Handling

Although microscopes may seem sturdy, they are actually quite fragile as evidenced by their glass lenses and delicate focusing mechanisms. Microscopes have gone down in price over the past couple of decades, and there are many more microscopes available now that are made with inexpensive materials that may not be as durable as earlier models. Always pick up a microscope using both hands, one holding the arm of the microscope and the other supporting its base. Although it may seem tempting, never grab or carry a microscope by its eyepiece. When you put the microscope down again, be sure to do so on a flat surface, such as a tabletop.