Online Teilnahme:

https://zoom.us/j/95603412698?pwd=lWi9j5gEC1WV5VKIx8RbQOYKsaCJIQ.1

Meeting-ID: 956 0341 2698
Kenncode: 135860

Dr. Daniel Liu
New and Old Approaches to the History of Light Microscopy: Objects, Texts, and Field Research

Abstract: Historical research on the microscope is among the oldest areas of history of science scholarship. The history of microscope optics from the 17th century to today is well known, as is the history of microscope optical theory. The history of the microscope also attracts a high antiquarian interest: there are hundreds, if not thousands of antique microscope collectors around the world, and many biology and mineralogy departments have a glass case displaying one or two microscopes that were used by important members. Museums with collections of historical instruments might have twenty, thirty, or even more microscopes. However, while the historiography of the microscope is well developed and robust, the history of microscopy—of the microscope in use and practice—is a wide open and relatively unexplored area of research. We are familiar with the instrument, yet we know little about the people who use microscopes and the work and effort required to do microscopic science. How do we study microscopy in action? Microscopy starts with the microscope, but also includes light manipulation, specimen preparation, specimen handling, the entire image capture and illustration process, and comparative methodologies of observation. In this presentation I will discuss some of the sources and methods that are available to historians who are interested in exploring microscopy more holistically, beyond the instrument itself.