Re: Which Microsscope?

It's also worth noting that bacteria are more easily seen if they are
stained- that means they are dead!
If you want to see them alive then a good option (the best?) is to buy a
microscope that has a phase contrast kit. This requires a special objective
lens, which allows you to see the bacteria while they are still alive. I
have watched, for instance, gliding bacteria from a pond. They are able to
move across the surface of a glass microscope slide- but they don't have any
visible means of locomotion (none of the flagella, or whip-like appendages
that most bacteria that can move have).
Phase contrast will give hours of fun! (in fact, you might be quite limited
without it.

Opinions of those more versed in microscopy are welcomed!!

Ian Jenson
Sydney Australia