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Compound microscopes magnify objects up to 1000 times and are used for small, thin objects like cells. Dissecting microscopes magnify up to 40 times and are used for larger objects with greater depth. Dissecting microscopes have one objective lens and two eyepieces for 3D viewing, while compound microscopes have three objectives and one eyepiece.
There are some differences between a compound microscope and a dissecting microscope. While each of these tools is used to magnify a subject placed on the microscope stage, the amount of magnification that can be achieved varies considerably between these two devices. They are also constructed in different ways, mainly with regards to objective lenses and eyepieces.
One of the major differences between a compound and a dissecting microscope is the magnification that can be achieved through each of these instruments. Compound microscopes are typically capable of magnifying an object 400 times, although it is not uncommon to find a compound microscope capable of magnifying an object 1,000 times. Dissecting microscopes, on the other hand, usually only magnify an object 40 times or less.
The reasons for these differences in magnifying power also distinguish a compound and dissecting microscope from each other. Compound microscopes are generally used to view very small and relatively thin things, such as cells. Dissecting microscopes are used to look at larger objects that have a greater degree of depth, such as pollen grains. As the name suggests, dissecting microscopes are also commonly used to dissect small life forms, such as insects.
Compound and dissecting microscopes also use different lenses. Dissecting microscopes often have only one objective lens which may allow you to magnify an object within a set magnification range, such as 10 to 30 or 20 to 40 times. There are three objectives on a compound microscope: one that allows you to see the object at about the same magnification as that of the dissecting microscope, one that magnifies at full power, often 400 times, and one in between. The objectives on a compound microscope are also much closer to the stage than they are on a dissecting microscope. The additional space between the stage and the objective on a dissecting microscope gives the viewer room to manipulate the subject as they examine it.
Another difference between a compound and dissecting microscope is that a dissecting microscope is always composed of two eyepieces so that the viewer can look at the subject with both eyes. This allows you to view the subject in three dimensions. Compound microscopes, on the other hand, are often made with only one eyepiece. While there are compound microscopes with two eyepieces, they allow the observer to see only a thin slice of the subject, even if it is three-dimensional, so a single eyepiece is usually sufficient.
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