Contrast: Bright-Field Microscopy

This lecture covers the importance of contrast in microscopy, focusing on bright-field (wide-field) microscopy. It explains how contrast is essential to differentiate details from the background, especially when imaging transparent biological samples. The trade-off between contrast and resolution is discussed, along with techniques to enhance contrast, such as adjusting the contrast level and using staining methods. The historical significance of dyes in microscopy, particularly in histology, is also highlighted, showcasing how synthetic dyes revolutionized medicine by providing high-resolution contrast. The lecture delves into the contributions of scientists like Henry Perkin and Paul Ehrlich in the development of staining methods for histology.