Microscopes have been around for hundreds of years, with the earliest known as “flea glasses” because they were used to observe insects. Before they were invented, people believed that illnesses were due to evil spirits or poisonous gases. In medieval times, religion was incredibly important. Many Saxons believed that illness was a punishment from God. However, the Vikings thought magic from demons or evil spirits was the cause of sudden illnesses. As more people became ill while living in busy towns rather than in rural areas, people deduced it was due to nasty smells known as miasma. These beliefs began to change once the microscope was made, as bacteria could be seen.
These days compound microscopes (these have at least two lenses) are so advanced they can magnify a sample up to 1000 times,
GCSE scientists – you need to understand how to use a microscope. For help with this try our guide “How to work with Microscopes”. In this guide is an explanation of how to use microscopes as well as how to calculate magnification. There is also information on the difference between electron and light microscopes. It includes questions to try, and answers to check your understanding.
Click on the picture below to see the guide.
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