Appendix 2

The Dissecting Microscope

The dissecting microscope uses two objective and two eyepiece lenses to produce a threedimensional image. For this reason it is sometimes called a stereo microscope. There are two light
sources. When the overhead light is used, incident light is bounced (reflected) off an object, and
this is suitable for examining surface features. The light located beneath the stage is used to send
transmitted light through partly transparent objects.

Figure A2. Parts of the Dissecting Microscope

A-2

Appendix 2: The Dissecting Microscope

BIOL10005 : 2016

Setting up the Dissecting Microscope

1. Place the dissecting microscope on the bench with the limb toward you.
Place the petri dish on the stage (remove lid).
2. Turn the light switch on. Rotate the light source adjustment knob to the reflected or incident
light setting (I). Rotating the knob to T would turn on the transmitted light source.
3. Adjust the magnification to the minimum (10x) using the revolving nosepiece.
4. Focus the specimen. Lower the microscope body to its lowest point with the focus knob on the
sides of the microscope arm. Use the focus knob to raise the microscope body until the
specimen image is the sharpest.

Microscope Troubleshooting Guide

Problem

Possible Cause/Solution

No image

- Power cord plugged in?

- Light switch is on?
- Objective lens/rotating nosepiece clicked into position?
- Specimen centred?
- Light intensity knob turned up?
- Iris diaphragm open?
- Objective lens/rotating nosepiece clicked into position?
- Specimen centred?
- Slide not upside down?
- Lens is clean (objective/ocular lens)?
- Coverslip is clean?
- Iris Diaphragm adjusted correctly?
- Slide not upside down?
- Light intensity knob adjusted correctly?
- Iris Diaphragm adjusted correctly?

Double image or partial image

Poor focus or cannot focus

Image too bright