Microscopes are instruments that produce magnified images of small objects

Optical and light microscopes use the visible or near-visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to magnify images of objects

Electron microscopes use a focused beam of electrons instead of light to "image" the specimen and gain information as to its structure and composition

Biological microscopes are used to study organisms and their vital processes

Specialty microscopes are designed for specific applications such as metallurgy or gemology.

Microscope accessories and supplies are used with many different types of microscopes, including dissection or stereoscopic, compound, and confocal devices

Microscope stages are platforms where specimens are placed for observation with a microscope.