On June 4th in the year 1870, members of the California Academy of Sciences made the first attempt to establish a microscopical society in San Francisco. Approximately two years later, on August 30, 1872, the society adopted a constitution, elected officers and incorporated as the San Francisco Microscopical Society.

Nine months from the date of conception, the society received its first microscope. It was placed upon the 'round table' by the president of the society "to the perfect satisfaction of the members, who were now aware that the society existed not only in name but in reality." After the installation of the society's microscope the society developed a library, obtained a cabinet of slides, furniture suitable for meetings, and the equipment of a working laboratory of microscopy.

"The deep interest and devotion which characterized the membership soon established the best collection of microscopical literature on this continent." Of particular interest was the round table with a fixed margin around a revolving center from which members could comfortably assemble and independently view slides. Through donations and bequests of microscopic apparatus and photographic equipment, the society's capabilities were enriched.

The society was an important part of the culture of early San Francisco. The society acted as a forum for people in the study of the natural history of the Pacific Coast just as the Pacific Railroad was completed. This early society held meetings twice a month and on occasions held formal receptions.

Between 1893 and 1903, the society's membership dwindled and it disbanded just before the 1906 earthquake and fire. The property and library was donated to the University of California at Berkeley. The society was once again reformed in 1946 by Mr. George H. Needham and has continued to date through the combined efforts of its membership and the unselfish devotion of a few individuals who have taken a particular interest in its preservation. Notable among these were Mr. Needham, who took it upon himself to reestablish the society, and Mr. James Fidiam and Mr. Henry Schott, who both provided any and all needed energies and support to keep the society functioning for multiple decades. Robert Donald Griffin was a native San Franciscan who led the San Francisco Microscopical Society from about 1986 to 2002.