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Industry and Manufacturing

“The microscope is now firmly established as a household instrument, and an invaluable assistant in aid of the education and mental refinement of the rising generation.”

J.S. Bowerbank at the Royal Microscopical Society, 11 May 1870

Tuffen West, cover of J. G. Wood’s ‘Common objects of the microscope’, 165×105 mm (The Trustees of the National Library of Scotland.)

The Industrial Revolution (1760-1840) in Britain ignited the emergence of the middle classes, as new markets were produced as a result of new forms of mechanical manufacturing. This created more opportunities for those outside the landed gentry, and Church to invest, and make money. Within his boom, the microscope became a object of great interest for opticians. Many of the prominent European, and American manufacturers of the microscope began their professional lives as opticians, as the microscope was seen by contemporary academics as an extension of the human eye.

The microscope became the focus of many scientists, and opticians as they worked towards modifying the instrument to fit the needs of the professionalizing academic class. However, the microscope was also becoming more accessible to the public. As manufacturers worked to widen their customer base, they adapted their designs to be affordable, and simple to use for public use. The growth of science societies throughout Britain, and America created an environment in which the microscope could further develop. The establishment of societies allowed for collaboration between members, as they promoted their own studies through publications, lecturers, and clinical studies. Microscope societies appeared, such as the Royal Microscopical Society (1839) and Quekett Microscopical Club (1865.)  These societies dedicated themselves to the development of the microscope, and expanding its accessibility to the public. They published manuals for the microscope outlining how the instrument functioned, which allowed those not in educational institutions to develop their own skills, and interest for the instrument. These manuals also included how the lens work, as well as the many theories attached to its function. 

In 1851, The Great Exhibition took place at newly built Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, London. This event would be the first in many World Fairs that exhibited culture, and industry from around the world. The brain child of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband, the event aimed to celebrate the many innovations in industrial technology in the wake of the Industrial Revolution. Manufacturers from around the world participated in the events, exhibiting their creations for the public. Many of the newly established microscope manufacturers took the opportunity to showcase their designs, and many were awarded medals. Through these interactions, Britain grew as the place of microscope innovation, and quality as many manufacturers shipped their instruments all over Europe, and the Continent.

Ross Student Microscope Advertisement engraved by Malden, Mid-Late 19th Century. Source: History of Science Museum

Dickinson's Comprehensive Pictures of the Great Exhibition of 1851, from the originals painted for ... Prince Albert, by Messrs. Nash, Haghe and Roberts. (1854) Source: British Library

© 2023 by Beyond the Scope.

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