Amateur microscopy

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Amateur Microscopy is the investigation and observation of biological and non-biological specimens for recreational purposes using an optical microscope (light microscopes). Collectors of minerals, insects, seashells and plants may use microscopes as tools to uncover features that help them 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 tasks that augment the spectrum of tasks of the amateur. There are even competitions for photomicrograph art. Participants of this past time may either use commercially prepared microscopic slides or may engage in the task of specimen preparation.

While microscopy is a central tool in the documentation of biological specimens, it is rarely sufficient to justify the discovery 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 fully equipped laboratory may be necessary, something often not available to amateurs. For this reason it may be unlikely that amateur microscopists are capable of substantiating their find to the extent to yield a scientific publication.