Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH

"Anticipating the Future" might be the motto of the worldwide community of Carl Zeiss microscope users, whose demands for quality have given birth and constant stimulus to progress in microscope design. Questions like these may be pointless, but they are nevertheless intriguing: Is a glass of champagne (to suit the occasion), with half of its contents sipped, half empty or half full? And does a 150th anniversary make its subject 150 years old or 150 years young? Well, it is all a matter of how you look at it. To be sure, with all the tradition, handed-down values and sound standards of quality involved, the 150-year-old cannot be denied a distinct maturity. On the other hand, there is an undiminished, youthful vitality and an inexhaustible urge for permanent innovation and improvement. Surprising? Not quite. After all, the innovative power, the future-anticipating spirit of progress are part of the tradition. They have been there from the very onset. Whether considered old or young, Carl Zeiss is a legend. But a legend that is very much alive. No matter in which part of the world: wherever someone mentions Carl Zeiss, the name invokes microscopes. And, reportedly, it has caused the normally matter-of-fact face of many a scientist to mirror enthusiasm. Like Rome, a reputation like that was not built in a day. To trace it back to its roots, there is hardly a fitter occasion than this 150th anniversary. Well then, let's stroll back into the history of Carl Zeiss, to find out.