9/16/14

Lab 2

Introduction to Microscopy
In this lab we became familiar with the compound microscope by following correct
procedures to view many different things under magnification. There are many different quirks
and rules to be aware of while using the microscope. By following these rules we can really use
the compound microscope in the most efficient manor possible.
When using the knob to move the slide from side to side on the stage, the slide moves in
the same manor, from side to side. As it is toward the user and away from the user, it also
moves in the same manor; toward and away. The movements are directly related the the motion
of the slide
When using the knobs while looking into the microscope, the movements change.
Instead of directly related, they are now inversely related. As the slide is moved to the right, the
slide moves to the left in the field of view. When the slide is moved up, it actually moves down in
the field of view. This took some getting used to when moving the slides while looking through
the microscope.
While adjusting the focus of the microscope, I noticed that some parts of the specimen
seem to be more in focus than others. This is because the specimens being looked at are not
flat. The cells in the specimen are not always next to each other, but can be in the background
too. This would explain why when adjusting the focus in and out that some parts become
focused while others become unfocused.
To correctly view a specimen at 400x magnification, you have to follow specific steps.
First you would need to plug in the microscope and turn on the light. Then place your slide on
the viewing stage and underneath the clips to hold it down. Make sure your microscope is set to
view on the lowest magnification level. Then adjust the oculars to fit your face. Look into the


oculars and adjust the slide so you can see the specimen. Then use the coarse adjuster to find
focus and after the fine adjuster to bring it into the clearest view. You can then move up to the
next level of magnification. You will need to adjust the focus again so it is as clear as possible.
You may use the coarse adjuster for the 10x magnification as well. After it is in clear view, you
may then go to the next level of magnification. From here on out you may only use the fine
adjuster. Each time you bring the specimen into focus you may go up another magnification
level until you reach 400x magnification as desired.
When you are done with the microscope you must reset the magnification level to the
lowest setting. Make sure to remove your specimen from the stage. Turn off the microscope
light(s). Now you should unplug the microscope and wrap the wire around the base. Make sure
to clean the lenses. Lastly, cover the microscope with its original dust cover.
On the sides of the objective lenses, you will find some information. These are numbers
to describe the magnification levels. For instance 4x would mean you are magnifying 4 times.
10x means you are magnifying 10 times the original image. We can go up to 400x on the school
compound microscopes.