Robert Hooke’s Micrographia (1665) is one of the most iconic books in the prestigious collections at the Royal Society. It gives the reader a glimpse in to the field of microscopy, which was rapidly developing at the time. Micrographia or, to give it its full, less succinct name, some Physiological Descriptions of Minute Bodies made by Magnifying Glasses, with Observations and Inquiries thereupon, is written and illustrated with 38 intricate copperplate engravings, to this day the volume remains a landmark in the history of microscopy. Hooke was the Royal Society’s Curator of Experiments at the time, and describes in an engaging manner how he used his microscope to discover the detailed structure of rocks, plants and, most famously, insects. The Royal Society’s first edition was given a much needed restoration in 2019.
This week the Royal Society is broadcasting their Summer Science Online programme which celebrates science from home. Armadillo Systems are very proud to announce that the opening presentation from this event is the digital version of Robert Hooke’s Micrographia using our Turning the Pages Online application. This digital version allows you to turn the pages of the original book, and expand the fold out pages to reveal the incredible illustrations.
The Summer Science Online video presentation can be viewed by clicking the video link below. The Royal Society’s Digital Resources Manager, Louisiane Ferlier, gives an in depth introduction to the book, why it was so significant at the time, and how it’s still relevant today.
Find out more about the Royal Society’s edition of Micrographia here, and follow this link to view the online Micrographia Turning the Pages.
