a specific layer within a thick biological sample and blur out the rest? Confocal microscopy makes this possible. It utilizes a laser beam to precisely illuminate a chosen plane within the sample, effectively eliminating information from out-of-focus regions. This allows researchers to create sharp, three-dimensional images of cells, tissues, and even small organisms.

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM): This technique takes a completely different approach, venturing into the realm of physical interaction. AFM employs a tiny cantilever, akin to a microscopic feeler, to physically scan the surface of a sample. By measuring the minute forces between the cantilever and the sample's surface, AFM can map its topography at an atomic level. This provides invaluable insights into the properties of materials at an unimaginable scale, making it crucial for research in fields like nanotechnology and surface science.

Fluorescence Microscopy: Imagine illuminating a sample with specific wavelengths of light and observing it glowing in response. That's the essence of fluorescence microscopy. This technique utilizes fluorescent molecules or tags that bind to specific structures within a cell or tissue. When excited by light, these tags emit their own light, highlighting the target structures with remarkable clarity. This allows researchers to visualize specific proteins, DNA, or even pathogens within biological samples.

Super-resolution Microscopy (SRM): Overcoming the limitations imposed by the wavelength of light, SRM techniques like STED (Stimulated Emission Depletion) and PALM (Photoactivated Localization Microscopy) achieve resolutions surpassing the diffraction limit. This allows researchers to visualize structures as small as 20 nanometers, enabling the observation of intricate cellular machinery and the dynamics of individual molecules within living cells.

Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM): This powerful technique takes a snapshot of biological samples in their near-life state. Samples are rapidly frozen at ultra-low temperatures, preserving their native structure and minimizing damage caused by traditional fixation methods. Cryo-EM has been instrumental in determining the three-dimensional structures of complex molecules like proteins and viruses, providing crucial insights into their function and potential drug targets.

Correlative Microscopy: Combining the strengths of multiple microscopy techniques, correlative microscopy offers a comprehensive view of biological samples. For instance, researchers can utilize fluorescence microscopy to identify specific structures within a cell and then switch to electron microscopy to examine those structures in high detail. This integrated approach provides a deeper understanding of cellular processes and their underlying mechanisms.

Light Sheet Microscopy (LSM): Imagine illuminating a thin slice of a sample within a living organism. LSM achieves this feat by focusing a laser beam into a thin sheet of light, minimizing photobleaching and phototoxicity – damaging effects caused by prolonged exposure to light. This allows researchers to observe dynamic processes within living organisms over extended periods, providing valuable insights into cellular behavior and development.

Expansion Microscopy (ExM): This innovative technique physically expands biological samples by several folds while preserving their structural integrity. This expansion allows for better resolution and visualization of intricate cellular structures that would otherwise be difficult to distinguish using traditional microscopy methods. ExM holds immense potential for studying the organization and function of organelles within cells.

Scanning Near-Field Optical Microscopy (SNOM): This innovative technique pushes the boundaries of resolution by utilizing a tiny probe that interacts with the sample at an extremely close range. SNOM can not only image the surface features of a sample with exceptional detail but also probe its optical properties at the nanoscale. This opens doors for research in areas like material science and photonics, allowing scientists to study the behavior of light at the interface between materials.

X-ray Microscopy: Stepping outside the realm of light and electrons, X-ray microscopy offers unique capabilities. By utilizing high-energy X-rays, this technique can penetrate deep into samples, making it ideal for studying the internal structure of dense materials like bones and minerals. Additionally, it allows for the visualization of elements within a sample, providing valuable information about their distribution and composition.

From revealing the building blocks of life to aiding in the development of new medicines, the microscope has played an undeniable role in shaping our scientific understanding. As technology continues to evolve, one can only imagine the future breakthroughs this remarkable invention holds in unveiling the secrets of our universe, both seen and unseen. These advancements hold the potential to revolutionize our understanding of biological processes, develop new materials with extraordinary properties, and ultimately pave the way for breakthroughs in medicine, nanotechnology, and countless other fields. As we continue to refine and develop novel microscopy techniques and the future holds immense promise for further groundbreaking discoveries that will undoubtedly revolutionize our perception of the world around us.