In this article we will discuss about the parts of dissecting microscope with its working and utility.
1. Foot or Base:
It is the basal, horse-shoe shaped or circular part of dissecting microscope. It is made of heavy material. It provides support to other parts of microscope.
2. Stand:
It is short but strong, hollow cylindrical rod. Its one end is fixed at the foot or base. It provides support to the mirror, adjustment screw and other parts.
3. Vertical Limb:
It is short and movable rod that fits into the hollow tube of the stand. With the help of the adjustment screw, this limb can be moved up and down.
4. Folder Arm:
It is a horizontal arm. Its one end is attached with the vertical limb and on it’s another end is attached lens. Folded arm is movable. It can be moved up and down as well as left and right.
5. Lens:
It is a simple convex lens of either 2X, 3X, 5X, 10X or 20X magnification.
6. Stage:
It is rectangular glass plate attached to the upper end of the stand or limb. Slide or the object, to be observed, is kept on the stage.
7. Clips:
Two clips are fitted on the stage. They are used to hold the slide in the desired position.
8. Adjustment Screw:
This is a screw used to adjust or move the vertical limb up and down.
9. Mirror:
It is concave reflecting mirror attached to the lower inner side of the stand. Light rays are reflected or focussed on the stage by the mirror.
Working:
Place the slide or the object, to be observed, on the stage. Bring the lens over the slide with the help of folded arm. Put the clips on two ends of the slide to keep it in position. Move the vertical limb up and down by adjustment screw to bring the slide into desired focus. Adjust the light over the slide with the help of the mirror and observe.
In case some material is to be dissected, place the material over the slide, repeat the entire process mentioned above, dissect the material with the help of needles or other instruments, and observe.
Utility:
Dissecting microscope is used to dissect small organisms or organs, e.g., embryo dissection. Its special utility is to observe such materials where high magnification is not needed.