Review of Historical Development, Types, Function and Design Features of Microscope

Subject Area: Biomedical Engineering

A microscope from ancient Greek words (mikros) which means “small” and (skopeo) meaning to look at, examine or inspect) in an instrument used to examine objects that are too small to be seen easily by the naked eye. There are many types of microscopes from the optical microscopes which insight to magnify sample to the electron microscope, ultra microscope and various types of scanning probe microscopes.The term microscope was suggested by Johannes Givanni Faber of Bambery. The identity of its inventor has not been clearly established. Aristotle about 24 centuries before Leeuwenhoek described the working of microscope in some detail. The earliest record of optical lenses was date from13th century when spectacles came into use. Rogen Bacon in his “Opus Magnus” of 1268 spoke of the use of lenses for magnifying objects. About 4 centuries later, Leeuwenhock built over 200 simples’ of microscope and become the father of protozoology and bacteriology. After the creation of the microscope it evolved slowly hampered both by the lack of theoretical understanding and mechanical technology needed for making precision instruments. About 1800 the compound microscope of the better makers began to resemble their modern counterparts. In 20th century the fundamental principles which were discovered led immediately to the development of oil immersion objectives and remain as the basis of microscope design. Overall this research provides an overview of the historical progression of microscopes, highlighting key milestones in their development and the contributions of notable authors like Leeuwenhoek and Faber. Understanding the evolution of microscopes is crucial in appreciating the revolutionary impact they have had on scientific research and our understanding of the microscopic world.