Optical microscope, by Claude-Siméon Passemant with bronze-work attributed to Jacques and Philippe Caffieri, ca. 1750. National Museum of the Palaces of Versailles and Trianon, inv. V.2021.42. All photos my own.

It’s World Microscope Day! 🔬 This fabulous rococo microscope was made by Claude-Siméon Passemant - King Louis XV had an identical one. On loan from @CVersailles, you can see it on display in ‘Versailles: Science and Splendour’ at London’s @sciencemuseum until 21 April 2025!

PSA: on #NationalUnicornDay Louis XV’s very own ‘Rhinoceros unicornis’ would like to remind you that you have JUST OVER 1 WEEK left to see ‘Versailles: Science and Splendour’ at the @sciencemuseum !!! 🦏🦄