Editing Microscopy (section)

== Amateur microscopy ==
''Amateur Microscopy'' is the investigation and observation of [[biology|biological]] and non-biological specimens for recreational purposes. Collectors of [[mineral]]s, [[insect]]s, [[seashell]]s, and [[plant]]s may use [[microscope]]s as tools to uncover features that help them [[Categorization|classify]] their collected items. Other amateurs may be interested in observing the life found in pond water and of other samples. Microscopes may also prove useful for the water quality assessment for people that keep a [[home aquarium]]. Photographic documentation and drawing of the microscopic images are additional pleasures. There are competitions for [[photomicrograph]] art. Participants of this pastime may use commercially prepared microscopic slides or prepare their own slides.

While microscopy is a central tool in the documentation of biological specimens, it is often insufficient to justify the description of a new species based on microscopic investigations alone. Often genetic and biochemical tests are necessary to confirm the discovery of a new species. A [[laboratory]] and access to academic literature is a necessity. There is, however, one advantage that amateurs have above professionals: time to explore their surroundings. Often, advanced amateurs team up with professionals to validate their findings and possibly describe new species.

In the late 1800s, amateur microscopy became a popular hobby in the United States and Europe. Several 'professional amateurs' were being paid for their sampling trips and microscopic explorations by philanthropists, to keep them amused on the Sunday afternoon (e.g., the diatom specialist A. Grunow, being paid by (among others) a Belgian industrialist). Professor [[John Phin]] published "Practical Hints on the Selection and Use of the Microscope (Second Edition, 1878)," and was also the editor of the "American Journal of Microscopy."

'''Examples of amateur microscopy images:'''
<gallery>
Image:Housebeemouth100x.jpg|"house bee" Mouth 100X
Image:RiceStemcs400x1.jpg|Rice Stem cs 400X
Image:Rabbitttestis100x2.jpg|Rabbit Testis 100X
Image:FernProthallium400x.jpg|Fern Prothallium 400X
</gallery>