5 | Procedure for Using a Compound Microscope

Procedure for Using a Compound Microscope

  • Compound microscopes can be challenging to use at first and require a bit of practice to produce clear images. It all starts with a well prepared specimen. By following the procedure outlined below, you will soon be getting great results.
  • Cut a very thin slice of the sample to be viewed. Cut a very thin slice of the sample to be viewed. Cut a very thin slice of the sample to be viewed. Cut a very thin slice of the sample to be viewed. Cut a very thin slice of the sample to be viewed.
  • Place the specimen on a microscope slide.
  • Place one or two drops of water on the specimen.
  • Gently place a cover slip on the specimen, lowering one side first, then the other. Use a piece of tissue or blotting paper to absorb any excess water that may have spilled out from under the cover slip.
  • Place the slide on the stage and secure it in place with the stage clips.
  • Select the objective lens with the lowest magnification by rotating the nosepiece.
  • Turn on the lamp.
  • Use the stage controls to move the slide so that the specimen is directly under the objective lens.
  • Adjust the coarse focus knob until the specimen comes into focus.
  • * The coarse focus moves the stage up and down. Be very careful not to move the stage up too high that it collides with the objective lens.
  • Adjust the fine focus knob to optimise the focus.
  • Select a higher magnification objective lens if desired. You may have to readjust the fine focus.

 

 microscope slide and cover slip 1  microscope slide and cover slip 2

Preparing a good specimen slide takes a bit of practice.

(Images: Witia, Wikimedia Commons)