Master the science and craft of microscopy with a classic, hands-on handbook.
This comprehensive guide explains how to use a microscope as a scientific tool, blending practical technique with the underlying principles that govern optical behavior. It presents a clear division between developing the stage-picture and finessing the magnified image, and shows how the observer and the instrument work together to reveal unseen detail.
This edition outlines a two-part approach: first building a reliable stage-picture, then shaping the magnified image through careful instrument adjustment. It also explains why a strong, well-developed stage-picture is essential for any meaningful observation, and how the microscopist and the optical designer must cooperate for high-power work.
What you’ll experience
- Step-by-step exploration of how object-pictures are formed and manipulated on the stage of the microscope
- Practical experiments and illustrated demonstrations that illuminate key concepts
- Guidance on using diffraction and illumination to improve clarity and reveal structure
- Discussion of a specialized vocabulary and new terms that help you describe microscopic phenomena precisely
Ideal for students, teachers, and curious readers who want a grounded, methodical introduction to microscopy and its practice.