1 • Pick up by the Arm and the Base (use both hands)

2 • Set down 6" to 1' from edge of table and plug in

3 • Check to be sure the Low Power objective is selected and the stage is ALL the way down. !

4 • Turn on light, open diaphragm fully. Readjust later to suit specimen.

5 • Mount slide under clips on stage

6 • Focus on the specimen using Low Power objective and the Coarse Adjusting knob. Do final focus with Fine Adjusting knob.

(Do not use Coarse adjusting knob with Medium or High Power objectives.)

7 • Center specimen in the field of view. If needed, switch to Medium power and fine focus, then to High power and fine focus.

(Please Do not jump from Low to High Power objectives!)

 

Putting away a Compound Microscope

1 • Select Low Power Objective, remove slide. Wash slide and cover slip thoroughly. Store properly

2 • Use Coarse Adjusting knob to carefully lower stage all the way down

3 • Shut off light, wipe off stage and non optical parts of microscope with a moistened paper towel.

4 • Unplug microscope, wind cord loosely around base. Transport and store properly.

 

Making a Wet Mount (1-3 & 6) and Staining (1-6)

1 • Clean and dry slide and cover slip with soap and hot water/paper towel (work from the middle outward)

2 • Place a 1-2 drops of sample in the middle of the slide

3 • Put one edge of cover slip on an edge of sample, lower other edge down slowly until flat. This will eliminate air bubbles.

4 • Put a drop of stain on edge of cover slip. (Stain should be water based to do this technique)

5 • Place a folded paper towel on opposite side of cover slip and draw stain across the sample by capillary action.

6 • Clean and dry slide and cover slip and carefully store microscope after investigation complete.

8 5 4 9 1 7 6 3 2 0

Microscope DO's

1 • Always carry microscopes with two hands

2 • Keep fingers off of lenses. The oil on your hands will transfer onto the lenses and make images blurry

3 • Only use lens paper to clean lenses ! Normal tissue and paper towels have wood fiber and clay in them, which will scratch the lenses.

4 • Always do initial focusing with the Low power objective selected

5 • Only use coarse adjusting knob when Low power objective is selected

6 • Store microscopes covered, or in a covered area.

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