Microscopes are equipment or instruments that are being used to view objects or specimens under study at a closer range, which technically can or cannot be seen through the naked eye.

Microscopy on the other hand refers to the science of studying or observing objects of minute standards with the aid of a microscope.

The first microscope had been developed in the early 1600’s in the Netherlands, though the exact date and inventor is often mixed up, it is due to note though at least three individuals, Hans Janssen with his son Zacharias and Hans Lippershey.

Stereoscopic microscopes, especially those of the digital variety, can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from $5,000 up to $10,000. For more infomation, please visit http://www.digitalstereoscopicmicroscope.com/

For savvy observers with a limited budget on hand, the Internet provides various websites that offer instructions on how to make a home-made stereoscopic microscope.

The following materials would be needed:

•    Binoculars

•    Various types of screws or bolts

•    Epoxy cement

•    Aluminum plates

•    Knobs

•    Teflon or Nylon sheets

•    Prisms

•    Steel square tube

•    White plastic trim

•    Methacrylate number 3

•    Steel plate number 5

There are various kinds and types of microscopes, this includes the following:

1)    Electron Microscopes
Instead of light, this type of microscope uses beams of electrons which have relatively smaller wavelength than that of the visible light.

2)    Scanning probe microscope
This is used for close contact over the subject or sample being studied.  The interaction of the tip of the microscope with that of the subject is detrimental for the whole process of studying the specimen.

3)    Optical Microscopes
It is one of the simplest and most commonly used types of the microscope.  This includes compound and stereoscopic microscopes.

Stereoscopic microscope on the other hand is generally made up of two microscopes that give out an image from two slightly different angles.  The result of which is a three-dimensional image of the subject or specimen under observation.

Where compound microscopes are used to observe specimen which may not be even visible to the naked eye, stereoscopic microscopes on the other hand caters for the observations of larger types of subjects.

This may include the following:

1)    Insects
Close observation of insects in its various stages of life is detrimental in understanding its living preferences and ways.  That, as well as the proper determination of specific parts of its anatomy, is likewise crucial in understanding their life cycle.

2) Plants and flowers
Certain plants or flowers are hosts of various forms or types of insects.  Close observation would give a closer look on what specific types inhabit specific flora.  Likewise, certain parts of most plants can only be seen through closer observation, all of which could have compounding value for understanding the overall reproduction of the kind.

3) Metals
There are certain types of microscopes that are designed to identify certain defects on the surface of various metals.  Such is needed for the proper valuation of the metal concerned and is then a great aid for proper appraising of the same.

4)    Coins
To be able to properly value a certain coin, one has to closely see the details engraved on it.  This is especially true for certain coins of some ancient Muslim countries whose coins do not bear an image.  Dating and appraising of its value is based on the logos or seals, as well as written texts that embody each coin.  Proper gauging of such features can only be done through the use of stereoscopic microscopes, since most features are unrecognizable with the naked eye

5)    Small living matters
Aside from insects, small aquatic creatures are likewise interesting subjects that can be observed under this type of microscope.  For starters, one can buy from the local pet store small shrimps called brine shrimps, for they are one of the most fascinating of sea creatures of minute proportions.

6)    Other non-living matters.
Not everything that is alive and wiggling are the only interesting subjects.  Everyday materials such as corks or wooden spoons, when under the microscope, can reveal certain features which one could easily pass out for not being visible to the naked eye.

Generally, anything that can fit into the petri dish or the plate attached to the stereoscopic microscope can be a probable subject for observation.

One only has to have the interest and the patience to observe and adjust the magnification to be able to have a clear image of the specimen or object under observation.