Abstract
THE microscope is now so widely used in all branches of science and in industry that it is not surprising to find an increasing demand for greater optical efficiency. It must be admitted that in comparatively few cases is the instrument used under such conditions as to secure the best possible result; but this is due to lack of appreciation of the principles involved, and will be remedied only by a wide educational effort. Even when the greatest optical efficiency is secured, the limitations are soon felt. The chief need is for increased resolution, that factor on which the delineation of minute structure depends. Advances of great value have been made in methods of rendering visible minute objects, but it must be clearly realised that, while this greater visibility can be secured, no information as to the form or structure of objects which are below the resolution limits is to be obtained by this means. Increased magnification is by some workers still regarded as desirable, but unless this is accompanied by proportionally increased resolution, the results are worse than useless, and can lead only to serious errors of interpretation.
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BARNARD, J. Microscopy with Ultra-violet Light. Nature 106, 378–381 (1920). https://doi.org/10.1038/106378a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/106378a0