INTRO APPLICATIONS LIGHT,

An introduction to the use of light microscopy in analysis of industrial, clinical and forensic samples, drawing attention to methods and the capabilities of light microscopy as compared to electron microscopy. The authors draw upon their experience as analytical consultants to provide illustrative examples of samples that have been studies. The study looks at the applications of microscopy in the analysis of foods, pharmaceuticals, metals, plastics, water, agricultural materials, waste management, bacteriology and other areas. The microscope may be employed as a qualitative tool, for the purposes of identification and in observing chemical or physical changes, or in a quantitative sense - such as for fibre counts or the determination of the botanical origin of pollen found in natural honey. Standard optical microscopy may be supplemented by hot stages, polarized light, ultra-violet light, fluorescence, interferometry, projection, photomicrography and many other facilities. Analytical chemistry, and hence microscopy, may be applied across a range of areas, including commercial and business activities and the book emphasizes the special requirements for each particular field and contains information that should be of value to the microscopist regardless of his or her specialization. Overall the purpose of the book is to review recent experience of the use of the light microscope in its various forms in a range of analytical applications. The first section introduces the instrument and some recommended practices, while the second gives examples which are based largely upon practical experience.