Microscopical Group

Chairperson: Mr Ray Power 03 9717 3511

The microscope offers an introduction into a world of beauty and wonder unseen by most people. The Microscopical Group of the Field Naturalists Club of Victoria is a group of enthusiasts who use microscopes to observe many fascinating aspects of Natural History.

The Microscopical Society of Victoria was founded around 1908 and its stated aim was: ‘… the promotion of all branches of microscopy, to associate its members for mutual assistance in all matters pertaining thereto, and to stimulate microscopical research generally.’  Our group was formed in 1954 following the amalgamation of The Microscopical Society of Victoria and the FNCV. 

Today, we are interested in the variety of microscopes and recent technological advances, how they work, how to get the best results with your microscope and how to prepare objects for examination.  We have arranged a series of talks addressing the use of microscopes for recreation and study.

Recent topics presented at our monthly meetings included:

Fungi – macrofungi and rusts
Identifying foreign objects in food
Photomicrography with a digital cameral
Fish parasites
What in the world is a Palinomorph?
The history of the microscope
Algae

The group has an impressive collection of new and old microscopes (some dating back to the nineteenth century) and over 5000 slides (including diatoms, plant sections, seeds, insects, minerals, etc). All slides have been catalogued and most are available for use and perusal by members. Pictured above is Henry Crouch's Medical Student Microscope. British instrument maker Henry Crouch developed this microscope in the late nineteenth century to serve the needs of medical students by attempting to make a fully functional, yet portable, universal microscope. It is a Wenham-style binocular microscope.

The Microscopical Group meets on the evening of the third Wednesday of each month at the FNCV's meeting rooms, except December and January.  Members are encouraged to bring their exhibits to the monthly meetings.

Everyone, of all ages and levels of experience, is most welcome.