History of the Microscope

Near Fine / Very Good. Hardcover binding tight and square. Interior pages mildly toned with age but clean and unmarked throughout; 164 illustrations present and intact. Dust jacket present but showing significant wear including chipping, creasing, and loss at crown and spine ends, with rubbing and edge wear overall; jacket remains structurally intact and legible. A solid and highly presentable scholarly copy. Description: 1985 Holland Press reprint of the classic 1932 first edition, long considered the standard reference work on the early history of the microscope. Compiled from original instruments and primary documents by Reginald S. Clay, Fellow of the Royal Microscopical Society, and Thomas H. Court, this authoritative volume traces the development of the microscope from its earliest origins through the introduction of the achromatic microscope — covering instrument makers, optical theory, and the scientific figures who shaped the history of microscopy. Richly illustrated with 164 figures drawn from historical sources, including instrument diagrams, trade cards, and contemporary engravings. An essential reference for historians of science, collectors of antique scientific instruments, and students of early optics and natural philosophy. The original 1932 edition is scarce; this Holland Press reprint made the work accessible to a new generation of scholars and remains sought after in its own right. Carefully packed and shipped in a box. Shipped via USPS with tracking provided. International shipping available. Additional photographs available upon request. SCI 1a.…