Procedure for Using a Stereo Microscope

• Stereo microscopes are much simpler to use than compound microscopes. The main thing is to have a good amount of light on your specimen. The procedure for use is as follows.

• Place the specimen on the stage plate.

• Turn on the lamp. (This may be separate to the microscope.)

• Adjust the focus knob to bring the specimen into focus. You may wish to also adjust the position of the lamp at this point.

• Adjust the magnification to the desired level (if the microscope has this feature).

Stereo microscopes are very simple to use.

(Image: Virginia State Parks, Flickr)