Exploring With the Microscope: A Book of Discovery & Learning

Describes the parts of the microscope and their functions, offers advice on upgrading equipment, and discusses optics, illumination, photomicrography, and suggested projects

Grade 8 Up-Nachtigall's book is not an introductory text for novices. He explains everything readers need to know about microscopes, but beginners anxious to try one out for the first time may lack the patience to plow through more than 70 pages of information on the equipment itself before doing any observing. In frequently technical terms, the author explains the different features available on microscopes, what each part does, and how to select and upgrade equipment, and provides a list of manufacturers and suppliers. An extensive section on optics covers properties of lenses, optical geometry, and the path of a light ray through a microscope. The section dealing with illumination includes tips on photomicrography (taking photographs through a microscope) and using super-8 cameras and camcorders to record through microscopes. After instructions on measuring and drawing images comes the part on preparing specimens for viewing and observing plants, animals, and aquatic microorganisms. With writing that is precise and clear, but hardly scintillating, and excellent-quality full-color diagrams and photos, this book will be perfect for advanced hobbyists or high school students involved in science projects.
Jeffrey A. French, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 7^-12. Translated from the German, Nachtigall's book might well be subtitled "The Complete Book of Microscopes." From how to buy, understand, and use a microscope to collecting and viewing plant, animal, and inorganic specimens, this is a lavishly illustrated and meticulously detailed science text. More than 100 color slides, in addition to black-and-white photos and excellent diagrams, enhance the text. A wealth of botanical and zoological data extends the information about microscopes. Chapters on photomicrography and aquatic microorganisms delve further. This is a sophisticated title, not a beginner's book. Seymour Simon's and Maurice Bleifeld's books on microscopes are far more accessible to the younger student and to those who have little prior knowledge of the subject. List of suppliers appended. Anne O'Malley