b. Protection for the Microscope. To prevent dust from settling on the lenses
and mechanical parts, the microscope should be kept covered or stored in a closed
cabinet when it is not being used.
c. Transportation of the Microscope. The microscope should always be
carried with two hands--one on the handle and the other on the base. Two trips may be
required when other equipment is used with the microscope. One trip may be
necessary to carry the microscope and the other to carry the light source. The
microscope should be kept upright because there is a danger that the oculars may fall
and break if the microscope is tipped.
d. Maintenance of the Microscope. Cleanliness of the microscope is
important for good performance. Loose dust or dirt on the optical surfaces should be
blown off before attempting to wipe the lens. This prevents scratching of the lens.
Chemical solvents should not be used to clean the lenses because these solvents will
dissolve the cement that holds the lens in place. A good grade lens paper with a small
amount of commercial lens cleaner or isopropyl alcohol may be used for the removal of
residual oil that will cause loss of contrast and definition. Prevention of oil carryover to
the dry lenses can be done by cleaning the oil immersion objective last. The body of
the microscope can be cleaned with gauze and alcohol.
1-27. OPERATION OF THE BINOCULAR MICROSCOPE
The proper use of the microscope will result in excellent performance and the
prevention of malfunction. The procedures below serve as guidelines for the proper use
of this delicate and expensive instrument.
a. Preparing the Microscope.
STEP 1: Plug the microscope or transformer into the outlet.
STEP 2: Turn the instrument on and adjust the amount of light with the
variable intensity control.
STEP 3: Open the field diaphragm.
STEP 4: Place the neutral density filter on dim.
STEP 5: Open the iris diaphragm on the Abbey condenser.
STEP 6: Place a slide with a specimen on the stage.
STEP 7: Turn the low power objective (10X) into place.
NOTE:
The microscope should always be adjusted on the low power objective
before using a higher magnification.
MD0841
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