Using Microscopes

Safe and careful handling of microscopes ensures that the microscope will not be damaged and that people handling the microscope will not be hurt.

1. Carry the microscope to the bench with two hands one on the arm and one on the base of the microscope.

2. Place the microscope on the bench, ensuring that it is level and not too close to the edge.

3. Ensure that the x4 (or lowest power) objective lens is in place.

4. Place the microscope slide onto the stage.

5. While watching from the side, use the coarse focus adjustment to raise the stage until it is just below the objective lens.

6. While looking through the eyepiece lens, carefully turn the coarse adjustment and wind the stage away from the lens until the specimen can be seen clearly.

7. Rotate the nosepiece to the x10 objective lens. Use the fine focus adjustment to see more details of the specimen.