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Information on mirrored microscopes and the best light and position for their usage.
Mirrored Microscope Light Position
POSITION In choosing a place to work one should select a comfortable position where he can obtain the best light available and have room for his microscope and necessary accessories and reagents. There is some controversy in regard to the using of the inclination joint. There is no harm in using it if it is more comfortable to do so. If one is working with fresh mounts or fluids, the horizontal stage is necessary. Because such preparations are so often used in the laboratory, it is best for one to train himself to use the microscope with the tube in the perpendicular position and make it a rule to keep it in that position. Make it a rule to work with both eyes open, and if possible, use either eye interchangeably. A very little practice will enable one to do so. By paying attention to this and proper lighting, there is no reason why any reasonable amount of work with the microscope should injure the eyes. LIGHT The best light is obtained from white clouds, although some authorities claim that the light from the blue sky is best. Avoid the use of direct sunlight. If the room is so situated that the sun shines in, use white shades to modify the sunlight. If possible, select a window which is free from cross bars, wire nettings, etc., and which is some distance from swaying branches of trees. For long continued work on any one subject artificial light has one advantage over daylight in that it is constant in quality and intensity. The best artificial light is a Welsbach burner. A whitened incandescent bulb is good. Ordinary lamplight can be used very successfully. In using artificial light it is best to use a bull's eye condenser between it and the mirror. It is also best, wherever possible, to use a blue glass between the light source and the specimen. Some workers make a glass globe filled with ammonia copper sulphate serve the purpose of both the condenser and the blue glass. It is so mounted in a shade as to exclude all other light from the microscope. An eye shade, or some shade cutting off all light from the microscope excepting that which strikes the mirror, is often desirable.
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Microscope Technique 
