The
ELECTRON MICROSCOPE
The story and work of Eduardo De Robertis is intimately related to the technological advancements in the field of neurobiology. The role the electron microscope played in De Robertis' scientific work was key to unleash the secrets of the cell structure and function and provided us with a new insight on neuron-to-neuron communication.
THE FIRST MICROSCOPE
IN SOUTH AMERICA
The year was 1957 and the University of Buenos Aires was inaugurated the first electron microscope in South America property of the Institute of General Anatomy and Physiology. The event reached international attention, press from different countries covered the news. The most prominent figures of the Argentinian scientific community were present such as Dr. Bernardo Houssay and Eduardo De Robertis.
Inauguration of the first electron microscope at the Institute of General Anatomy and Embryology. At the picture: Eduardo de Robertis in the background and Dr. Alejandro Ceballos looking throuhg the eye piece (August, 1957).
DE ROBERTIS
AUGUST, 1957
De Robertis, who was the motor behind the acquisition of such powerful equipment, took few minutes to express his gratitude to all institutions and colleagues who supported the initiative. Click the icon below to read a fragment De Robertis speech given at the inauguration of the first electron microscope on August, 1957.
fragment De Robertis speech given at the inauguration of the first electron microscope on August, 1957.
KNOW?
De Robertis was always ahead of his time. In a letter to Dr. Houssay in 1947, De Robertis already pointed out the use of electron microscopy for research purposes, suggesting that it would be possible to set up one at the University of Buenos Aires. His dream would come true 10 years later! Thanks to Archives of the Casa Museo Bernardo Houssay - FECIC you can read the full letter by click the image to the left.
DID
YOU
Letter sent to Dr. Bernardo Houssay around 1947?. Letter courtesy of the Bernardo Houssay Archives from the Casa Museo Bernardo Houssay - FECIC.
© 2022 Created by Through the Eyepiece Project sponsored by FENS with Wix.com
THROUGH THE EYE PIECE