Solar microscopes, protractors, rotators

Scientific knowledge is unthinkable without measuring instruments and imaging techniques. Even the predecessor institutions of the Museum of Natural History used simple drum and solar microscopes in the 18th century. Later, more precise devices such as goniometers and preparation and polarization microscopes with calculated optics were used for biological, geological, and mineralogical research. These were manufactured by specialized companies such as Belthle, Ernst Leitz, and Carl Zeiss. Some of the instruments used in the past have withstood the test of time. The oldest date back to the 18th century, with many from the 19th century. On 152 pages and with 134 illustrations, some of which are full-page, 68 instruments from the collection of historical instruments are presented.