Microscopes are used to magnify small objects so that details can be seen that are normally invisible to the unaided eye. Commonly used in the classroom, microscopes are also used in the medicine and criminal investigations.
History
While Antonie van Leeuwenhoek is considered the "Father of the Modern Microscope," it is interesting to note that he did not invent it. He improved upon the technology put into place almost 80 years before. Using experiments published in Robert Hooke's "Micrographia," van Leeuwenhoek took microscopes to a new level when he analyzed lake water under the microscope and observed bacteria. He is also credited with first analyzing other biological substances such as blood cells, plaque and sperm.
During the mid 19th century the Leitz Company greatly improved the form and function of manufactured microscopes. They exported more than 50,000 microscopes in the United States, an astounding quantity at that time. In the 20th century the market soon abounded with microscope manufacturers. This allowed for everyday commercial and personal use.
Significance
It is difficult for today's society to imagine a time when people believed in spontaneous generation; Louis Pasteur refuted this theory in 1857 thanks in part to the microscope.
Advancement in cellular pathology is credited to the microscope, as cells can be examined for abnormalities in shape and function.
Modern medicine was revolutionized when Alexander Flemming used the microscope to discover the antibiotic penicillin.
Types
While there are several styles and types of microscopes, the most important are divided into three categories.
Light microscope--The most simple microscope is often used in classrooms and at home for recreational use.
Stereoscope--Allows for a binocular/ two-eye view of larger specimens.
Scanning electronic microscope--Uses a concentrated beam of electrons for illumination, allows examination of objects of a fine scale, can magnify objects up to 2 million times.
Transmission Electronic Microscope--Uses technology similar to the scanning electronic microscope, samples mainly include metals, minerals, and biological products.
Use in the Classroom
Classrooms use microscopes so students can see the attributes of objects such as cells and small organisms such as bacteria. Students will commonly take skin samples or cheek swabs and view the differences in the cells. These samples are often compared and contrasted to cell samples of a plant.
Uses in Medicine
Doctors' offices commonly use microscopes to analyze specimens for abnormalities. Microscopes are used in developing new medicines and treatments for diseases.
Uses in Criminal Investigation
By analyzing drugs under a microscope, scientists can discover the shape of opium crystals, and determine the source of illegal drugs. Forensic microscopes are also used to analyze bullet casings, paint chips and other physical evidence.
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