How to Use a Compound Microscope
The compound microscope is a helpful tool used to extend vision and allow the observation of objects smaller than that visible to the naked eye. It uses light and objective lenses: scanning (4X), low (10X) and high (40X).
To use a compound microscope like the on to the left, start by lowering the stage completely. This is done by turning the course focus knob. Make sure that the objective lens is at 4X, which is the scanning lens. If the scanning lens is not selected, then turn the nosepiece until it is. Next, place the prepared slide over the condenser lens on the stage and use the stage clips to keep the slide in place. Then, turn the microscope on, and adjust the light with the iris diaphragm if necessary. Look through the eyepiece with one eye, keeping the other eye open, and raise the stage using the course focus knob. Adjust the course focus as well as possible, or if the image is still too blurry or small, switching to another objective lens could help. The fine focus knob may be used when the microscope is almost completely focused, and should be used sparingly, never be enough to significantly change the height of the stage. This is also a good time to adjust the amount of light let through using the iris diaphragm. Once the microscope is focused, it is ready to be used!
Remember to always lower the stage completely, and make sure that the objective lens is set on scanning before adding or removing a prepared slide. Also, rotate the eyepiece so that it is directly above the arm. This is very important and must be done in order for the microscope to remain in good condition.
To use a compound microscope like the on to the left, start by lowering the stage completely. This is done by turning the course focus knob. Make sure that the objective lens is at 4X, which is the scanning lens. If the scanning lens is not selected, then turn the nosepiece until it is. Next, place the prepared slide over the condenser lens on the stage and use the stage clips to keep the slide in place. Then, turn the microscope on, and adjust the light with the iris diaphragm if necessary. Look through the eyepiece with one eye, keeping the other eye open, and raise the stage using the course focus knob. Adjust the course focus as well as possible, or if the image is still too blurry or small, switching to another objective lens could help. The fine focus knob may be used when the microscope is almost completely focused, and should be used sparingly, never be enough to significantly change the height of the stage. This is also a good time to adjust the amount of light let through using the iris diaphragm. Once the microscope is focused, it is ready to be used!
Remember to always lower the stage completely, and make sure that the objective lens is set on scanning before adding or removing a prepared slide. Also, rotate the eyepiece so that it is directly above the arm. This is very important and must be done in order for the microscope to remain in good condition.