History of Science Simulation

Hooke’s Microscope (1665)

Replica of Robert Hooke’s microscope, which was used in his famous Micrographia (1665). The images he created dramatically increased interest in microscopy and visualization in the sciences. A few of his most celebrated images are below.

Galileo’s Telescope (1609)

In 1609, shortly after hearing a description of a Flemish looking glass, Galileo constructed his own telescopes, including the one above with a magnification of about 8X. Within a year his telescopes could magnify 20x, and his own astronomical observations were published in Sidereus Nuncius. These observations were strong corroborations for the heliocentric view of the solar system. Sidereus Nuncius and subsequent correspondence includes Galileo’s sketches of the moon’s surface, solar sunspots, Jupiter’s four largest moons.

Leyden Jar

Replica of a Leyden Jar (precursor to the modern capacitor) found in Vanderbilt University’s Garland Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments.

Magic Lantern (circa 1885)

Spectroscope (~1880)

Replica of a Spectroscope and Bunsen Burner found in Vanderbilt University’s Garland Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments. Vanderbilt University Digital Cultural Heritage. 3D Artist: Meghan Connor.