Inverteds (as they are called) got their name because the recognized standard - the upright microscope - works in a specific way, and is the most easily recognized orientation of a microscope. Upright microscopes look down at specimens with light source below it. These are the types of microscopes usually used by medical technologies doing your blood work; inverted ones, on the other hand, look up the specimen with light sources above the specimen.

Although the equipment was first introduced in the 19th century, it saw use in the observation of marine life only during the first years of the 20th century. During World War II, the inverted microscope was used to analyze solid, heavy metals like iron and steel. These days, inverteds are useful in many types of research that use large, heavy or otherwise bulky samples requiring a wide berth of geometry.

Although the ecology in deep seas can be recreated for observation of a small bowl or a miniature aquarium, the container holding the specimen requires a relatively wide staging. Additionally, aquatic live and living organisms are prone to gravity and tend to settle down the base of the container. This makes it ideal to place the sample or its container above to allow for more flexibility and to be able to conduct observations in more natural circumstances.

By now, you'd have surmised that inverteds are useful in several fields, particularly in research observations. Besides aquatic and materials research, inverteds are also useful in observing tissue culture on petri dishes – a common method used in biological sciences and medicines research. Modern inverted microscopes however, are designed for flexibility, with the user in mind.

Today, most modern microscopes are able to multi-task, with the whole ensemble being a collection of interchangeable parts that can be fitted together to serve a purpose. Manufacturers have worked hard and are working hard to meet the demands of the various sectors and users of microscopes. They are also integrating microscopy techniques to create separable modules.

In this day and age, the more modular a microscope is, the more economical it is. Manufacturers make a wide range of modules to suit many purposes across disciplines, users, and even across different microscopy techniques. So, if you find an inverted microscope with an epi-flourescent attachment, don't be surprised. That's evolution at work.

Besides the modularization of inverted microscopes, new designs include internal light sources that are below or parallel to the specimen. Most viewing and recording controls are still below the sample. This new design allows you to put specimens directly on top of the microscope. This, in turn, allows you to manipulate sample placement in a wide geometry of choices for total flexibility.

More advanced models integrate video capabilities for specimen scanning and direct digital or analog data recording. This is very useful in various laboratories that require fast, data analysis. Often, these video microscopes are integrated into the laboratories digital or automated systems for sample analysis.

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