A look into the micro world
Pre-cut cardboard kit for a fully functional tripod microscope (Culpeper design) with 70x magnification for incident and transmitted light observation.
With an impressive 70x magnification, this beautiful cardboard microscope provides a fascinating insight into the world of small and tiny things.
The powerful five-lens optical system was specially designed for this microscope in the optics workshop of Wolfgang Busch (Ahrensburg, Germany). It can be focused very easily and precisely using an eccentric wheel. Supported by built-in LED lighting, it provides impressive results. The head of a tiny fruit fly can look as big as that of a bat!
Simply stand it on top of a specimen and discover
The ingenious three-legged design goes back to the English instrument maker Edmund Culpeper and was very widespread in the 18th and 19th centuries. Unlike almost all microscope types, however, the stage of this device can be removed so that it can be placed directly over an object - even a large one. This provides room for an infinite number of discoveries. When the stage is inserted, small specimens can also be viewed using the transmitted light method. The frame is made of four layers of sandwich construction cardboard, which ensures reliable stability. Although this kit requires a bit of building time, it is not difficult to complete. And who can say that they have built such a beautiful and powerful microscope with their own hands? Exactly!
If you are looking for practical microscope slides for small objects or liquids, you will also find what you are looking for here: Click here for our practical microscope slide set.
4 pre-cut and printed sheets of construction cardboard, A4
5 acrylic glass lenses, Ø 16.5 mm, focal lengths 30 - 65 mm
Dimensions of the built item: approx. 12 x 23 cm
Construction time: approx. 10 - 14 hours
Producer: AstroMedia GmbH, Im Wirrigen 30, 45731 Waltrop, Germany, astromedia.de
Below you can download the instructions for this kit
Things you’ll need for assembly, or which might be useful:
- a craft knife or another sharp knife
- a bone folder or a small spoon
- a good all-purpose glue
- some adhesive tape
- optional: a black or gold pen for colouring the edges of the cardboard
- a good, sturdy work surface or cutting mat
Adult supervision:
Children under 14 years of age should only use this kit under adult supervision to avoid risks arising from improper handling.
Caution regarding small parts:
Choking hazard! Keep small parts out of the reach of young children.
Risk of injury:
Take particular care when handling pointed and sharp parts! Use sharp tools with care and, where necessary, take appropriate safety measures to prevent injury.
Fire hazard:
Keep away from open flames and sources of heat. The product contains highly flammable materials and batteries which may ignite when exposed to high temperatures. Take care when focusing light: do not leave lenses exposed to direct sunlight without supervision, as they can create a focal point.
Danger from sunlight:
Never look directly at the sun through the microscope, as this can cause serious eye damage.
Use of adhesives:
When using adhesives, follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions. Work in well-ventilated areas and avoid contact with the skin or eyes.
Use of batteries:
Keep batteries out of the reach of children. If swallowed, seek medical attention immediately!
Do not dispose of used batteries with household waste.
Intended use:
The kit should only be used in accordance with the enclosed instructions. Unauthorised modifications may compromise the functionality and safety of the assembled model.
