For transparent objections (e.g. protozoa), on
the other hand, the light shines from below,
through the opening in the microscope stage
and then through the object.
The light travels further through the objective
and eyepiece, where it is also magnified, and fi-
nally goes into the eye. This is transmitted-light
microscopy.
Many microorganisms in water, many plan
components and the smallest animal parts
are already transparent in nature. Others have
to be prepared. We may make them transpar-
ent through a treatment or penetration with
the right materials (media), or by taking the
thinnest slices from them (using our hand or a
specimen slicer), and then examine them. You
can read more about this in the following sec-
tions.
How do I make thin specimen slices?
Only do this with the supervision of your par-
ents or another adult.
As I already pointed out, the thinnest slices
possible are taken from an object. In order to
get the best results, we need some wax or par-
affin. It is best if you get a candle. Place the
wax in a pot and heat it carefully over a low
burner. Now, dip the object in the liquid wax a
few times. Then, let the wax get hard. Using the
Specimen slicer (20) or a knife/scalpel, cut the
smallest slices from the object that is covered
14
with wax. These slices are to be laid on a slide
and covered with a cover slip.
How do I make my own specimens?
Take the object that you want to observe and
place it on a glass slide (18). Then, add a few
drops of distilled water on the object using a
pipette. Now, place a cover slip vertically at the
edge of the drop of water, so that the water runs
along the edge of the cover slip. Then, slowly
lower the cover slip over the water drops.
Experiments
Use the following web link to find interesting
experiments you can try out.
http://www.bresser.de/downloads
Troubleshooting
Error
Solution
No recognizable
• Turn on light
image
• Readjust focus
Make sure your microscope has a long service
life.
Clean the lens (objective and eyepiece) only
with the cloth supplied or some other soft lint-
free cloth (e.g.microfibre). Do not press hard as
this might scratch the lens.
Ask your parents to help if your microscope is
really very dirty. The cleaning cloth should be
moistened with cleaning fluid and the lens wi-
ped clean using little pressure.
Make sure your microscope is always protec-
ted against dust and dirt. After use leave it in
a warm room to dry off. Then install the dust
caps and keep it in the case provided.