Keele University
Electron Microscope Unit
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Overview
These pages are intended for people who have little knowledge of microscopes and for those looking for teaching and educational resources. Teachers, if you would like more information or to book a visit to our Electron Microscope Unit, please go to the Teacher’s page
The first microscopes were made by a Dutch scientist, Anton von Leeuenhoek and Robert Hook in England in the 17th century. Like the first telescopes, they revealed a whole new world to scientists and naturalists.
From the observation of tiny pond creatures (animalcules) and the cellular structure of both plant and animal tissues, the first microscopes made startling new discoveries that have shaped our understanding not only of the microworld but also of our larger day-to-day world.
There are two basic kinds of microscope, light microscopes and electron microscopes. Did you know that whilst the smallest thing you can see by eye is about 1 tenth of a millimetre across, a typical light microscope can enable you to see things 500 times smaller and a modern electron microscope 500000 times smaller!
