The suite is based on a "Free to view, buy to own" principle at www.usingthemicroscope.com. Co-authored by Cambridge Network member Dr Chris Thomas and published by Milton Contact ltd.
Chris Thomas writes:
Do you really know how to set up your microscope properly? Having worked in commercial research and academia, I am only too aware that in most cases we are not. We are taught perhaps once at university and quickly forget the finer details by the time we need to use microscopes at work. The result: Poor unsatisfactory images, either glared out or lacking resolution.
Yet, by following our 13 step procedure, you can easily and rapidly ensure that you get the best image for your light microscope everytime. There is even a downloadable A4 cribsheet to keep by with the microscope at a handy reminder.
Our full colour and lavishly illustrated booklet, "Understanding and Using the Light Microscope: Introduction and QuickStart Guide to Using Compound Light Microscopes", ISBN 9780992928926, was written specifically to give you a no-nonsense and accessible reference. The language is deliberately clear and simple. You can download a PDF e-book copy to your tablet or have a physical copy to keep by your microscope. You can access the information free online or buy it to own for your own use and for teaching purposes at www.usingthemicroscope.com.
Our aim is to let you get started as quickly as possible with the QuickStart guide at the beginning of the book. We identify the key parts of the instrument and give the concise 13 step procedure, which you can download as the A4 PDF cribsheet. The book then goes on to expand on common parts of the microscope and variations you might come across. It also elaborates the 13 steps with more detailed and illustrated examples.
The book has 56 pages and 54 photographs and illustrations. There are hyperlinks to nine videos on key aspects covered in the book. In the PDF ebook, the videos are one hyperlink click away. In the print book, you can use the QR Codes to direct your tablet or smartphone to each video. This is the first of a series of booklets. The next will be on photography through the microscope.
Co-author Lewis Woolnough and I have over half a century of microscopy experience through a shared passion in using the instrument for pleasure as much as for work. I worked with a Cambridge plant biotech company and now exhibit photography through the microscope with Cambridge Open Studios. Lewis was a Headteacher and now trains fellow beekeepers in microscopy. Together, we cover membership of the Royal Microscopical Society, the Quekett Microscopical Club, the Postal Microscopical Society and the Society for Experimental Biology - and of course the Cambridge Network.
OK, we are microscope nerds - but we make sure you do not have to be one to use your microscope at its best..
If you use microscope: Check out the book and videos (Free to view, buy to own) at www.usingthemicroscope.com.
Microscope familiarisation and training in your company, with your instruments, is also possible. Contact me, Dr Chris Thomas, at chris@miltoncontact.com or give me a call on 01223 440024.
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