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What's the difference between a
"stereoscope" and a "microscope"?
A stereoscope is a binocular microscope (also
known as a "dissecting microscope") that magnifies at a relatively low power
for viewing three-dimensional, opaque objects, such as flowers, insects, mineral
specimens, fossils, coins, or really anything! Generally the magnification
of a stereoscope is between 20x and 50x, and specimens are lighted from
above. The three-dimensional image is produced by TWO objective lenses,
plus the eyepieces.
A biological or compound microscope might have a binocular OR
monocular head, and magnifies at a much higher power than a stereoscope. A
compound microscope is designed for viewing small cells, or thin sections of organs or
tissues placed on a glass mounting slide. The specimens are thin enough
that light can pass through them from below. Magnifications of microscopes
are generally from 40x to 1000x, and there is one objective lens.
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