Microscopische opname van een tongschub, 25 keer vergroot 1887 - 1888

Marinus Pieter Filbri made this microscopic image of a magnified tongue scale at an unknown date using photographic techniques. The late 19th century was a time of huge advances in scientific knowledge and the growth of specialized institutions. This image reflects the Victorian fascination with science and the natural world, capturing a hidden aspect of everyday life through the lens of a microscope. The image may have been used for educational purposes in schools or universities, or it may simply have been intended to satisfy the public's curiosity about the microscopic world. The stark, black-and-white photograph emphasizes the alien nature of the tongue scale, highlighting its intricate structure and bristling texture. We might also consider the institutional histories of photography and microscopy, and how they shaped the production and reception of images like this. What kinds of scientific communities was Filbri engaged with and what social role did he see for this kind of work? To understand this work better, you might research the history of microscopy and photography, as well as the social and cultural context in which it was made.