Question

Who made the first compound microscope?

Answer 1

The credit for the invention of the first compound microscope is usually given to two Dutch eyeglass makers, Zacharias Janssen and his father Hans Janssen. They are believed to have invented the compound microscope around the year 1590, while experimenting with lenses and looking for ways to improve the magnifying power of eyeglasses.

The Janssens' microscope consisted of two lenses in a tube, which could magnify objects up to 9 times. It was not very powerful by modern standards, but it was a significant improvement over earlier magnifying devices, such as the single-lens magnifying glass.

Another Dutchman, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, played a major role in the development of the compound microscope. He was a skilled lens maker who improved the design of the microscope and used it to make many important biological discoveries in the late 17th century.

Over time, other scientists and instrument makers contributed to the development of the compound microscope, improving its magnifying power, resolving power, and ease of use. Today, compound microscopes are widely used in many fields of science, medicine, and industry, and are an essential tool for researchers, educators, and students.