Lab Manual - eScience Labs

Lab 4: Introducon to the Microscope
Figure 1: A compound microscope can magnify objects that are not visible to the naked eye so that
they can be studied.
Parts of a Compound Light Microscope
Base: The flat support of the microscope.
Light: Illuminates the object being viewed. This can be either in the form of a light source or a
mirror that reflects ambient light onto the image. In the laer case it is important to
be working in an environment with adequate ambient light.
Stage: Supports the slide or other material to be viewed.
Diaphragm: Controls the amount of light allowed on the object.
Stage Clips: Secure the slide in place.
Revolving Nosepiece: Rotates the objecve lenses of different magnificaons and allows one
of them to be posioned over the slide.
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