Quekett Microscopical Club

The Quekett Microscopical Club is a UK-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the understanding and use of microscopes across various scientific and artistic disciplines. It is a registered charity with the number 232476. The Club is renowned as the leading international organization for both amateur and professional light microscopists.

History

Founded in 1865, the Quekett Microscopical Club was established by a group of enthusiasts who saw the benefit of forming an association among amateur microscopists. The club was named after the prominent Victorian microscopist Professor John Thomas Quekett. Mordecai Cubitt Cooke, Thomas Ketteringham, and Witham Bywater played key roles in its inception, with Edwin Lankester serving as its first President. The club is the second-oldest organization in the world focused on microscopy, with the Royal Microscopical Society being the oldest.

Mission and Activities

The Quekett Microscopical Club aims to advance the understanding and application of microscopy by providing a platform for knowledge sharing. It hosts various events, including monthly meetings at the Natural History Museum in London and regional gatherings across the UK. These meetings often feature demonstrations, sales of microscopy-related equipment, photo competitions, and lectures, ensuring that both beginners and experienced microscopists benefit from the exchange of ideas.

Beyond these activities, the Club engages in outreach programs to further its mission. It encourages citizen science by involving members in projects such as recording organism distributions and transcribing data from old microscope slides. This engagement helps contribute to professional scientific research and fosters a sense of community among members.

Publications

The Club publishes the Quekett Journal of Microscopy, which has been in circulation since 1868. The journal covers a broad range of microscopy topics and is open to submissions from contributors. It serves as a significant resource for both amateur and professional microscopists, documenting advancements and historical aspects of microscopy.

Membership and Structure

Membership in the Quekett Microscopical Club is open to anyone interested in microscopy, ranging from beginners to advanced amateurs and professionals. This inclusive approach allows for a diverse exchange of knowledge and expertise. The Club's international membership reflects its global appeal and influence in the microscopy community.

Impact

As a registered charity, the Quekett Microscopical Club plays a pivotal role in educating the public about microscopy and its applications. By organizing meetings and events, it helps to keep the subject alive and relevant, bridging the gap between historical and modern aspects of microscopy. The Club's commitment to outreach and citizen science projects enhances its impact beyond the microscopy community, contributing to broader scientific understanding.

[1] https://www.quekett.org [2] https://www.quekett.org/about [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quekett_Microscopical_Club [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/232476/charity-overview [5] https://www.open-lectures.co.uk/engineering-institutes-and-societies/3796-quekett-microscopical-club-the/view-details