Dean’s microscope collection on display

Tom Reynolds’ early childhood fascination in microscopy turned into a collection of antique and vintage microscopes, which are on display in the J. Murrey Atkins Library.

Reynolds, associate provost and dean of the Graduate School, amassed nearly 150 microscopes and accessories during the past 30 years. They primarily represent those from the 19th-century English genre.

“To my mind, this time frame was the ‘Golden Age’ of microscopy when improvements in optics and manufacturing changed the microscope from being a novelty or toy, to a serious and accessible tool for research and discovery,” Reynolds said. “It became clear to me these early manufacturers took enormous pride in not only making functional tools for scientific inquiry, but also for their beauty and craftsmanship. It’s easy to see one of these early brass microscopes as a fine piece of art.”

Laura Burgess, a master’s student in history, cataloged the collection and developed the educational exhibit.

“It was important to me to find connections in these microscopes to other academic fields such as English literature,” said Burgess. “As I researched, I began to develop themes in history where each microscope might fit, such as ‘females in science’, or ‘manufacturing and scientific discovery.’”

Using themes as a backdrop, display viewers are able to link some of the items to recognizable scientists such as Louis Pasteur. Many of the items are so intricate in design that they contain parts that are irreplaceable today. The collection also is a work in progress with items being continually added.

“Beyond the Scope: Dean Reynolds Microscope Collection” is located on the library’s first floor.

Photos: Tom Reynolds with master’s in history student Laura Burgess, and inset, visitors view the various exhibits.