A flying-spot microscope

Abstract

SURPRISINGLY little of the information obtained with microscopes has been quantitative; most observers are content to sit at the microscope and regard the image, or to photograph it. Theoretically, it is possible to scan the image or its photograph mechanically; but this has seldom been done in practice. The whole method of obtaining resolution by lenses involves so much loss of light, lack of control of contrast, and other difficulties, that it is difficult to provide a good display or method of scanning. © 1951 Nature Publishing Group.