ON THE 



M I C R O S COP E. 



CHAP. L 



A Concise History of the Invention and Improve- 

 ments which HAVE BEEN MADE UPON THE INSTRUMENT 



called a Microscope. 



IT is generally fuppofed, that microfcopes were invented 

 about the year 1680, a period fruitful in difcoveries, a time 

 when the mind began to emancipate itfelf from thofe errors and 

 prejudices by which it had been too long enflaved, to aflert it's 

 rights, extend it's powers, and follow the paths which lead to 

 truth. The honor of the invention is claimed by the Italians 

 and the Dutch; the name of the inventor, however, is loft; 

 probably the difcovery did not at ■ firft appear fufficiently im- 

 portant, to engage the attention of thofe men, who, by their 

 reputation in fcience, were able to eftablifli an opinion of it's 



A merit 



