It is always best to observe undisturbed material for as long as possible. Free-swimming types are most easily observed on glass slides with cover slips supported by blobs of Vaseline at each corner. Cavity slides can also be used, though the greater volume of water can be troublesome. Begin observations at low powers first, making observations and drawings as required, before moving on to higher powers. Both dark-field and phase contrast illumination techniques are useful if you have them available.
Paramecium Identifying to species level is very time-consuming.
However, it is often quite easy to place organisms into one of the higher levels of classification, and this is a more feasible thing to aim for when beginning study. As experience is gained and familiarity with the keys, identification to the level of genus can be reached. If any reader wishes to ask about any of the above, or to comment, please do get in touch by contacting me Mike Samworth . A Micscape article describing simple hand centrifuges, their use and construction is planned in the next few months. Return to article .