The microscope is an instrument that allows to observe objects that are not perceptible to the human eye. This is achieved by an optical system composed of lenses, which form and amplify the image of the object being observed.
One of the great advances that the world of science had was the arrival of the Optical Microscope. This invention was the starting point of a great variety of advances in the world of science, which started from the world of Microscopy and also changed the way of seeing the world, from the possibility of studying Bacteria (what gave march to Bacteriology) until the analysis of our own blood with the discovery of the Red and White Globules, which supposed a strong advance in the world of medicine
History
The microscope was invented by Zacharias Janssen in the year 1590. In the year 1665 appears in the work of William Harvey on blood circulation by looking under the microscope blood capillaries, and Robert Hooke published his work Micrographia.
Some types of optical microscopes
There are two types of microscope, based on the number of lenses and their position. These are:
- Simple microscope: commonly known as magnifying glass. It is constituted by a single lens, or a system of lenses that act as if it were a simple lens.
- Composite microscope: it is constituted by the combination of two or more convergent lens systems: one, close to the eye of the observer, the eyepiece and the other close to the object, called the objective.
The composite microscope consists of two parts, a mechanical part that has the purpose of supporting the preparation to examine and support the entire optical system of the microscope. And an optical part that considers the two converging lens systems centered on a common optical axis, called ocular and objective. This part also integrates a lighting system that facilitates microscopic observation.
What are the components of a composite microscope?
- Foot: supports the rest of the microscope, is constituted by a heavy metal structure.
- Platina: is the structure that holds the preparation you want to observe.
- Tube: the optical system is installed on it. Binocular devices (two eyepieces) are currently common, facilitating vision with both eyes and objective revolvers, with which the objectives can be changed instantaneously, without defocusing the preparation. The approach is done by means of screws called macrometric and micrometric, which allow gross and fine vertical displacements, respectively.
- Objectives: They are inserted in the revolver of the microscope and two types are distinguished: Dry objectives and Immersion objectives.
- Eyepiece: Allows you to observe the image of the object formed by the objective, acting as a magnifying glass. It is composed of two lenses: the lower or collector, and the upper, or ocular lens.
- Lighting system: Located under the stage, it consists of: Lamp or mirror of illumination, Condenser, Diaphragm and Light filters.
What recommendations should be taken into account for your care?
The microscope is a valuable instrument. In order to be able to serve effectively year after year, it is necessary to be given proper care. For this reason, remember the following indications:
- Avoid moving the microscope when the lamp is on, as the filament of the incandescent lamp is extremely sensitive.
- To move it remotely, use the corresponding fixing screws.
- Do not touch the lenses of eyepieces and lenses with your fingers, to avoid staining them with their natural grease.
- Do not change your microscope or lenses.
- After using the microscope, clean it with a linen cloth, free of dust, or with cotton wool. Verify that they have not been prepared on the stage.
- Leave it with the objective of lower magnification, the plate as close as possible to it, and protected with the corresponding cover.
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