The 1716 Van Leeuwenhoek Medal

Abstract:

On 3 June 1716, Anthoni van Leeuwenhoek was honoured by the University of Leuven with a silver medal in recognition of his “celebrated discoveries in Natural Philosophy.” The most recent record of this medal is in the inventory of the estate left by his daughter. After 1745 no trace of this medal could be found, indicating that all existing specimens are copies. An inventory yielded a total of seven medals of three different types, which all date from before 1900. Comparing these medals with existing illustrations shows that there are two bronze copies of the original medal (Type I). The four specimens of Type II and unique Type III medal are newly made. However, auction catalogues suggest that more copies have existed. Finally, a cast reproduction from 1982 is described.