Zoological and botanical preparations represented here were extremely important in unraveling the secrets of how life works at the microscopic scale.

From microscopic ecosystems and colonies to tissues organs, skeletons and embryos, microscope slide collections reveal the marvels of evolution at this small scale.

Preparators of slides were not only scientists, but also artisans within their own right, and Richard’s work highlights these aspects. This material is useful for reference, but in addition, every slide is a tiny unique
framed masterpiece. More technology-based techniques have all but replaced most microscopy and many of the skills in dissecting, staining and mounting are themselves critically endangered or extinct, yet these images show that micro specimens are just as aesthetic as the macro specimens we are used to seeing in museums.

Sadly, many of the techniques used in mounting biological material have not stood the test of time and the digitisation and conservation of slide material is needed to preserve the information captured on microscope slides if this material is going to continue to be accessible in the future.

The imagery represented here is a small selection of the thousands of slides held by the Grant Museum of Zoology at University College London, which were either bought from dealers, prepared by researchers and even students as part of their academic progress.

Mark Carnall. Curator, Grant Museum of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy