simple microscope

American  

noun

1. a microscope having a single lens.

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simple microscope British  

noun

1. a microscope having a single lens; magnifying glass Compare compound microscope

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Etymology

Origin of simple microscope

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

In 1658 by means of a simple microscope Athanasius Kircher of Fulda, Germany, saw "worms" in the blood of people stricken with Black Plague.

From Time Magazine Archive

He had a table in the middle of the room where he sat to look at his specimens through a magnifying glass or simple microscope, and to read his scientific papers.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman

My instrument does certainly magnify to a marvellous extent, but not by the old device of the simple microscope, which merely focussed a large area of light rays into a small one.

From The Crack of Doom by Cromie, Robert

The first thing you need is a simple microscope, that is, one with a single lens, small enough to be carried in the pocket.

From Through a Microscope Something of the Science Together with many Curious Observations Indoor and Out and Directions for a Home-made Microscope. by Sargent, Frederick Leroy

I felt convinced that the simple microscope, composed of a single lens of such vast yet perfect power was possible of construction.

From Masterpieces of Mystery In Four Volumes Mystic-Humorous Stories by French, Joseph Lewis