Common objects of the microscope

This compact handbook walks newcomers through the fascinating world revealed under a microscope. Drawing on more than three decades of advances, it offers clear, step‑by‑step guidance to avoid the common frustrations that beginners face. Over four hundred objects—from tiny pond creatures to delicate plant structures and crystalline minerals—are illustrated with careful drawings that highlight key features.

The second edition expands the original text with fifty new plates contributed by the reviser’s own sketches, plus a fully revised botanical section prepared by a leading English authority. Helpful notes on slide preparation, lighting, and magnification are woven throughout, making the science of microscopy feel approachable. Readers are invited to marvel at the subtle colours and translucence that only a lens can reveal, turning ordinary specimens into a source of quiet awe.