De Fonbrune Microforge; Sensaur M4-67
- Description (Brief)
- This microforge was used at Genentech, a biotechnology company.
- Laboratory technicians use microforges to heat and shape glass in order to create very small, delicate instruments for work with living cells under a microscope. This model was designed to “provide seven different basic operations for transforming fine capillary tubing, solid glass rods, and various fusible materials into an endless variety of micro-tools.” These micro-tools typically come in the form of extremely fine needles, pipettes, or hooks. They are used to manipulate or inject living cells under a microscope.
- The need for the microforge developed after the invention of the micromanipulator, a tool designed to hold and manipulate tools under a microscope with a precision greater than that of the human hand.
- Sources:
- Curtin Scientific Company. “mini-maker!” Southwest Retort 22:9, May 1970. http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc111167/m1/24/
- Institut Pasteur “Pierre de Fonbrune.” http://www.pasteur.fr/infosci/archives/fnb0.html
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- microforge
- date made
- about 1970
- user
- Genentech, Inc.
- maker
- Curtin Matheson Scientific, Inc.
- Physical Description
- metal (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 14 1/4 in x 11 in x 17 1/2 in; 36.195 cm x 27.94 cm x 44.45 cm
- used
- United States: California, South San Francisco
- ID Number
- 2012.0198.61
- accession number
- 2012.0198
- catalog number
- 2012.0198.61
- maker number
- V58092
- model number
- MF-67
- serial number
- 46590
- subject
- Science & Mathematics
- Biotechnology and Genetics
- See more items in
- Medicine and Science: Biological Sciences
- Biotechnology and Genetics
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
- Credit Line
- Gift of Genentech
- Additional Media
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