Exercise No.

1
The Microscope

Introduction:

The study of plant and animal structures requires examination of details too small for the unaided
eyes to see. For this reason, an instrument which not only magnifies the specimen but also brings into
better focus its structural details is indispensable. A microscope accomplishes both of these. There are
basically two kinds of microscope: simple and compound. A simple microscope consists of a single lens or
lens combination. The ordinary magnifying glass is a simple microscope.

The compound microscope consists essentially of two simple microscopes used together. It is also
known as the bright field microscope. The compound microscope is basically made up of mechanical and
optical parts. The mechanical parts provide support to the instrument, the optical parts direct light waves
to the specimen and produce a clear, magnified image. The magnifying parts of a compound microscope
operate by two systems of lenses. First are the objectives, the set of lenses that is focused to the specimen
under study; these are the primary magnifiers. The other is the ocular or eyepiece, the set of lenses that
is close to the eye; it is the secondary magnifier.

This exercise introduces the student to the proper use of the microscope, acquaints him with its
various parts, proper use and care of the instrument, and teaches him how to measure the size of a
microscopic object.

Objectives:

1. Know the parts and use of each part of a compound microscope and how to take care of it.
2. Be able to calculate the magnification, with specific combination of lenses, of each object being
viewed.
3. Know what is meant by resolution, field and depth of field.

Material:

Compound microscope

Procedure:

Follow carefully directions given by your instructor and those presented below. The compound
microscope is an expensive precision instrument and must be handled carefully at all times. With the aid
of the prepared drawing or chart identify and learn the parts of the microscope.

A. The Mechanical Parts (The Framework)

1. Draw tube – a cylindrical metal tube with a movable ocular inserted at the top end.
2. Body tube – a hollow cylinder which holds the lenses; found below the draw tube and provides
support to the revolving nosepiece.
 3. Revolving nosepiece – a rotating structure which holds the objectives; facilitates the shift from
one objective to another.
4. Dust shield – dark metallic disc located just above the revolving nosepiece; prevents dust from
entering the objectives.
5. Arm or handle – the C-shaped pillar rising from the stage or base used for carrying the microscope.
It supports the body tube.
6. Stage – the flat platform attached to the arm where the glass slide containing the specimen is
placed.
7. Spring clips – found on the stage used for securing the slide in position.
8. Sub-stage – located immediately below the stage containing the diaphragm and the Abbe
condenser.
9. Adjustment knobs
a. Coarse adjustment – always the bigger knob; allows one to adjust the scanner or low
power objective to initially focus and obtain a general view of the specimen.
b. Fine adjustment – always the smaller knob; it is appropriately used when adjusting the
high power and the oil immersion objectives to specifically focus and obtain a much more
detailed view of the specimen. Using this knob also prevents the breakage of the glass
slide and damage to the lens.
10. Inclination joint – located between the pillar and the arm and enables one to tilt the upper part
of the microscope to a desired position for convenience.
11. Pillar – a very short connection between the base and the rest of the microscope.
12. Base – The U-shaped or horse-shaped iron portion of which the microscope rests. It supports the
entire microscope.

B. The Illuminating Parts

1. Mirror – located below the stage used to catch the light and direct it to the object being studied.
It has one flat or plane surface (used under natural light) and one concave mirror (used under
artificial light).
2. Iris diaphragm – with a small lever at one side of the condenser which opens and closes a screen
of metal plates. It is used to regulate the amount of light entering the microscope.
3. Abbe condenser – located immediately below the stage. It is used to concentrate or focus the
light coming from the diaphragm to the object.

C. The Magnifying Parts

1. Ocular or eyepiece – a short metal cylinder with a glass lens toward each end. It may have a hair
or line inside that serves as a pointer and moves with the ocular as it is rotated. Most oculars
magnify an object by ten times.
2. Objectives – small tubes containing lenses screwed into the nosepiece which magnify the object
being examined. A number followed by an x, stamped on the objective, indicates the magnifying
power.
a. Scanning power objective (Scanner) – 4x to 5x
b. Low power objective (LPO) – 10x to 15x
c. High power objective (HPO) – 40x to 45x
d. Oil immersion objective (OIO) – 97x to 100x

Label the basic parts of the microscope on the illustration provided.

1. Always use both hands when carrying a microscope, and always carry it in an upright position.
Never carry the microscope hanging like a basket with only one hand. Parts of a microscope may
fall off if this rule is not followed.
2. Keep it clean before and after using. Dirt is the biggest enemy of optical instruments. Use only
lens paper to clean the lenses – never use facial tissue or handkerchiefs. The glass of the lenses is
different from window glass; it is relatively soft and scratches easily. It is also easily corroded by
acids present in fingerprints and by other chemicals and rubbing can alter the curvature of the
lens. Immediately wipe off anything (including water) that spills on the microscope.
3. Never force any of the adjustments. If something does not work smoothly call the instructor.
4. Inspect your microscope carefully each time you use it. Report any missing or damaged parts to
your instructor before you start to use the instrument. You will be held responsible if you fail to
do so.
5. If you happen to have a compound microscope that can be tilted, use it only in the upright
position. You gain nothing by tilting, and fluids from slides will run out on to the stage if you do
so.
6. Before returning a compound microscope, be sure the scanning objective (or the lowest-powered
objective) is in place. If the instrument has a built-in light, wrap the cord around it securely.