And then there were 12--distinguishing Van Leeuwenhoek microscopes from old or new copies

Abstract

In the wake of announcements of the authentications of two previously unknown Van Leeuwenhoek microscopes in one month, this paper reviews the possibilities and potential pitfalls that might be involved in distinguishing 17th/18th century single-lensed microscopes from historical and modern copies. It is clear that a combination of characteristics must be considered, no single parameter will do.

Keywords: Van Leeuwenhoek; authentication; single lens microscopes.