Microscopes

What is a microscope ?

A microscope is a high precision optical instrument that uses a lens or a combination of lenses to produce highly magnified images of small specimens or objects especially when they are too small to be seen by the naked (unaided) eye.  A light source is used (either by mirrors or lamps) to make it easier to see the subject matter.

Who invented the microscope ?

A Dutchman, Anton van Leeuwenhoek, is considered the father of microscopes because of the advances he made in microscope design and use.  He worked as an apprentice in a dry goods store where magnifying lenses were used to count the threads in cloth.  Anton was inspired by these glasses and he taught himself new methods for grinding and polishing small lenses which magnified up to 270x.  This led to the first practical microscopes.  In 1674, Anton was the first to see and describe bacteria, yeast, plants, and life in a
drop of water.

What can you do with a microscope ?

A microscope can be used for numerous things:

•  hobbyists have an interest in microscopic worlds from learning and having fun to using a microscope for the study of stamps, coins, gems, insects, etc
•  children can view a fantastic world of discovery
•  students have an interest in pursuing knowledge anywhere from middle school through the university level
•  medical uses from analysis to advanced research in many and varied disciplines
•  industrial uses as inspection and measurement tools
•  government and scientific uses for public safety and discovery
•  imaging of whatever you are looking at