Leeuwenhoek Replica Microscope in Box, by Bausch & Lomb Optical Co., Rochester N.Y., 1933

A replica of a late 17th century van Leeuwenhoek simple microscope. Two metal plates, inscribed by the manufacturer, riveted together hold a small lens with an aperture of approximately 0.5 mm. Specimens are held on a pointed carrier mounted on a screw for positioning. A short perpendicular screw adjusts the focus.

Contained in a long card box, with a lift-off lid and a velvet-lined lower compartment. The lid has a circular copper alloy plaque that depicts a man in desert attire saluting with his right hand and has the inscription "To Greater Vision Through Optical Science". The underside of the lid has a passage with biographical information on Antony Van Leeuwenhoek. A Dutch pioneer in biology, Van Leeuwenhoek was the first to discover protozoa 1674 and bacteria in 1676.

There is another example in the RMS Collection, no. 288, inv. no. 44490