Besides the dry objectives, water and oil immersion objectives were introduced that brought improvements in image definition, particularly at high magnifications. Apochromatically corrected objectives led to a significant increase in image resolution. At the same time, Leitz and his foremen worked flat out to improve the optical performance of the microscope objectives to keep pace with scientific developments.
At the beginning of the 20 th century, the Ernst Leitz Optical Works rapidly became one of the leading suppliers of microscopes and optical products.Īn exhibition in Wetzlar’s New Town Hall looks back on his life and the milestones of his work.His business skills and his outstanding commitment to his employees and society in general made Ernst Leitz I a sovereign in the best sense of the word: He really was a person who “stood above it all” – not because he disregarded everyone else, but because we simply have to take our hats off to this exceptional personality whose work and actions are far greater than the general notion of a lifetime achievement.
