Microscopy
plays a vital role in a majority of life sciences. Microscopes have contributed
significantly in the fields of cell biology and histology where great
discoveries have been made over the years. The discovery of blood cells in the
human body paved the way for advanced studies in cell biology.
Without a
microscope, we are limited to what we can see with the naked eye. Using a
microscope reveals entire worlds that would otherwise be invisible to us. Every
home scientist should make it a high priority to acquire a good microscope. The
question is: which one?
Choosing a
microscope to be purchased is not as easy as what you think. Before buying a microscope, people should
consider simple things like why they want to buy a microscope, weigh the
benefits of whole Olympus dealer demo lab microscopes versus parts, determine how to choose the right
microscope for its purpose, become familiar with the types of microscopes, know
the difference between compound scopes and stereo scopes, and know from whom to
buy and from whom to avoid buying.
Microscopes
can cost as much as a new Mercedes-Benz automobile. They are available in an
incredible range of prices, from $25 toy microscopes to professional models
from German and Japanese manufacturers.
There are cheaper models but some are for children’s use. As much as possible, this should be
avoided. Toy models are of poor quality
and not worth the price.
Some
prefer to buy used microscope. This is a wiser way to buy a better microscope
at a lower cost. People buy Olympus dealer demo lab microscopes because they can often get a
better deal than if they were to buy new ones. Other people are fond of
products that are not made overseas, and currently, many used microscopes are
made in China.
Here
are the two main types of microscope, the compound microscope and the stereo
microscope.
A
compound microscope is used to view small specimens by transmitted light at
three or four medium to high magnifications, typically 40X, 100X, 400X, and
sometimes 1000X. A good compound microscope is essential for serious study of
biology or forensics, and useful for many other sciences. Compound scopes relay information in two
dimensions and usually must reflect a flat, slide image.
Stereo
microscope is useful for examining relatively large solid objects at low
magnification by reflected rather than transmitted light. Most stereo
microscopes provide a top illuminator that directs light downward onto the
specimen. Better models often also offer a bottom illuminator that allows
specimens to be viewed by transmitted light.
For
a home lab, a stereo microscope is useful but not essential. Buy one if you can
afford it, but don’t skimp on the compound microscope. It’s better to buy a
good compound microscope and no stereo microscope than to buy cheap models of
each. If you don’t have a stereo microscope, you can substitute a magnifier or
pocket microscope, or in some cases simply use your compound microscope at its
lowest magnification.
