New reflected-light microscope for viewing unstained brain and ganglion cells

We have designed and constructed a new type of reflected-light microscope to form images including only light reflected near the plane of the object. This selectivity of image formation is based on a mechanical flying-spot technique. Objects difficult or impossible to see with earlier microscopes, such as unstained cells and cell processes in brains of living salamanders and in excised dorsal root ganglia of frogs, have been observed routinely with this microscope.