Title: The Use & Care of the Microscope

Objectives:
1. To utilize the capability of the microscope when viewing small specimens.
2. To develop the ability to recognize different parts of the microscope while
determining its functions.
3. To cultivate appropriate routine when handling the microscope before, during and
after use.

Introduction:
The use of the microscope is essential when viewing miniature biological samples,
for example, microorganisms. Microorganisms are very tiny that they cannot be seen with
the unaided eye. Hence, microscope is used to assist our naked eyes to study the structure
and the components of microorganisms. Proper care of the microscope is necessary to
ensure an optimum

Materials: Carl Zeiss Binocular microscope, lens paper, immersion oil,

Methods:
I. Operating instructions of the microscope
1. The microscope is placed onto the laboratory table while in neutral position; the
stage has been cleaned, the lens system has been wiped clean using lens paper,
the X4 objective lens was switched into position, the voltage adjustment knob is
set to the minimum setting and the power switch is in “OFF” mode.
2. The plug of the microscope is inserted into a socket. The switch of the socket
followed by the microscope is turned on. Using the voltage adjustment knob, the
illumination was set to a higher scale not exceeding the medium setting.
3. The field iris diaphragm and condenser diaphragm is opened fully. The width of
the eyepieces was altered to suit the inter-pupillary distance of the eyes.
4. A slide is placed onto the stage. Using the X4 objective lens, the slide is focused
using the coarse and fine focusing knob.
5. The objective lens is switched to X10 and the slide is re-focused by adjusting the
coarse and fine focusing knob.
6. The field iris diaphragm was closed. Using the condenser focusing knob, the
condenser was moved up and down until an image with sharply defined edges of
the field iris can be seen. The illuminator was adjusted to give a clearer image.
7. The magnification was increased by switching the objective lens carefully to X40.
A sharper image can be obtained by adjusting the fine focusing knob.
8. In order to view the slide using the highest magnification, the X40 objective lens
was moved away from the slide. A drop of immersion oil is added onto the slide
while looking t the side of the microscope. The X100 objective lens is swung into
position so that it touches the drop of oil. The fine focusing knob is used to give a
finer image.
9. Before removing the slide, the stage was moved down using the coarse focusing
knob until the X100 objective lens is cleared from the immersion oil so as to
prevent damage of the lens. The X100 is rotated so that it faces away from the
microscope, and using the lens paper, the oil is wiped off from the lens. Finally,
the slide is removed from the stage.
 10. The stage and the objective lens are ensured to be clear from oil residue. The X4
objective lens is switched into position and the illuminator is tuned to its minimum.
When done, the microscope is switched off followed by the power socket. The
microscope is unplugged and its wire is coiled neatly.

II. Examining the microscope and locating its components

1. The microscope was examined thoroughly so as to locate the following
components:
i. Body tube
ii. Revolving nosepiece
iii. Low power objective lens
iv. High dry objective lens
v. Oil immersion lens
vi. Mechanical stage
vii. Condenser
viii. Iris diaphragm lever
ix. Coarse adjustment knob
x. Fine adjustment knob
xi. Condenser adjustment knob
xii. Voltage control dial

III. Familiarizing certain properties of microscope components

1. A glass slide and a cover slip is cleaned.
2. A drop of water is placed onto the slide.
3. A series of letters from a newspaper was obtained. The letter ‘e’ was ensured to
be included within the series of letter cuttings.
4. The letters were placed into the drop of water. At an angle of 45o, the cover slip
was let down carefully to cover the specimen so as to minimize air bubbles.
5. The letter ‘e’ is examined using low and high powered objective lens, and a
sketch of the images was made.

Results:
Discussion:
Conclusion:
References:

Questions:
1. What is the total magnification obtainable with the low-power objective?

2. What is the total magnification obtained with the oil immersion lens?
3. Explain why it is necessary to use immersion oil with the 100 objective
lens.

4. What happened to the original orientation of the letter ‘e’ when the slide
was moved.
a. side to side

b. up and down

5. Give the function of the microscope components below:

a. Ocular lens

b. Condenser

c. Iris diaphragm lever

d. Coarse adjustment knob

e. Fine adjustment knob