Picturing Knowledge: Scientific Images in Printed Books (1450–1800)

Ant, in Robert Hooke, Micrographia (London, 1665)


Hooke's Micrographia details the author's many microscopic observations. Hooke began by studying printed dots on the page, explored various household items, observed seeds and plants, and ended by creating detailed diagrams and descriptions of insects like the ant on this page. While ants could be readily seen in daily life, Hooke's book allowed readers to see unprecedented details like individual hairs on their bodies and closely observe the insect's structure. (AL)

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