VOC (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie) chamber established in Delft

One of the six VOC (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie - United East India Company) chambers was established in Delft. This was the world's first corporation financed by individuals holding negotiable instruments. At the death of Maria van Leeuwenhoek, she owned some VOC bonds.

The VOC's ships carried liquids in barrels that Leeuwenhoek measured for tax purposes as the city's wijnroeier. The ships also brought specimens from foreign locales for him to examine.

It was also known, especially in Leeuwenhoek's time, as the Oostindische Compagnie, abbreviated OIC.