BIOL 1406

PreLab 3.9

What is the correct way to care for and use the brightfield microscope?

The microscope is a very delicate and expensive instrument. In order to get the best possible results, while minimizing the chances of damaging the microscopes, the following rules should ALWAYS be observed:

  1. Carry the microscope in an upright position, using one hand to grasp the arm and the other to support the base.
  2. Place the microscope down gently. Do not swing it around or bang it into any other objects.
  3. Keep the microscope level on the table. Do NOT tilt it to look through the oculars.
  4. Never place the microscope close to the edge of the lab table or counter.
  5. Place the power cord out of the way so you cannot trip on it or drag the microscope off the table.
  6. Clean the oculars and objectives with special lens paper before each use. Never touch the lens with anything except the special lens paper provided. You may use paper towels to clean and dry the microscope slides.
  7. Keep all parts of the microscope dry. Immediately wipe off water or other damaging chemicals.
  8. Because of the length of the high power and oil immersion objectives, it is possible to hit the slide with these objectives when they are in the viewing position. Therefore, you should always observe the objectives and slide from the side when rotating either of these objectives into viewing position. Always rotate the nosepiece slowly, and stop if it appears the objective will hit any portion of the slide or coverslip.
  9. Always begin your observation of each slide with the low power or scanning objectives. This will make it EASIER to locate and focus the specimen and will reduce the chances of damaging the microscope.
  10. NEVER move the coarse adjustment knob when the high power or oil immersion objectives are in viewing position.
  11. When you are finished with your microscope, clean it off (use ONLY lens paper to clean the lenses), rotate the low power objective into viewing position, lower the stage, and return the microscope to the cabinet.

 

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YOUR TURN
Indicate whether each of the following statements is true or false:

Always begin your observation of each slide with the low power or scanning objective in viewing position.

Check your answer.

If you cannot locate your specimen on low power, try switching to high power. Check your answer.
NEVER move the coarse adjustment knob when the high power or oil immersion objectives are in viewing position.
Check your answer.
When you are finished with your microscope, clean it off (use ONLY lens paper to clean the lenses), rotate the high power objective into viewing position, raise the stage, and return the microscope to the cabinet. Check your answer.
Clean the oculars and objectives of your microscope with special lens paper before each use. Check your answer.
You may use paper towels to clean and dry the microscope slides. Check your answer.


 

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