stereo photomicrography (optical): bibliography

[P3D Peter Abrahams <telscope@xxxxxxxxxx>]

These are some references on stereo photography through the optical
microscope.  There seem to be at least a dozen more, although the coverage
is probably limited in most.  Electron microscope stereos are a more
developed field.

Ferwerda, J.G.  The World of 3-D.  1990.  pp264-5.  Home made tilting
stage, illumination, problems with small depth of field.

Morgan, W.D. and H.M. Lester. Stereo Realist Manual. 1954.  pp335-359.
"...some microscopes have two angles of convergence...bent within the
microscope body by the prisms...the eyepieces converge more sharply than do
the objectives...to produce an exaggerated effect of depth."  (The diagram
shows the objectives tilted 6 degrees from vertical and the oculars 4
degrees from vertical.)  The use of the Realist is discussed, prisms
between the camera and the oculars produce the parallel light path required
by the camera.   Depth of field is inadequate with the microscope, it is
best to focus on the near point and keep blur away from the observer. Some
amazing accessories are discussed to allow the use of a monobjective
microscope by splitting the light path just behind the objective so that
the light from the left side of the objective is polarized oppositely from
the light from the right.  
This is an excellent chapter, in spite of the incredible extremes to which
the authors will go, to allow use of the Realist, when individual cameras
over each ocular, or one camera in succession, would be much easier.  They
fabricated prism adapters to fit over the oculars to produce the parallel
light, and advocate two Realists, one with back removed and ground glass to
focus.
The bibliography of this chapter has 10 titles, only one of which is a
familiar one.

Needham, George.  The Practical Use of the Microscope. 1958.  pp455-459.
One of the best general introductions to the microscope. Degree of tilt of
the specimen is related to allowable magnification, and a special tilting
stage by Watson is mentioned.  Incident light is best, but transmitted
light stereos are useful for blood and bacteria.  Hyperstereoscopy is
frowned on.  An extremely complicated procedure involving Kohler
illumination and oblique light is detailed.  

Delly, John.  Photography Through the Microscope.  1988 (and many previous
editions.)  pp78-9.  The most common, standard reference, but only the bare
bones of stereo work.

Lawson, Douglas. The Technique of Photomicrography. 1960. pp170-185. Very
good treatment. Tilting stages, seven degrees is considered optimal, the
Moitessier stage with twelve degrees of tilt is excessive.  It is possible
to incline the angle of lighting by using a subaperture stop in the
condenser, instead of tilting the specimen.   (I have tried this method
with a conspicuous lack of success.)

One source cited by two of these references is unavailable to me from local
libraries.  If any P3Ders can get it, I would very much like a copy & would
reciprocate:
Henry M. Lester & Oscar W. Richards: Stereoscopic photomicrography with
cameras of fixed interocular distance.  J. Biol. Photo. A., 23: 16-28, 1955.
_______________________________________
Peter Abrahams   telscope@xxxxxxxxxx
the history of the telescope, the microscope,
    and the prism binocular


------------------------------