MicrobeWorld

A multitalented scientist and inventor, John William Draper worked as a chemistry professor at the University of New York, where he conducted research in numerous fields, ranging from medicine and philosophy to spectrum analysis and photography. This photograph displaying the physiological characteristics of algae was taken after Draper developed a method for attaching a camera to his microscope. He employed the method to photograph many microorganisms, enabling him to see and photograph the previously unseen.

Source: Smithsonian Photography Initiative (http://photography.si.edu/), National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center, Division of Information Technology and Communications

Photo Credit: John William Draper, 1856