Robert Hooke published 'Micrographia' in 1665. It is his most famous work, and is notable for the stunning illustrations, drawn by Hooke himself. The picture of the flea shown above is one of his most famous images; the original is 18 inches across. That of a louse holding on to a human hair is nearly two feet across.

The two extracts below are given so that the flavour of Hooke's prose can be sampled. There are no pictures in these two pages, but you can find all of them in Micrographia Restaurata.

The Preface to Micrographia Observation XVI; of Charcoal, or Burnt Vegetables

Robert Hooke    Micrographia Restaurata    England's Leonardo    Chemistry Contents     Home Page

Dr Rod Beavon    17 Dean's Yard     London    SW1P 3PB

e-mail: rod.beavon@westminster.org.uk