11
Now you can observe in the same way as described in the previous
section.
TIP:
The higher the magnification you use the more light is required for
a good illumination of the picture. Therefore, always start your experi-
ments with a low magnification.
5. Condition and prepare viewed objects
5.1. Condition
This microscope features transmitted light, so that transparent speci-
mens can be examined.
If opaque specimens are being examined, the light from below goes
through the specimen lens and eyepiece to the eye and is magnified en
route (direct light principle).
Some small water organisms, plant parts and animal components are
transparent by nature, but many others require pretreatment — that is,
you need to make a thinnest possible slice of the object by hand cutting
or using a microtome, and then examine this sample.
5.2. Creation of thin preparation cuts
Specimens should be sliced as thin as possible. little ax or paraffin is
needed to achieve the best results. Put the wax into a heat-safe bowl and
heat it over a ame until the ax is melted. ou can use a candle ame
to melt the wax.
DANGER!
Be exremely carfeful when dealing with hot wax, as there is
a danger of being burned.
Then, dip the specimen several times in the liquid wax. Allow the wax that
encases the specimen to harden. Use a MicroCut or other small knife or
scalpel to make very thin slices of the object in its wax casing.
DANGER!
Be extremely careful when using the MicroCut, knife or
scalpel. These instruments are very sharp and pose a risk
of injury.
Place the slices on a glass slide and cover them with another slide before
attempting to view them with the microscope.
5.3. Creation of your own preparation
Put the object to be observed on a glass slide and cover the object with a
drop of distilled water using the pipette (12).
Set a cover glass (available at a well-stocked hobby shop) perpendicular
to the edge of the water drop, so that the water runs along the edge of the
cover glass. Now lower now the cover glass slowly over the water drop.
EN
