The Microscope and How to Use It [Paperback]

Dr. Georg Stehli (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1970

In nontechnical language and with 199 photographs and drawings, the author clearly explains how a microscope works and what kind to use; preparation and examination of specimens, and much more.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, German (translation)

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (June 1, 1970)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486225755
• ISBN-13: 978-0486225753
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #593,005 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #74 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Science > History & Philosophy > General

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Detailed source of microscope technique, December 31, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Microscope and How to Use It (Paperback)

[Note that this is a review of the hardcover, seventh printing in 1969 distributed by Sterling Pub. Co., not the Dover edition that Amazon is selling -- to me! Rated at 8 only because I don't know whether more current information is available. Otherwise, call it a 10.]

This is the only serious book on microscope technique that I could find in the Fairfax County VA public library system which is probably one of the best in the country. All the other books are superficial and aimed at kids.

This one covers apparatus care and use, simple (temporary) preparations of various kinds of specimens, microphotography (though superficially), but the best part is the appendix on microtome technique which presents a full procedure for fixing, dehydration, and paraffin infiltration.

Here are the chapter titles:

1. The Microscope and Essential Tools
2. How to Use the Microscope
3. Examining Simple Preparations
4. Insect Preparations
5. Exploring a Drop of Water
6. The Structure of Plants
7. The Structure of Animals
8. Bacteria
9. Microphotography
Appendix. Microtome Technique
with Index.

Thank God for Dover Press and their willingness to keep these oldies but goodies available. With libraries catering to the bestseller crowd, our technical know-how would otherwise perish.

51 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good introduction to microscopy but chemicals are a problem., September 18, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Microscope and How to Use It (Paperback)

In its English translation, this book is a good introduction to microscopy and microtechnique but suffers from two problems:

1. The translation from the German is sometimes awkward and not always clear as to meaning (I have read the book in German as well);

2. The book makes reference to chemicals which cannot be obtained by private individuals in the US. Some chemical references are also no longer available: "wood vinegar", given by Dr. Stehli as a constituent of Pfeiffer's Fixative for algae, does not exist anywhere on this side of the Atlantic. Wood vinegar is actually a literal translation of the German "Holzessig" and is apparently an impure form of glatial acetic acid (which is available, but again not to individuals).

Students who have access to a college laboratory or who can order chemicals through a third party will be very happy with this book. The information on basic setup of a microscope, hand-cutting sections and preparation of fresh (as opposed to fixed) specimens is excellent.

15 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Historical Interest, December 11, 1999

By 

martinpeters - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Microscope and How to Use It (Paperback)

Probably groundbreaking in 1955 when it was written. Historically interesting in 1999.