How to Use aCompound Microscope

Familiarization: First, familiarize yourself with all theparts of a microscope so that you can easily move from one part to anotherduring operation.

Moving andPlacement: It is worthremembering that while a good quality microscope will last a lifetime, it is asensitive scientific instrument that will suffer damage from sharp blows orimpact. Always, therefore, carry your microscope in both hands. Grasp the armwith one hand and place the other hand under the base for support. Always placethe microscope on a level and stable surface.

Slide Preparation: Microscope slides should always be preparedwith a cover slip or cover glass over the specimen. This will help protect theobjective lenses if they touch the slide. To hold the slide on the stage fastenit with the stage clips. You can push down on the back end of the stage clip toopen it.

Focusing theMicroscope:

1.                               Start by turning the revolving nosepiece (turret) so that the lowest powerobjective lens is "clicked" into position. The lowest power objectiveis the shortest one. This objective is the easiest to focus and center theimage in the field of view.

2.                               While looking at the objective lens and the stage from the side, turn thecoarse focus knob so that the stage moves upward toward the objectives. Move itas far as it will go without touching the slide.

3.                               Now, look through the eyepiece(s) and adjust the illuminator and diaphragmuntil you attain the maximum, comfortable level of light.

4.                               Slowly turn the coarse adjustment so that the stage moves down (away fromthe slide). Continue until the image comes into broad focus. The turn the fineadjustment knob, as necessary, for perfect focus.

5.                               Move the microscope slide until the image is in the center of the field ofview. Then readjust the illuminator or diaphragm in order to attain theclearest image.

6.                               Once you have attained a clear image, you should be able to change to ahigher power objective lens with only minimal use of the focusing adjustment.If you cannot focus on your specimen, repeat the above steps and work fromobjective to objective until the higher power objective lens is in place.

General Advice

1.                               You should check to see if your microscope has a rack stop. If it does nothave one, then be careful not to allow the objective lens to touch the slide asyou may break the slide.

2.                               When using a monocular microscope, the correct technique is to lookthrough the eyepiece with one eye and keep the other eye open. Most new users,tend to close one eye. While many microscopists do close one eye, you will helpavoid eye strain by keeping both eyes open.

3.                               Finally, remember! When you view a specimen through a microscope, you areviewing an image through multiple lenses. As a result, the image is upside downand back-to-front so when you move the slide to the right, the image goes tothe left and vice versa!

Care & Maintenance of Your Microscope

Your microscope will last a lifetime if cared forproperly and we recommend that you observe the following basic steps:

1.                               When finished viewing , lower the stage, click the low power lens intoposition and remove the slide.

2.                               Switch off the microscope when not using.

3.                               Avoid touching the glass part of the lenses with your fingers. Use onlyspecial lens paper to clean the lenses.

4.                               Dust is the number one enemy of a microscope so always keep yourmicroscope covered when not in use. When not in use for extended periods,replace the microscope in its box