Microscopy in the Life Sciences from 1650 to the Present
- 1st Edition - July 1, 2026
- Latest edition
- Author: Joel B. Sheffield
- Language: English
Microscopy in the Life Sciences from 1650 to the Present explores the transformation of the microscope and its applications and techniques over the course of history, illustrat… Read more
Microscopy in the Life Sciences from 1650 to the Present explores the transformation of the microscope and its applications and techniques over the course of history, illustrating how progress in optics and microscope design has informed our growing knowledge of cellular life. Beginning with early observations of cellular structure, the book tracks the movement towards understanding of cell biology and pathology, considering the changing landscape of microscopy, lens development, and limitations and challenges tackled. Users will also find content on recent advances, including fluorescence studies and the use of computational procedures to assemble images of individual molecules.
This book traces the evolution of understanding that scientists have had regarding cellular life and how comprehension of this has been supported by the development of the microscope. It considers a range of experts central to its progression over the years, including Schleiden, Schwann, Abbe, Schott and Zeiss, and is a useful reference for researchers working with microscopy techniques across the biological sciences.
- Provides a historical overview of changing microscopy techniques from the 17th century to the present day
- Studies the development of various microscopes, including the transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope, and confocal microscope
- Explores the impact the evolution of the microscope has had on our understanding of the cellular world and disease
Undergraduate and postgraduate students and researchers working with microscopy techniques across the biological sciences, including cell biology, molecular biology, biophysics, pathology and related fields
1. The early observations of cellular structure
2. Solving the challenge of lens aberrations
3. Reaching a consensus about the organization of tissues and the origin of disease
4. The quest for increased resolution: The transmission electron microscope
5. Playing with optics
6. The scanning electron microscope
7. Confocal microscopy: Super resolution
2. Solving the challenge of lens aberrations
3. Reaching a consensus about the organization of tissues and the origin of disease
4. The quest for increased resolution: The transmission electron microscope
5. Playing with optics
6. The scanning electron microscope
7. Confocal microscopy: Super resolution
- Edition: 1
- Latest edition
- Published: July 1, 2026
- Language: English
JS
Joel B. Sheffield
Joel B. Sheffield has been an active microscopist since his undergraduate days. During the past sixty years, his career has spanned several institutions, including Brandeis University, The University of Chicago, The Rockefeller Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, and Temple University, where he served as Department Chair. Much of his work has focused on emerging developments in light and electron microscopy as well as digital imaging. He has made significant contributions to the research literature in both microscopy and retinal development. He is the recipient of the Lindback and Great Teacher awards from Temple University for courses in Cell Biology and Microscopy.
Affiliations and expertise
Professor Emeritus, Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA