The Compound Microscope

The Compound Microscope

By: Maya Kuthe

When and by whom was it invented?It was invented by Zacharias Jansen in 1595 with help from his father Hans. They experimented by putting lenses inside a tube, making the very important discovery of the first microscope, although it was more of an innovation rather than being used for science. In the late 17th century, a Dutch draper and scientist named Anton Van Leeuwenhoek was the first man to make and use a real microscope. He developed ways to make superior lenses, and invented the magnifying power of 270x. This allowed him to make several biological discoveries like bacteria.

How it WorksA simple way to say it is that a compound microscope is a framework to contain the lenses that serve as a platform for stable viewing, and another platform for other peripheral parts that are used to better the quality of what you’re seeing.

Advantages and DisadvantagesAdvantagesPower magnification, has helped with discoveries, it gives us a chance to understand how things work, it shows us objects we cannot see with our naked eye, its simplicity and convenience, and it comes with its own light source. DisadvantagesIt cannot magnify over 2000x.

APA REFRENCESMicroscopes, What are all these parts, and how do they work? (Microscopes, What are all these parts, and how do they work?)http://www.kbears.com/sciences/microscopedefinition.htmlWho invented the microscope? A complete Microscope History (A complete microscope history)http://www.history-of-the-microscope.org/history-of-the-microscope-who-invented-the-microscope.php(HowStuffWorks)http://science.howstuffworks.com/dictionary/chemistry-terms/microscope-info.htmThe Compound Light Microscope - Optics, Magnification and Uses (The Compound Light Microscope - Optics, Magnification and Uses)http://www.microscopemaster.com/compound-light-microscope.html

Click the video to see how the compound microscope uses optics, and how it works!

What is it Used For?The compound microscope is used to obtain magnified visuals of very small and microscopic objects. It is mostly used in science, to see things we are unable to see with the naked eye. It is used in school science classes frequently. They are used to help find bacteria and other microscopic organisms that can cause illnesses. They are mainly used to show us how cells and organisms work/function.

Diagram:

Click here for more information about how it works!!!