Foreword

Although I have only been collecting antique and vintage microscopes for a relatively short period of time, my interest in microscopy dates back to my childhood. The light microscope opened my eyes to the biological world that was otherwise unseen. In fact, much of my research during my academic career as a Professor of Biology at UNC Charlotte has incorporated both light and electron microscopy (see for example Dodds, J.H. and T.L. Reynolds. 1980; Reynolds, T.L. 1984; Zankowski, P.M., et al., 1987; Reynolds, T.L. 1993). 

The history of the microscope spans around 400 years so what follows should in no way be considered an exhaustive history or catalog of the light microscope. This collection is simply a tool for me to learn more about these remarkable instruments. I have based my collecting activities on finding instruments that I like (and could afford for the most part) with a particular focus on 19th century English microscopes. To my mind, this was the “Golden Age” of microscopy when improvements in optics and manufacturing changed the microscope from being a novelty or toy to a serious and accessible tool for research and discovery. Additionally, it’s clear to me that these early manufactures took enormous pride in not only making functional tools for scientific inquiry but also for their beauty and craftsmanship; it’s easy to see one of these early brass microscope as a fine piece of art. 

This description of my collection is a work in progress and I must admit that I am continually learning about the makers of these fine old instruments. My hope is that, through this collection, I can inspire others to appreciate the remarkable mechanical ingenuity and meticulous workmanship of these wondrous examples of early technology. 

I want to especially thank Ms. Laura Burgess for her excellent work in making this catalog. She made an accumulation of microscopes into a true collection. 

I also want to thank the University of North Carolina Charlotte, particularly Dr. Anne Moore, Dean of the Atkins Library, for agreeing to house the collection for a temporary exhibit. I am grateful that this collection will remain intact and continue to provide enjoyment and educational opportunities for others. 

Thomas L. Reynolds Charlotte, NC September 2018 
 

References

Dodds, J.H. and T.L. Reynolds. 1980. A scanning electron microscopic study of pollen embryogenesis in Hyoscyamus niger. Zeitschrift fur Pflanzenphysiologie 94: 271-276. 

Reynolds, T.L. 1984. An ultrastructural and stereological analysis of pollen grains of Hyoscyamus niger during normal ontogeny and induced embryogenic development. American Journal of Botany 71: 490-504. 

Reynolds, T.L. 1993. A cytological analysis of microspores of Triticum aestivum (Poaceae) during normal ontogeny and induced embryogenic development. American Journal of Botany 80: 569-576. 

Zankowski, P.M., D. Fraser, T.L. Rost, and T.L. Reynolds. 1987. The developmental anatomy of velamen and exodermis in aerial roots of Epidendrum baquense Lindle. (Orchidaceae). Lindleyana 2: 1-7.