The Usborne Complete Book of the Microscope (Complete Books)
Grade 4-8-Double-page spreads explore objects and organisms that can be viewed with a microscope. Individual topics, such as "Body Cells" or "Water Plants," are grouped into larger categories including "The Human Body" and "Plants and Fungi." Various kinds of microscopes and microscopy techniques, not always covered in books on this subject, are also discussed, including electron microscopes, scanning tunneling microscopes, acoustic microscopes, and the use of polarizing filters. Insets give instructions and helpful hints on using an optical microscope. Although the text is clearly written, dangling participles and other grammatical errors exist. All pages are lavishly splashed with eye-catching photographs. While the fascinating illustrations are sure to spark students' interest, the fact that most are computer enhanced may lead to disappointment when they are confronted with the typically gray-toned views through a real microscope. Libraries may want to pair this volume with more detailed titles such as Werner Nachtigall's Exploring with the Microscope (Sterling, 1995) or with historical presentations such as Gail Stewart's Microscopes: Bringing the Unseen World into Focus (Lucent, 1992; o.p.).Stephanie Bianchi, National Science Foundation Library, VACopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.