The development of the binocular microscope has changed the way scientists and researchers go about observing cells, tissues and samples of other matter.
What is a Binocular Microscope?
A binocular microscope is simply a microscope that lets the viewer use both eyes. The microscope has two eye lenses. The development of the double eye piece microscope was adapted to reduce the eyestrain and muscular strain that typically results from monocular microscopes.
History of the Microscope
The first light microscope was invented during the exciting time of the Renaissance. The first microscopes were simple constructions.
Zaccharias Janssen and his son are responsible for the first compound microscope in 1509.
Microscopy
Both Anton van Leeuwenhoek and Robert Hooke made significant contributions to the advancement of the microscope. Leeuwenhoek was the first to observe bacteria, yeast plants, and blood capillaries using the microscope. Hooke borrowed from Leeuwenhoek's design and improved upon it.
Parts of the Microscope
The primary parts of the microscope are:
Eye piece lens--part of the microscope that you look through
Base--the bottom of the microscope
Arm--part that supports the microscope and connects it to the base
Stage--area where specimen is placed and slides are held
Stage clips--hold the slide in place
Objective Lenses--4x, 10x and 40x magnification
Focus knobs--coarse and fine adjustment to bring image into focus
How Does it Work?
A light microscope can magnify objects up to 1000x, but how does it do this? A microscope works largely by refraction. A light source shines light through a specimen and sends an image to the objective lens which then translates into a viewable image through the ocular lens. The image can then be brought into focus in order to see it more clearly.
What is it Used For?
The microscope is used in several fields of science and medicine. It is also used in science classes in elementary schools, high schools and college level courses. The most common fields that often require the use of the microscope are botany, microbiology, genetics and geology. Of course, there are many more uses for the microscope.
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