How to Use a Dissection Microscope

Example of a Dissection Microscope

Using a dissection microscope can be mastered with familiarity and use.The dissection microscope is an essential tool for scientists, engineers, and hobbyists, needing to observe features not easily seen with the naked eye. The dissecting scope is useful in biology, geology, electronics, and other activities where surface structures must be examined. As you become familiar with the function of each of the microscopes features, practice will make you proficient at employing this useful instrument.

Things You'll Need

• Dissection microscope
• Light source
• Tweezers
• A Probe
• Lens cleaning paper
• Lens cleaning solution
• Specimen or exemplar

Instructions

1. Set microscope on a stable surface such as a table or laboratory bench. Assure there is adequate light on or below the stage to illuminate your specimen.

2. Clean lenses with lens paper and lens cleaning solution, if necessary.

3. Place specimen to be viewed, or an exemplar, on the stage

4. Adjust the inter-pupillary distance by moving the eyepieces in or out until only one image is seen with both eyes open.

5. Adjust the course adjustment knob until the object is roughly in focus in the ocular that does not have an adjustment. If both oculars are adjustable, set one ocular to zero. Use this ocular to get the specimen into rough focus. Adjust the fine focus knob until the specimen is in focus in this first ocular.

6. Adjust the second ocular by rotating the adjustment ring (diopter adjustment) until the specimen is in focus. Check that the specimen is in focus when both eyes are used.

7. Repeat adjustments described in Steps 4, 5, 6, and 7 until both oculars are focused at the same point. (These steps are not required with a monocular scope.)

8. Place specimen to be observed on the stage of the microscope

9. Adjust the course and fine adjustments (some scopes have only one focus adjustment knob) until the specimen, or the part of the specimen to be observed, is in focus. The oculars should not require additional adjustment.

10. Rotate the nose piece, the zoom ring, or the zoom knob to change objective lenses for the increase or decrease of magnification. Change objective lens magnification to the desired level for the feature being observed.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep lenses clean. Cleaning before each use is recommended. Adjust the focus of the oculars as necessary. Start with the lowest magnification available and move higher after initial focus has been made. Always returning the objective lenses to the lowest level when finished will help assure starting on the lowest magnification. Adjust your microscope and seat to avoid stretching or unnatural positions that can lead to discomfort and ergonomic injuries.

• Take frequent breaks to rest your eyes. At minimum raise your eyes from the oculars and focus on a distant object every 15 to 30 minutes. Take a 10 to 15 minute break from the microscope approximately every hour to avoid eye strain, headaches, backaches, and other associated discomforts. Adjust table, microscope, and chair height for maximum comfort. Always carry the microscope with two hands. Lift and carry the microscope by the arm while supporting the base with the other hand.

References

• Use of Stereo Dissection Microscopes, Bates College

Resources

• Science Blogs