Microscopy, 17th Century Louse clinging to a human hair, micrograph, 1664

Microscopy, 17th Century Louse clinging to a human hair, micrograph, 1664. Illustration from Robert Hooke's 'Micrographia'. Hooke (1635-1703) studied at Oxford University, where he met Robert Boyle and assisted him in the construction of an air pump for use in his experiments on the effects of reduced gas pressures. In 1660 he moved to London and became one of the founder members of the Royal Society, at which he held the post of 'Curator of Experiments'. 'Micrographia', the first important work on microscopy, was published in 1664 and contains illustrations of some of the specimens Hooke viewed under the compound microscope that he designed, as well as the microscope itself. The louse, which Hooke comments is 'officious', is shown clutching a human hair. ©SSPL/Science Museum