Customer Reviews

The Usborne Complete Book of the Microscope: Internet-Linked

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I'm a registered nurse who recently decided to take up microbiology as a hobby. After purchasing my microscope on amazon, I thought it wise to re-learn the basics. This book exceeded my expectations and I absolutely love how it instructs you on how to: view crystal samples under polarized light, prepare insects for viewing, grow mold, make a spore print with a mushroom cap, create wet mounts and stain objects (2 methods), make a semi-permanent mount, grow crystals, how to make gelatin suitable for growing bacteria. Must-have for microscope enthusiasts of all ages.

The many, undoubtedly beautiful, photos are mostly from electronic scan microscopes, and are computer-color enhanced. They are indeed gorgeous, but the average child will be greatly disappointed that what she or he sees through their own optical microscope bears little resemblance to these showpieces. Better if many more of the photos were representative of what will be seen under "normal", amateur, home conditions.

This is a birthday gift for my eleven year old son who recently got a digital microscope. He loves it, as does his seven year old brother. Great photographs. Also, it feels like a hardcover, not a flimsy paperback. Web addresses given for additional microscope learning. Very happy with purchase!

We have a set of educational books that have the same learning structure as this book. It is very well laid out and I love the experiments and web links that go with each chapter. It's very easy to use and easy on the eyes.

I don't like the extensive use of illustrations of subjects via a scanning electron microscope. If users are expecting to see this sort of thing through their simple compount microscopes they'll be quite disappointed.

Complex subject matter is presented in a fun easy to read format. Great way to make science accessible to children showing an interest in the subject. Great companion piece when buying a microscope.

I got it for my 4 year old together with a microscope and extra slides. It's full of pictures, so my little scientist enjoys studying it. It's divided into small chapters and includes how to use a microscope, what kind to buy, and how to use a simple microscope on all kinds of things from paper to bugs. The internet links are a great source! I think this book will be useful for many years to come.

I bought this book based on the recommendations of my fellow readers. I was looking for a book to help teach my children the fundamentals of microscopy. This book provides an excellent introduction to the same.

Great images. Very diverse collection of images coving the full spectrum of topics. This book is perfectly suited to introducing microscopy to children and adults alike. Not a college level book, but with applicability none the less.

In short, brillant.

David J. Johnson
Chief Metallurical Engineer
Paragon Ind.
Sapulpa, OK, USA

If you are giving the microscope as a gift, make sure to include this book. Wonderful illustrations. Well written. Informative.

Some gifted children may benefit, but it is also good for high school students. A waste of money for someone not interested in biology a lot; for those people, just get a cheap microscope with basic instructions.