Dissection Microscopes

The dissecting microscope, also known as a stereo microscope, might look like your run of the mill compound microscope but there are some very important differences between the two. While a dissecting microscope has a binocular eyepiece like a compound microscope, the image you get from a stereo microscope is, like its name implies, stereoscopic: you get an offset image in each eyepiece to create a three-dimensional image with a discernible depth of field. Compound microscopes, by comparison, show you the same two-dimensional image in each eye, and that means the image you’re seeing is flat and lacks depth.

Because of their three-dimensional imaging capabilities, dissecting microscopes are designed for low zoom magnification observation of sample specimens that have complex surface topographies. They’re also ideal for opaque samples that can’t be illuminated from below, as these types of scopes have lamps that shine down on the stage instead. All of these capabilities make the dissecting microscope a versatile and useful tool for dozens of applications; From observation during microsurgery and assembly of small parts to quality control in industrial settings, and, yes, dissecting biological samples as well, the dissecting microscope is invaluable as it is ubiquitous.