AstroMedia microscope kit

No one knows who invented the microscope or when. Its beginnings lie in the 16th century, the first compound light microscope was probably constructed in the Netherlands, and the Dutchman Antoni van Leeuwenhoek stood out as an important pioneer of microscopy in the 17th century. But even if the first microscope in history remains hidden from us, its invention revealed the fascinating world of the small and tiny to mankind.

This 70x magnifying monocular light microscope gives you a first sharp look into the microcosm. Its design goes back to the English precision mechanic Edmund Culpeper, who successfully introduced the tripod microscope around 1725 (until the 19th century it was standard in instrument making). In our AstroMedia Culpeper microscope, five lenses cut from acrylic glass - two in the objective and three in the eyepiece - form the powerful optical system, which was expertly and precisely calculated by the optics workshop of Wolfgang Busch (Ahrensburg). The focus is adjusted via the eccentric wheel, which you use to move the tube in height; illumination is provided by an LED light, which is powered by two button cells (CR2032). A particularly nice feature is that you can switch from reflected light microscopy to transmitted light microscopy by removing the LED light from the base and illuminating it from the side under the stage. A transmitted light reflector is located there, which directs incident light from the side upwards to the objective. In this way, you can not only study the structure of a bird's feathers or the body structure of an insect, but also examine a hay infusion, for example: Thanks to the 70x magnification, this microscope can certainly be used to take a close look at water fleas or rotifers. Incidentally, you can rotate the stage to view a glass slide preparation from a different angle, for example, and also remove it completely to position the microscope over the object of your scientific interest.

All it takes is a few entertaining hours of your time - the manufacturer estimates 10 to 14 hours depending on the experience of the hobbyist - and, as usual, a little concentration and patience until you have assembled this kit into a fully functional microscope. In addition, you will need the usual utensils such as a sharp craft knife, a folding bone and all-purpose glue to be able to immerse yourself in the fascinating microcosm and emerge with new insights.