Complete Book of the Microscope

A fabulous and revealing introduction to the secrets of the microscopic world. Features amazing photos of what can be discovered through a microscope, from atoms to algae and dust to DNA. With over 20 step-by-step microscope activities including preparing slides and observing everyday objects, insects and even your own cheek cells. Includes practical information on buying, using and taking care of a microscope. With internet-links to websites with more amazing photos, projects and activities. The chapters in this book include: The micro world - Larger than life - Making things looks bigger - Using a microscope - Paper and print - Fibres and fabrics - Odds and ends - Clues to the past - Solving crimes The human body - On your head - Bodywork - Body cells - Inside a body cell - Inside a nucleus - Bacteria - Viruses - Microscopes in medicine - Microscopes and surgery Plants and fungi - Looking at plants - Plant food - How plants spread - Water plants - Fungi - Food science Creepy crawlies - Insect watching - Insects up close - Watery minibeasts - Unwelcome guests - Body residents - The plant eaters Rocks to robots - Sand and rocks - Microfossils - Crystals - More crystals - Testing metals - Micromachines - Nanotechnology - A nano future? Past and present - Early microscopes - The war on germs - Microscopes today Practical points - Buying a microscope - Equipment - Advanced techniques