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Introduction to Microscopy: What Microscopes Do and Key Terms
A beginner's introduction to microscopy: what microscopes actually do, the main types, the parts of a compound microscope, key terms and everyday uses.
Amateur microscopy
Choose a microscope, prepare a slide, and see what is really there.
How microscopes work, how to choose and use one, and how to prepare slides and find specimens for amateur microscopy at home or in class.
100 in-depth guides
7 topics
Nov 2026 latest guide
Featured guides
Guides to start with
Each one links on to more specific articles in its topic.
Parts of a Compound Microscope and What Each One Does
A guide to every part of a compound microscope, from lamp and condenser to objectives, head and eyepieces, following the light path and explaining each role.
Magnification vs Resolution in Microscopy
Magnification makes a specimen look bigger; resolution decides how much detail you can actually see. Learn how they differ, what limits each, and why it matters.
How to Choose a Microscope for Biology Students and Hobbyists
Choosing a microscope for biology or a hobby: compound vs stereo, the specs that matter, why big magnification claims mislead, budgets and red flags.
How to Use a Microscope Properly
Learn how to use a microscope properly: carrying, setup, focusing, lighting, changing objectives, and putting it away without damaging lenses or slides.
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How Microscopes Work
The optics, the parts and the numbers behind magnification and resolution.
Microscopy Basics What microscopes are, the main types, how lenses form images and how to start microscopy as a hobby. 13 guides Microscope Parts Objectives, eyepieces, condensers, diaphragms, stages and filters, and what each part does. 16 guides Magnification and Resolution How to calculate total magnification, why resolution and numerical aperture set the real limit, and how to measure specimens. 13 guides
Choosing and Using a Microscope
Picking the right instrument, setting it up and using lighting techniques to bring out detail.
Choosing a Microscope Stereo vs compound, binocular vs trinocular, USB and LCD models, used instruments and what each price tier buys. 16 guides Using a Microscope Focusing, Kohler illumination, oil immersion, troubleshooting a blank view and activities to try. 10 guides Contrast Techniques Brightfield, dark field, phase contrast, polarized light, DIC, fluorescence and DIY Rheinberg and dark field stops. 13 guides
Slides and Specimens
Making wet mounts, staining and permanent slides, and finding things worth looking at.