Re: Can't find microbes in lake water

From: Aaron (nghy_at_comcast.net)
Date: 08/05/04

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    Date: 5 Aug 2004 18:52:13 -0500

    Hi Bob,

    If this is the kit for $100.00, that is a large part of your problem
    because it is a child's toy..

    http://scientificsonline.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_3112201

    You will alwasys be struggling with this equipment because the basic
    elements are so poor. It is designed more to provide a child with the
    feeling of using a microscope than it is capable of real use as a
    scientific instrument..

    You can keep trying to work with the lake samples and you may get
    occaional success as you learn more about the scope, but i would not
    expect much..

    I would recommend that you look on eBay for a used industrial
    microscope that is 40 years old and that is in usable optical
    condition. There are many instruments for sale under $150 from makers
    like American Optical, Bauch and Lomb, Spencer, and Reichert..

    If you do not want to risk making a purchase on eBay, I. Miller in
    Philadelphia is a well known dealer in professional microscopes. I
    have seen offerings by him of decent instrument in the under $300
    range that have been refurbished.in his shop.. Believe me these
    prices are rock bottom cheap for the level of equipment. Once you
    look through one of these scopes you will realize the vast difference.

    To learn more about microscopes and what to look for in an instrument
    start with this link.

    http://genbiol.cbs.umn.edu/PIF_files/PIF_Docs/PIF_R_Files/library/microscopy/microscopy1.html

    Click on the button for "microscopy primer" and then the heading for
    "anatomy of a microscope"

    The Molecular Expressions website is a vast resource for all
    information on microscopes and microspy.. I suggest that you become
    aquainted with the elements of a microscope and the important
    features. Then you can shop for an instrument intelligently.

    Good Luck
    Aaron

    On 5 Aug 2004 15:59:58 -0700, realexander@akron.usa.com (Bob
    Alexander) wrote:

    >> What brand and type of microscope are you using? How much experience
    >> have you had using this instrument? .What eyepieces and objectives are
    >> you using? How are you preparing your slides?
    >
    >The microscope is Edmund Scientific's "Beginner Microscope Kit" with a
    >fixed 10x eyepiece and 4x, 10x, and 40x objectives. I have not had
    >much experience (it is, after all, a beginner's scope). Slide
    >preparation is just getting a drop of water in an eyedropper, putting
    >it on the slide, and putting a cover slip on. I know enough to avoid
    >air bubbles. I'm not using any stains or filters.
    >
    >Thanks,
    > Bob

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