MicroscopyMicroscopy

Proper HandlingProper Handling

And And

Use of MicroscopesUse of Microscopes

Proper Care and Handling Proper Care and Handling of the Microscope is of the Microscope is Important!Important!

ALWAYS ALWAYS carry a microscope with 2 carry a microscope with 2 hands. hands. One under the base and one One under the base and one holding the arm of the microscope.holding the arm of the microscope.

1.1. Orient the microscope so theOrient the microscope so the stage is facing stage is facing youyou, not the microscope arm., not the microscope arm.

Turn/twist the eyepiece around so it is angled toward Turn/twist the eyepiece around so it is angled toward you.you.

The focus knobs will be on your right.The focus knobs will be on your right.

2.2. Turn on the lightTurn on the light..

3.3. Rotate the nosepiece to Rotate the nosepiece to put the scanning power put the scanning power objective lens in placeobjective lens in place, centered over the hole in , centered over the hole in the stage.the stage.

The shortest lens; the lowest magnification power.The shortest lens; the lowest magnification power. Total magnification = eyepiece lens x objective lensTotal magnification = eyepiece lens x objective lens

4.4. Place the glass slide under the stage clips, Place the glass slide under the stage clips, center the specimen.center the specimen.

Visually place the “specimen” on the slide over the Visually place the “specimen” on the slide over the small circle on the stage where light shines small circle on the stage where light shines through.through.

5.5. Look through the eyepiece. Look through the eyepiece. Use the coarse Use the coarse adjustment knob toadjustment knob to move the stage and move the stage and bring the “specimen” into focus.bring the “specimen” into focus.

The diaphragm under the stage adjusts the amount The diaphragm under the stage adjusts the amount of light coming through.of light coming through.

6.6. Turn the nosepiece to Turn the nosepiece to center the low power center the low power objective over the slideobjective over the slide. It must “click” into . It must “click” into place.place.

7.7. Use the fine focus adjustment knob to Use the fine focus adjustment knob to bring the specimen into focusbring the specimen into focus..

If directed, when you go to high power, only If directed, when you go to high power, only use the fine focus adjustment!use the fine focus adjustment!

If the specimen goes out of focus, back up to low If the specimen goes out of focus, back up to low power or even scanning power and start again.power or even scanning power and start again.

Making a “wet mount”Making a “wet mount”

1-2 drops of water or stain put over the specimen.

Put coverslip down at a 45° angle and slowly lay it down.

Wick away any excess liquid.