Compound microscope, Gerrit Cramer, Groningen, c. 1750 Inv. V07083

In the eighteenth century it was fashionable among the bourgeoisie to do experiments and make observations for oneself. For example, microscopy was a popular pastime. Indeed, microscopes were to a large extent manufactured specifically for the amateur researcher. This is nicely illustrated by the illustration on a microscope attributed to Gerrit Cramer. On the tube amateurs are depicted researching the wonders of nature. One man is studying the universe. Beneath the finger of God we see an amateur researcher and the marvels he was able to observe through the microscope: a flea the size of a man. The observations were spectacles that filled the amateurs with admiration. And with awe of God's creation, which was the point in the first place. Consequently there was no resistance to the hobby from ministers of the church.Splendidly decorated instruments, like this, found a ready market.