The History of the Microscope

Four hundred years ago, the world of the microscope was unexplored. That means the structure of things like plants and the tissues of animals were a mystery, and there were thousands of other plants and animals that we didn't even know existed! The causes of the diseases could only be hypothesized about and medical science was limited. Antonie van Leeuwenhook's invention of the microscope in the 17th century brought about a revolution in scientific knowledge.

The word microscope comes from the word micro, meaning very small, and scope, meaning an instrument for looking at objects. Anything which is too small to be seen with the naked eye is microscopic.

While it had been known for more than 2,000 years that glass bends light, the fist accurate lenses were not made until around the year 1300. It wasn't until 1600, though, that it was discovered that optical instruments could be made by combining lenses.

Antonie van Leeuwenhook was a Dutch scientist and one of the pioneers of microscopy in the late 17th century. He made his own simple microscopes which had a single lens and were handheld. He made several drawings of what he observed and discovered bacteria, although he didn't know what they were at the time. In the middle of the 17th century, Robert Hooke drew pictures of cork seen through the microscope. Just like van Leeuwenhook, Hooke wasn't sure of exactly what he had seen.

Because of the low glass quality and imperfect shape of the lenses, many early microscopists saw very distorted images. Throughout the 19th century, huge improvements were made to lenses and the microscope as we know it today was gradually developed into a better instrument.

Discover the Microscopic World!

You have a microscope and you've gone through the basics and know how to use it, but you don't have a lot of stuff to examine - or so you think. You'd be surprised at the the number of things just laying around your house that become fascinating specimen when magnified and explored through the lens of your microscope. Here are some of our favorite suggestions:

1. Fibers: Pull out a few individual fibers from different fabrics like cotton, nylon, rayon, silk, wool, etc. Place them one-by-one on the center of a slide and add a drop of water and a cover slip. Examine each fiber under different light and objective settings to see what you discover.
2. Hair: Noticing the differences in hairs can be one of the coolest things to do with your microscope. Examine different types of hair - naturally curly, permanently waved, blonde, brown, red, grey, etc. Check out the difference when the hair is void of oils after dipping your specimen strand in alcohol or soapy water. Compare human hair to that of other mammals.
3. Paper: Place the torn edge of a piece of paper under the microscope. Light it from above with a flashlight or lamp and then focus in on the torn edge. What do you see? Compare different types of paper.
4. Crystals: Place a few crystals of table salt (NaCl) or sugar on a slide and view after adjusting for the best illumination. (Remember: too much light will not reveal much detail.) Slip a piece of black paper beneath the crystals and use side lighting from a lamp or flashlight. What do the crystals look like now?
5. Currency: Examine a dollar bill under various magnifications of the microscope. Compare the fine detail of the engraving process to that of paper play money. We took a look at some currency ourselves - take a look at our picture above!
6. Colored Pictures: Look at a colored postcard or picture from a magazine. What are you surprised to see?
7. Pond Water: Stationary water like pond water is always one of the favorite sources of microscopic organisms for many people. You will find some incredible changes in the kinds of organisms present over several weeks or months.

For lesson plans and more formal activities that you can do with your microscope, click here.

Idaho Students Get New Microscopes!

Morning News-submitted photo

Thanks to a grant money awarded life science teachers Eileen Huesits and Alan Southern, students at Mountain View Middle School (MVMS) are enjoying 30 brand new microscopes.

Huesits and Southern applied for the grant through the Summer of Innovation Program (part of the NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium) right before the deadline earlier this year and were excited to receive the grant money just a few days later.

The Morning News reported that Huestis promptly ordered 10 Swift brand microscopes and that shortly after the scopes arrived, students were busy searching for microbes and observing paramecia and amoebas from samples of local pond water. 

"My students were so excited to be the very first ones to use the microscopes," Huestis told the Morning News. "They enjoyed seeing all the little crawly things from nice, heavy microscopes with good eyepieces and lenses."

Before replacing the microscopes with new Swift ones, the microscopes Huestis' students were using had been in use since the school opened in the 1970s. 

On Huestis' class agenda for the rest of the year: observing human cheek cells, yogurt cultures and mitosis in onion root tip cells.

2012 Olympus Bioscapes Digital Imaging Top Prize Given to Video

Take a look at the winning image - or in this case, video - of the 2012 Olympus Bioscapes Digital Imaging competition, an annual microscopic photography contest now in its tenth year. Although there were a number of stunning photos captured via several imaging and microscopy techniques, Ralph Grimm's video of colonial rotifers - microscopic beings that sustain themselves on dead bacteria and the like, for those of you who aren't too biology savvy - stole the top prize.

Though you might suspect him to be, Grimm isn't a professional videographer nor a research scientist able to get his hands on the latest and greatest imaging equipment. Instead, he's a 45-year-old high school teacher from Australia that thought the lilypads growing in his pond looked much cooler at 200X magnification than they did just sitting in the water. 

Check out Grimm's video at the top of this post and view the other top images here.

A Microscope: This Year's Perfect Christmas Gift

The holidays are finally here. Christmas wreaths are going up in retail stores, radio stations are blaring holiday jingles and people are racing to get their holiday shopping complete. The perfect gift for anyone this Christmas: a microscope!

Choosing the right microscope can be difficult, though, so once you've decided if a compound, stereo or digital microscope is what you're looking for, here are some things to consider before making a final purchase. 

• Construction: Sturdiness is an important quality when consider a microscope. While cheaper microscopes may look better to your pocket book, they won't last very long and are bound to have mechanical issues. Spend a little more for a microscope that will last longer.
• Kid Features: If you're purchasing your child their first microscope, look at introductory scopes that include "student-proof" features like simple to use and large controls, "one-touch" spring loaded stage clips and built-in handling features that encourage proper handling.
• Warranty and After-Sales Support: Make sure you look at the warranty of the microscope you're looking to purchase. This is often overlooked and should be an important factor in your purchase decision. Likewise, purchase a microscope from a manufacturer who quality assures their products and is available to answer your questions and help you use your microscope and software one it arrives at your home. 

Once you've looked into all these things, do it to it! You're ready to get the scientist in your life a great microscope! This is sure to make for a Christmas they'll never forget.

Swift Helps Drive Science Education

In this changing classroom environment, we understand that teachers need more than products, they need resources and solutions. Let us be your information-hub and offer you the STEM support you need.

From handouts to presentations and microscopy lesson plans, Swift's resource center is where educators, students and professionals need to be. "Smart Teachers Expect More" and they get it here. Discover your STEM classroom with us. 

Swift is doing its part in driving science education. Let us know what are you doing to further STEM education today!

Rediscover Micrographia!

It was way back in 1665 that Samuel Pepys recalled in his diary that he stayed up till 2 a.m. reading an enthralling page-turner and best-seller. He called this text, "the most ingenious book I read in my life." I know, you're on the edge of your seat. What in the world could have kept Pepys up so late and led him to believe he read the best book he'd ever read in his life? If you're thinking it was a book about history, a play or the arts, you're wrong. It was none other than the world's first popular book about microscopic images!

With the short title Micographia: Or Some Physiological Descriptions of Minute Bodies Made With Magnifying Glasses With Observations and Inquiries Thereupon - catchy, I know - the book was authored by famed scientist Robert Hooke. Want to get your hands on it?! Well, good news. The book is now available on Google Books for you to read for free.

As you flip (or scroll) through the book, you'll find wonderful drawings of everything from fleas through bark to the edges of razors. For all you microscope and science junkies out there, it's exciting to see what constituted cutting-edge scientific understanding in 1665! If you're interested, read Carl Zimmer's review to learn more.

Swift Spotlight: M3600 Series

Say hello to the flagship model of the Swift educational line. The M3600 series continues Swift's tradition for innovation, quality and student-proof features while updating the well-known M3500 classic model series with a brand new design at the same time. If you're a high school teacher or advanced grade professor, this is the scope you want your students working with. 

The M3600 series includes cored and cordless versions, a built-in carrying handle and variable LED illumination. The M3602 models even have a built-in mechanical stage. The "student-proof" design of the scopes mean energy-efficient LED illumination, "one-touch" spring loaded stage clips and proper handling for you. If you haven't already considered adding a Swift microscope to your classroom, start with one from the M3600 series.

Get more information here.

The Moticam X is Here - Go Wireless!

That's right, it's finally here! Say hello to the future of wireless digital microscopy and the all new Moticam X.  This all new microscope camera will transform almost any old conventional microscope into a wireless device capable of sending live high resolution images to your WiFi enabled computer, laptop, tablet or cell phone. Using the Moticam X, you can stream your images to up to 6 devices without the need of a router. Can you say jackpot?! 

Since the Moticam X generates its own WiFi signal, this camera can be used separate from your existing network. No additional router is required.

The Moticam X features a CMOS sensor with a 2.0 MP resolution and a WiFi resolution of 1280x1024 pixels. The optical calculation of the camera is 1/3 inch and the focusable lens is 12 mm. The Moticam X also comes complete with eye piece adapters, macro tube, calibration slide and Motic Images Plus software.

What do you say, why don't you unlock and unplug the power of your microscope with the new Moticam X? The possibilities here are seemingly endless! Jump onto the App Store for iOS devices or the Google Play Store for Android devices, download the MotiConnect App and get started...you can't afford to wait another day. Don't have an iOs or Android device? That's okay. Use your WiFi enabled computer or the camera's IP address to view images from almost any HTML 5 supported Web browser!

Click here to learn more about the Moticam X.

MoticNet: Your Classroom Assistant

MoticNet represents the next step in science classroom management. Designed for and inspired by the success of digital microscopes, MoticNet is a software program that allows digital microscopes to be linked together in a network so that one teacher can have full and instant access to any student at any time. Having a live image transmitted at high-speed directly from the microscope to the computer means that students no longer have to fight over who gets to look through the eyepiece. With MoticNet, teachers can promote team work and group thinking easily.

Just imagine the possibilities in the classroom! Each student has the opportunity to explore and present findings to other students with keystroke guidance from the teacher. Teachers are able to broadcast from their computer workstation to the entire class through the simple click of a mouse, making this a truly interactive experience.

With digital microscopy at its core, this integrated software includes other teaching tools and is the core of classroom networking. This must-have expands its usefulness outside of teaching with microscopes and becomes even more versatile in the classroom. 

Buying a Microscope

You've figured out what microscope is best for you and you're ready to dish out the money for one that'll be worth it. Here's the top ten features to think about as you make this purchase. Remember, in many instances, you're investing in the future!

1. Student-Proof Features: Things like locked-on eyepiece(s), one-piece head, retractable objective lenses and locked on stage clips can make a world of difference in the classroom.
2. All-Metal Construction
3. Built-In Cord Holder
4. Unique Features like retractable sealed objectives, built-in carrying handle and Pointmaster eyepieces can make your microscope even better!
5. Warranty: Make sure you're familiar with the warranty of the microscope you're looking to purchase.
6. After-Sales Supports: This can be crucial when you excitingly unpack your microscope, think you're ready to go and then something doesn't work right. Technical and digital support can get you back up and running.
7. Energy-Efficient Illumination: Cool light, low electricity use, long-lasting bulb, easy bulb access.
8. Variable Illumination
9. User Manual
10. Standardized Design to Meet Curriculum Needs

Microscopes 101

Microscope lingo can have any first-time user or owner confused. Swift has put together a list of basic definitions that will have you understanding your microscope and sounding like a seasoned scientist in no time!

• Chromatic Aberration: When lenses fail to focus two different parts of the spectrum in the same focal plane, they suffer from chromatic aberration.
• Condenser: The function of the condenser is to provide full illumination to the specimen place and to enhance the resolution and contracts of the object being viewed.
• DIN Optics: A German Standard for the manufacturing of microscope lenses. Optics are interchangeable from one DIN microscope to another. (DIN: Deutsche Industrial Normen)
• Diopter Adjustment: The ability to adjust the focus for one eyepiece in a binocular or trinocular microscope to compensate for the different in vision between the user's eyes.
• Focal Length: Parallel rays of light after refraction through a lens will be brought to a focus at the focal point. The distance from the optical center of the lens to the focal point, in the focal length, or focus.
• Numerical Aperture (N.A.): A measure of the light gathering capabilities of an objective lens. The concept is comparable to the F-value in photographic lenses. In general, N.A. values less than 1.00 are dry objectives, while values greater than 1.00 require oil as a medium. The N.A. value can be found on individual objectives. NOTE: Condenser lenses are part of the optical system and are also assigned a N.A. value. The condenser system on a scope should match the N.A. of the highest power objective on the microscope.
• Parfocal/Parcenter: A microscope system that is parfocused/parcentered enables the user to switch objective lenses (change powers) and still have the specimen in focus and centered in the field of view.
• Working Distance: The distance between the front lens of the objective and the cover glass when the lens is focused on the specimen.

"Learning Biology With a Digital Microscope"

After collaborating with TERC, a leader in STEM research, Swift Optical Instruments produced the first Swift Lab Manual for use with Swift digital microscopes and digital imaging software. Score! 

The lab manual is geared towards high school grade level (9-12) biology courses, but can certainly be adapted to other grades. With 20 hands-on activities, divided into four theme-based units, it is the ultimate learning resource for science classrooms. The activities in the manual can be done in order or individually with appropriate preparation.

The manual is linked with National and Key-State biology/life science standards (Texas, New York, California and Florida) along with four nationally recognized high school biology textbooks. This manual is proving to be your best friend in high school labs.

The activities in "Learning Biology with a Digital Microscope" give students endless opportunities to explore the living world around them. The teacher-friendly nature make it just as valuable to teachers as it can be for students. Easy to follow step-by-step instructional student sheets insure that all activities are classroom ready.

Learn more about Swift digital microscopes' greatest companion here.

Digital Defined!

Are you having trouble understanding the lingo that goes with your new Swift digital product? If you are, it's your lucky day: we bring you digital defined! Here are six terms that cause confusion or frequently raise questions about digital scopes and their functionality.

• Exposure: Refers to how long the shutter of the camera is open, not to brightness.

• Field of View: The image that is seen through the microscope eyepiece may differ from the image that is seen on the computer screen. The quality of the microscope affects the quality of the image.

• Frame Rate: The measurement of the frequency or rate at which a digital camera produces images called frames. 

• Megapixel (MP): Refers to the number of pixels in an image and to express the number of sensor elements of a digital camera or the number of display elements of a digital display. For example, a camera with an array of 2048x1536 pixels is commonly referred to as a 5 MP camera.

• Resolution: Live image resolution is most important in digital microscopy. This may be different than what is used in digital photography. When using a microscope as a teaching tool, it is important to see what is happening under the microscope. Live image resolution is the part that allows one to see a smooth, curved cell wall with pixilation. It is important to choose the right image chip that will give the right live image resolution. The more pixels, the better the resolution becomes.

• White Balance: An adjustment that allows for better color correction.

So whether you have a digital microscope or a digital camera, get to know it - a better understanding always leads to better microscopy! 

10 Tips for Better Microscopy

Fiddling with coarse focus knobs and fine focus knobs can get really old, really fast if you're not sure what you're doing. Here are 10 tips that will have you using your microscope like a pro. Even if you're comfortable with your microscope, these tips will perfect your skills - there's always room to learn something new, right?

1. A compound microscope gives a two-dimensional, flat image. Use a compound microscope for specimens that are to be examined using a slide preparation method (micro). There are monocular, dual-view, binocular and trinocular compound microscopes.

2. A stereo microscope has a binocular body and gives a three-dimensional image. Use a stereo microscope for specimens that have depth or are large in size and require a working distance (macro).

3. Start to focus using the lowest magnification! In a compound microscope, this is the 4X objective and in a stereo microscope, this is the 1X objective. Make sure the objective "clicks" into place before beginning.

4. Always place the specimen to be viewed in the center of the stage or stage plate. If you're using a compound microscope, make sure the slide is placed on the stage with the center over the light.

5. This may sound like a no-brainer, but make sure a slide is right-side-up when viewing it. This is especially important when you're looking at a prepared slide. If it's upside down, it won't be in focus on high power (40X)!

6. When focusing in on an image, use the coarse adjustment knob first, then the fine focus knob. If done correctly, you should be able to change between objectives with just a minor fine focus adjustment. Fun fact: this means the microscope is parafocalled.

7. When you want to adjust the illumination, use the intensity control and condenser or diaphragm.

8. Remember, when using higher magnifications, it is necessary to adjust the light source.

9. Proper care and handling is a must! This will give your microscope a happier, longer life. Always carry a microscope by sing two hands; one hand around the arm and the other under the base.

10. Just like you enjoy being clean, so does your microscope. Keep your microscope clean. To clean the lenses, remove any dust or dirt with a camel brush or canned air. Moisten one end of a Q-tip with lens cleaning solution while keeping the other end of the Q-tip dry. Clean the optical surface by moving the moist part of the Q-tip in a circular motion. Using the dry end of the Q-tip, repeat the same motion to dry. Insider tip: a solution of Windex and vinegar works well. Finally, when you're microscope isn't in use, use a dust cover to store.

Objectives!

Achromatic, semi-plan, plan achromats, phase...what do they all mean? Achromatic, semi-plan, plan achromats and phase are all types of objectives. Since they can be confusing and a tad daunting when you're feeling your way through the microscope world for the first time, here's some explanations to help you understand their differences.

Achromatic Objectives: Lenses that bring parts of the color spectrum into the same plane of focus. Achromats are standard on any quality microscope. They may be designated as flatfield objectives, but typically deliver between 60-70 percent flatfield.

Semi-Plan Objectives: Objectives that are corrected to attain a flatness of field around 80-85 percent.

Plan Achromats: Objective lenses delivering nearly 100 percent flat field.

Phase: Objectives create the effect of "staining" by changing the optical light path without actually staining the slide. The benefit is that the specimen remains viable and intact.