Improvement of the microscope, which enlarged images nearly three hundred times, by Leeuwenhoek at the end of the 17th century revolutionized nature research.

The presented microscope is one of the earliest microscopes purchased for the Institute of Physiology of the University of Wrocław. Multiple applications of Purkynje for a microscope for the university were rejected by the university authorities: “It is extravagance to purchase special equipment for each head of medical institutes”. In 1832 after eight years of efforts Purkynje received the first microscope in Wrocław at his own disposal.