Which Microscope Please?

[Spiro121]

Hello everyone,

I would like to buy a microscope to -
1. View Mushroom spores.
2. View Bacteria.

Can I combine the two with one microscope and if so,which one?

I'd like to learn more about mycology and look at bacteria.

I'm completly new to mushrooms, microscopes and bacteria, being a chef by trade I know how to cook them and have an idea of what can happen if you eat the wrong one.

Any response would be much appreciated.

regards
Gary

[Chris Yeates]

hi Gary

this is a good starting point: MICROSCOPY UK / MICSCAPE - Choosing and buying a microscope

don't be in a rush to get one, I would advise attaching yourself to a foray which has a workroom element, where there will be people there whom you can speak to and who can advise you further (whereabouts are you based?)

if you look at fungi under the microscope for any length of time you cannot avoid seeing bacteria - they do after all run this planet (seriously!), but identifying them is a completely different matter . . . . . fungi are difficult but can mostly be named by amateurs with the equipment, the literature and the experience - naming bacteria is for the specialist in a specialist lab, with the ability to culture etc. (it is also a potential biohazard )

does that help?

Chris

[Spiro121]

Hi Chris

Thanks for the reply, yes it helps a great deal.

I'm in the South Birmingham area and would love to find out more about mycology, do you know of any groups or web sites around here?

regards
Gary

[Chris Yeates]

for starters try: Warwickshire Fungus Survey

Chris