Difference between revisions of "Microscope"
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| − | A '''microscope''' is an instrument that enables the user to view objects smaller than can be seen with the naked eye. | + | A '''microscope''' is an instrument that enables the user to view objects smaller than can be seen with the naked eye. If not qualified, the word microscope usually refers to an optical compound microscope. Such microscopes can magnify from about 10 to 1000 times. |
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| + | The higher powers, however, require special techniques; the object to be observed must be prepared as a flat, thin section, usually stained with special chemicals to make transparent structures visible, cemented under a cover-glass, and used with a special oil-immersion objective, with a drop of oil between the objective and the cover slip. Microscopes in children's science kits may claim high magnifications, but anything over about 50X is "empty magnification" and of no use. | ||
Revision as of 23:17, March 16, 2007
A microscope is an instrument that enables the user to view objects smaller than can be seen with the naked eye. If not qualified, the word microscope usually refers to an optical compound microscope. Such microscopes can magnify from about 10 to 1000 times.
The higher powers, however, require special techniques; the object to be observed must be prepared as a flat, thin section, usually stained with special chemicals to make transparent structures visible, cemented under a cover-glass, and used with a special oil-immersion objective, with a drop of oil between the objective and the cover slip. Microscopes in children's science kits may claim high magnifications, but anything over about 50X is "empty magnification" and of no use.