Field Notes Journal a personal natural history of place

0.1 Orientation of the Microscopic Field

Aim

To understand the inversion and directional behaviour of the microscopic image.

Specimen & Apparatus

• Stage micrometer slide
• Prepared slide (any specimen with distinct features)
• Compound microscope

Method

1. Place the stage micrometer on the stage and bring it into focus under low power.
2. Observe the scale and note its orientation in the field of view.
3. Gently move the slide to the right and observe the apparent direction of movement in the image.
4. Repeat by moving the slide left, forwards, and backwards.
5. Replace with a prepared specimen slide and repeat the same movements.

Observations to Make

• Direction of image movement relative to stage movement.
• Orientation of the image (inverted or reversed).
• Whether behaviour is consistent across different specimens.