Microscopy and Microtechnique

Contents: I. Microscopy: Introduction. 1. Light microscopy. 2. Magnification. 3. Resolution and resolving power. 4. Condensers. 5. Illuminating systems of a microscope. 6. Lens systems used in microscopes. 7. Ocular lens systems (Oculars/eyepieces). II. Microscopes: Introduction. 1. Light microscopy. 2. Types of optical light microscopes. 3. Electron microscopy. 4. Electron microscopes. III. Documentation of images obtained in microscopy: Introduction. 1. Photomicrography. 2. Digital imaging--new opportunities for photomicrography. IV. Microtechnique: 1. Introduction. 2. Materials and equipment. 3. Microtome. 4. Fixation and fixatives. 5. Stains and staining. 6. Staining schedules. 7. Other useful schedules. 8. Dehydration. 9. Clearing or removal of dehydrating agent. 10. Mounting and mountants. 11. Microslide preparation. 12. Smears. 13. Squashes. 14. Sectioning of biological specimens. 15. Maceration. 16. Fixing coverslips and ringing. Review questions. Appendix. Glossary. References. Index.

The theory and practice of microscopy and microtechnique are an integral part of any course in any field of biology. Developments in the manufacture of the microscope and newer applications of microscopic technique have necessitated an updating of information and a more practical guide to the use and care of the microscope and to microtechnique. This book serves this purpose and covers the basic principles and advanced concepts of microscopy and microtechnique in a comprehensive manner. Principles of various microscopes from simple light microscope to modern confocal microscopy, the documentation of images obtained in microscopes and the steps involved in preparing their biological material for microscopic observation are presented in a neat coherent manner. This book would serve as a ready reference book for students, researchers and teachers of life sciences.