Dictionary of Microscopy

The Dictionary of Microscopy by M&A's Editor Dr Julian Heath provides concise, illustrated definitions of over 2500 terms used in the microscopy literature

The past decade has seen huge advances in the application of microscopy in all areas of experimental science; this has been paralleled by an expansion of the vocabulary used in microscopical, optical and imaging techniques.

The Dictionary is an essential aide to help you navigate both new and old terms by providing definitions of over 2500 terms used in the fields of optics, light microscopy, electron microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, X-ray microscopy and related techniques.

Over 2000 copies of the Dictionary have been sold since the publication date of August 2005, making it one of the most popular resources in the field of microscopy!

Summary of Contents

The Dictionary contains concise, illustrated definitions of terms in these fields (and more):

• OPTICS: electromagnetic radiation, light, electrons, X-rays, geometrical optics, electron optics, wave optics, vision, aberrations, stereoscopy, scattering, diffraction, reflection, refraction, electron interactions, spectroscopy, ...
• LIGHT MICROSCOPES: instrument design, optical pathways, accessories, brightfield, darkfield, phase contrast, polarization, differential interference contrast, interferometry, fluorescence, confocal, multiphoton, infrared, Raman, ...
• ELECTRON MICROSCOPES: instrument design, optical pathways, accessories, scanning electron microscopes, transmission electron microscopes, STEM, microprobes, magnetic lenses, X-ray microanalysis, electron energy-loss spectroscopy, electron diffraction, darkfield, cryoelectron microscopy, focused ion-beams, ...
• SCANNING PROBE MICROSCOPES: instrument design, scanners, cantilevers, tips, controllers, accessories, applications, ...
• IMAGING: cameras, monitors, photography, video, CCD, detectors, spectrometers, image analysis, image processing, software, ...
• SPECIMEN PREPARATION: specimen processing equipment for biological and materials preparation, fixation, cryo techniques, embedding, microtomes, thinning, coating, staining, ...
• GENERAL: fundamental physical and chemical constants, units, calibration, illumination sources, vacuum pumps, electronic devices, acronyms, bibliography, sponsors, ...

Readership

The Dictionary of Microscopy is an essential, accessible resource for:

• students who are new to the field and are learning about microscopes
• equipment purchasers who want an explanation of the terms used in manufacturers' literature
• scientists who are considering using a new microscopical technique
• experienced microscopists as an aide mémoire or quick source of reference
• librarians, the press and marketing personnel who require definitions for technical reports.

Get your copy at all Microscopy Conferences

John Wiley and Sons is offering special discounts for the Dictionary of Microscopy at all microscopy conferences, plus the opportunity to meet the author and purchase an autographed copy. Click here for further details and pictures of winners at the launch of the Dictionary in 2005.

Contact the Author, Julian Heath

Send an email to the author, the Editor of Microscopy and Analysis Dr Julian Heath.

View or Submit Corrections, Additions and Illustrations

Click here to download the Supplement to the Dictionary of Microscopy (PDF 350 kB) containing corrections to the first edition. The author invites comments, corrections, suggestions for new entries (with definitions), and illustrations for current entries.

Sample Pages

Click here to view four specimen pages (PDF 2MB).

Order Your Copy of the Dictionary

Click here to order your copy online. Sales ticker: 1800 copies sold to date! Special discounts are available at microscopy meetings and for organizers of workshops and course instructors.

(In)Famous Literary Criticism: (You need broad shoulders to be an author)

"If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Sir Isaac Newton (1643-1727).

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." Albert Einstein (1879-1955).

"Your book is both good and original. Unfortunately the good bits are not original and the original bits are not good." Widely attributed to Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), but no trace exists in his writing, according to Wikipedia.

"There was a good bit in the middle - when we had the ice-cream." Anonymous (contemporary).