Dissecting Microscope Vs. Compound Microscope

We all know that diseases are caused by pathogens and microorganisms. However, do we ever wonder about how 'micro' these microorganisms really are? They obviously can't be seen with the naked eye. So, instruments that manage to magnify a hundred times over what is normally seen are required to view these microorganisms. And thus, came into being one of the most important inventions of our time, the microscope. There are many different types of microscopes which differ in their structure and function and are made for a specific purpose. Two such types of microscopes are the dissecting microscope and the compound microscope. So, what is the difference between compound and dissecting microscopes?

Compound Microscope vs Dissecting Microscope

Structure
A dissecting microscope has two lens arrays which are aligned in such a manner that they bring about a three dimensional magnification of the object. They usually have two eyepieces for this same reason. The compound microscope parts and function differ from those of a dissecting microscope, which helps lay the foundation of the differences seen when comparing a compound microscope vs dissecting microscope. A compound microscope uses multiple lenses to collect light. Then, it also has a separate and distinguished set of lenses which help to focus the light to the eye of the viewer. Due to the presence of these multiple lenses, compound microscopes are not only large and heavier but they are also more expensive when compared to a dissecting microscope. So, now you know what is a compound light microscope and a dissecting microscope, let us see how they differ in other aspects.

Light for Viewing
In all microscopes, the object that is magnified is viewed with the help of light. In some cases, this light may act directly to illuminate the object, or it may be reflected in nature, so that the object gets illuminated via the reflections. The light on the basis of which the object present on the glass slide is viewed is one of the differentiating points. In a dissecting or stereo microscope, the object is viewed with the help of reflected light rather than transmitted light, whereas in a compound microscope, the light is transmitted through the object itself. The main reason why reflected light is preferred in a dissecting microscope is that this kind of light allows a person to view an object that would either be too thick in its sectioning and/or too opaque, due to which it will not allow light to pass through, and so will not be visible if viewed under a compound microscope.

Function
Now that we know the various differences when it comes to parts of microscope of the dissecting and compound variety, let us see what each of them are used for. The resolution of a dissecting microscope is much lower than that of a compound microscope. Thus, the stereo microscope is used to study the surface of solid substances and is used for studying dissections, in microsurgeries, for watch making and in the making of small circuit boards. The compound microscope's basics and uses include its use to view far more minute and smaller things, like bacteria, protozoa, cells, etc.

These were the various points which set these two types of microscopes apart. Microscopes have come a long way since their invention centuries ago. Now, science is so advanced that there are other microscopes that have been designed for specific functions or they are highly advanced, like electron microscopes. So, if you wish to stay in sync with the fast paced progress that science in general and biology is specific is making, then you need to know all about the types of microscopes and their uses thoroughly.