On Tuesday 2 December 2008, nine members of the GNS lichen group met for an indoors study day on the use of microscopes. The tutor, David Hill, showed how to get the best from our microscopes, both dissecting microscopes with up to 40x magnification for morphological details, and compound microscope with up to 1000x magnification for anatomical details.
We prepared sections and had “fun with crystals”. Some lichens produce characteristic colour changes and form crystals when certain reagents are added to the slide, which can be seen developing before your very eyes. A very enjoyable day.