Graphical Conversions of Mechanical Stage Readings for Field Finding in Different Microscopes

Abstract

The relocation in one microscope of specific fields observed with another microscope can be done simply by graphic conversion of stage readings. An important advantage is that the original microscope need not be available, as may be the case when an individual moves to a new laboratory. Moreover, only one slide is required for calibration. The technique is based on the linear relationship of the scales of mechanical stages, which permits readings of two stages to be plotted as a straight line. Two readings on each microscope thus suffice to determine completely the relationships of two stages. The method is very much more rapid than commercial field-finders when many objects must be relocated.