Microscopy with a 1912 Ernst Leitz Microscope
This section documents the use of a 1912 Leitz microscope as a working instrument - not a museum piece, but something used regularly to explore and observe.
The approach is simple: hand-prepared specimens, basic techniques, and careful observation. Most material is gathered locally - plants, pond water, small samples collected on short walks - and worked through slowly, from preparation to viewing.
Alongside traditional methods, modern tools are used where helpful: digital imaging, software, and online publication.
Safety
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| ⚠️ Safety and Disclaimer | Please read this before attempting any of the exercises listed below |
The Instrument
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Ernst Leitz Microscope Serial Number 149811 | |
| Magnification Tables | Details of the magnification and focal lengths for Ernst Leitz Microscope Serial Number 149811 |
Methods
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Cleaning Slides and Coverslips | How to clean microscope slides and coverslips before examination and mounting |
| Focus Stacking (Combination of Focal Planes) | Combingin multiple images of the field into a single image |
| Hand Sectioning of Plant Material (Improvised Sectioning Tool) | A simple improvised sectioning tool for hand sectioning of plant tissues |
| Photomicrographic Plate Workflow | A repeatable workflow for producing consistent, informative photomicrographic plates |
| The Classical Abbe Condenser Focusing Method | How to focus the condenser so the illumination cone properly fills the objective aperture |
Programme of Investigations
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Programme of Microscopic Investigations | A classical microscopy programme of investigations |
| Seasonal Microscopy Calendar | A calendar indicating periods when specimens are most readily obtained in the British Isles |
Results
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Investigation and Plate Numbering Scheme | Numbering scheme for investigations and photomicrographic plates |
| Ongoing and Completed Investigations | An index of ongoing and completed microscopic investigations |
| Photomicrographic Plate Catalogue | A catalogue of photomicrographic plates, presented as a structured archive |
| Photomicrographic Plates Lightbox | A visual library of photomicrographic plates |
All observations and photographs in this section are drawn from ongoing personal investigations rather than textbook examples.