
Note: The shareware version of Microscope may be distributed as per the 
      concept of Shareware Marketing. Any version identifying itself as 
      a REGISTERED version must not be copied or distributed without 
      express written permission from Molcol Software or an accredited 
      agent.

      Shareware versions are identified as such by the word SHAREWARE 
      appearing in the AUX WINDOW on Microscope's main screen on start-up!

                    Microscope for the PC - Version 3.0                 
                    ===================================                 
                    (c) Molcol Software 1992 - 95   UK                  
                    69 Commonside West, Mitcham, Surrey. CR4 4HB        
                    ENGLAND. UK         Voice/Fax Tel: 0181 685 0528    
                    International-      Voive/Fax Tel: 44 181 685 0528  
                    Internet EMAIL: mol@molcol.demon.co.uk              
                                                                        
        ~~~ please note ~~~~

        This Manual is almost a direct copy of the one issued with a full
        Registered version. The instructions on installing additional 
        slidesets refer to REGISTERED sdlidesets and NOT shareware sets.
        Please see README.1ST for info on installing slidesets!!
        ================================================================
                  USER MANUAL - ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDITION                
                     **     FOR SHAREWARE USERS     **                  
                  To Print -  Enter: MANPRINT from DOS command line.    
        ================================================================









                            * LEGAL DECLARATION *                       
                                                                        
        Microscope for the PC software, text files, electronic          
        slidesets, associated files, and images - including this Manual,
        are subject to SHAREWARE marketing priniciples. Their content,  
        use of the files, text, and images in any form, or alteration of
        any part here-in without a written consent from the authors     
        Molcol Software is illegal!                                     
                                                                        
        Whilst every care is taken to ensure this software performs to  
        user-expectation, including comprehensive testing of its parts  
        and the accuracy of educational & scientific references, no     
        liability is accepted by Molcol Software, nor their agents - for
        loss or damage to your PC, associated hardware, files, or other 
        components of your system; nor any other consequential damage   
        which may occur as a result of using the software.              
                                                                        
        This Shareware version has been released to enable you to try   
        out the software before deciding to pay a registration fee. It  
        performs in every respect like a registered version except you  
        are limited to the number of SHAREWARE slidesets you can have   
        ready for instant access, and * YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ACCESS  
        the large library of PROFESSIONAL SLIDESET PACKS available only 
        to REGISTERED users **                                          
                                                                        
        Further modules for Professional REGISTERED users are being     
        devloped. These will only be available to REGISTERED users.     
        We hope you enjoy this encounter with Microscopy!               
                                                                        
                                              Maurice Smith. 1994/95    
                                              Molcol Software.          




                         *********************                          
                         * LICENCE AGREEMENT *                          
                         *********************                          

        Microscope for the PC exists as a SHAREWARE package and as a    
        Licenced [PROFESSIONAL] package. SHAREWARE users can obtain a   
        REGISTERED version and access ALL the slidesets in the complete 
        Library of slideset. Both single-user AND multi-user site-      
        Licences can only be obtained from MOLCOL SOFTWARE (UK) or by   
        applying to an authorised distributor; a normal registered copy 
        of Microscope for the PC grants a single-user licence only,     
        unless otherwise stated in literature included with the product.
                                                                        
        A SINGLE-USER LICENCE grants the right to install and use       
        Microscope for the PC on a single personal computer. It must    
        not be installed on more than one PC. A single exception to this
        rule is:  where a user has a PC at home and one at work, he     
        may install the software on both PC's PROVIDING THE SOFTWARE IS 
        NOT USED ON BOTH PC's at the same time.                         
                                                                        
        A SITE-USE LICENCE grants the right to install and use          
        Microscope for the PC on MORE than 1 PC at a single location,   
        for example in a school or training centre. In these cases a    
        written licence issued by Molcol Software or an authorised      
        distributor is required. The purchase of a SITE-USER licence    
        is inexpensive and will allow purchase and installation of      
        slidesets on all machines covered, merely through the purchase  
        of a single slideset copy. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR
        FOR DETAILS.                                                    

        ********   HOW TO OBTAIN A REGISTERED VERSION  **********       
                   (See README.1ST FILES for INFO)  
        Page  1

        ================================================================
                                                                        
        MANUAL        : MICROSCOPE FOR THE PC VERSION 3.0   May 1995    
                                                                        
        ================================================================

                                     CONTENTS                           

        ( Owners of real Microscopes may find chapter 14 interesting? ) 
                                                                        
        CHAPTER        TOPIC                                            
        -------        ------------------------------------------------ 
           1           Welcome to Electronic Microscopy.                
           2           How to get the best from this Manual - quickly!  
           3           SET UP: Install, languages, Screens, Start-up    
           4           CONFIGURING Microscope / Password protection.    
           5           Microscope Software and files.                   
           6           The Main Screen.                                 
           7           Microscope - The Mouse and On-Screen Controls    
           8           Microscope - Help                                
           9           Microscope - Video & Animations                  
          10           Microscope - Viewing Slides: Understanding Images
          11           Microscope - Slide Types: Image Sources          
          12           Microscope - Light and Filters                   
          13           Microscope - Optical Types                       
        * 14           Microscope - Transitional EFFECTS & POLARISER    
          15           Microscope - External Programs                   
          16           Microscope - Sampling                            
          17           Microscope - Auxiliary Window                    
          18           Microscope - Problems                            
          19           Additional Support: VIDEOS, FULL COLOUR PICTURES!
          20           Advanced Use                                     
          21           CREDITS    - A 'thank-you' to all who helped!    
          22           SERIAL NUMBERS, UPDATES, BUG-FIXES               




        Page  2

        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        Chapter: 1            Electronic Microscopy                     
        ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        
        ********************************                                
        * Objectives and Program Scope *                                
        ********************************                                
        Welcome to electronic Microscopy. This software is designed to  
        offer you an advanced way of practising Microscopy without the  
        need to own a real Microscope. Please note:  although Microscope
        for the PC is an invaluable learning tool - it cannot substitute
        itself for the delight and great enjoyment encountered when     
        using a real instrument.                                        
                                                                        
        Microscope for the PC is aimed at meeting several objectives:-  
                                                                        
          (1) Provide a serious and powerful learning tool for students 
              of related sciences: e.g. Biology, Pathology etc.,        
                                                                        
          (2) Provide a TIME-SAVING resource for teachers of these      
              subjects in educational and training environments.        
                                                                        
          (3) Provide supportive reference material to existing users   
              of real Microscopes both in hobbyist and professional     
              environments.                                             
                                                                        
          (4) Provide educational entertainment for the home user.      
                                                                        
                                                                        
        *****************                                               
        * Functionality *                                               
        *****************                                               
        Microscope for the PC seeks to achieve these objectives by      
        offering a user-controlled environment which emulates using a   
        real Microscope. Slides or images arranged as SLIDESETS and     
        covering different subjects exist as data files. These can be   
        purchased as SLIDESET packs. The images are used by loading     
        them into Microscope for the PC's viewing area where they can   
        be seen in a variety of ways to reveal microscopic detail.      
                                                                        
        Images may be animated and move like video sequences, or        
        magnified at different levels from 1x to 1600x in pre-fixed     
        stages, or they may be refocused or repositioned (dependent     
        on slide type!). Indicators into image details are numbered and 
        enable cross-referencing to important facts contained in the    
        associated text files; these can be read on-screen while viewing
        the slides.                                                     
                                                                        
        Images can be instantly enhanced by using a variety of integral 
        tools: coloured filters, optical emulations - including Nomarski
        interference-contrast, pseudo polarisation, variable day-light  
        or halogen simulated illumination, negative-positive viewing,   
        full video control and a host of other tools.                   




        Page  3

        All controls are on one screen and therefore immediately        
        accessible at the same time by simply pointing and clicking the 
        mouse. The very high degree of user-interactivity encourages    
        curiosity and learning in a new exciting way, making Microscope 
        for the PC a 'second-generation' MULTI-MEDIA tool - not just    
        another electronic book! Additionally, Microscope is not        
        dependent on third-party software or SHELL (like windows), for  
        playing video sequences (* see chapter on credits): the PC      
        environment is therefore simplified, making the software easy to

        use and extremely reliable; video play-playback of animated     
        slidesets is efficient and fast.                                
                                                                        
        Intelligent help screens automatically activate to guide new    
        users along a pleasant, gentle, road to proficiency - with      
        little need for outside help, paper manuals, or time-consuming  
        Tutor-supervision. The software has been specifically designed  
        for easy self-learning in educational environments, where demand
        on teachers' time is coming under increased pressure, making it 
        difficult to apply teaching resource.                           
                                                                        
        Microscope has been developed as a major time-saving teaching   
        tool. Little or no IT experience is expected from teacher or    
        student to use it!                                              
                                                                        
        Support programs are activated from the main screen to provide  
        easy installation of additional slidesets, or to remove existing
        ones. Features include an electronic catalogue - enabling users 
        to see a variety of real microscopes, and an Optical Companion  
        - an animated tutorial about using real microscopes; this will  
        help students understand the basic controls of real instruments.
                                                                        
        A library of slidesets covering a range of subjects is available
        and is constantly being added to. Further packs of slidesets can
        be purchased inexpensively for use with Microscope for the PC.  
        Text files are produced using a wealth of knowledge 'drawn' from
        amateurs, professionals, and experienced enthusiasts of         
        Microscopy and related sciences.  Educational slidesets are     
        available, designed to follow educational curriculum, and       
        created under close direction and supervision of professional   
        school teachers of 'A' level Biology. Other slidesets exist,    
        more suitable for less serious users, to enable Microscopy to   
        be encountered and enjoyed by everyone less formally.           




        Page  4

        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        Chapter: 2            Using this Manual                         
        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        ***********************                                         
        * Printing the Manual *                                         
        ***********************                                         
        The lay-out of this manual is designed for viewing on a PC      
        monitor, where page length is considerably shorter than an A4   
        page. If your package includes guidance from the distributor on 
        how to view and print the manual, follow those instructions -   
        otherwise: the manual may be edited by your preferred text      
        editor to produce a format for applicable to printing on A4.    
                                                                        
        WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND YOU MAKE A COPY OF THE MANUAL FILE, AND   
        GIVE IT A NEW NAME, PRIOR TO ANY EDITING. YOU CAN THEN EDIT     
        THE COPY READY FOR PRINTING WITHOUT RISKING DAMAGE TO THE       
        ORIGINAL.                                                       
                                                                        
        Note: The file in MANUAL.{s}, where {s} represents the main     
        keyboard language code you normally use: UK, PO, etc., For      
        example - in the United Kingdom (English) the manual file is    
        called MANUAL.UK ; the file text is in ASCII format, sometimes  
        referred to as RAW TEXT.                                        
                                                                        
        ************                                                    
        * Overview *                                                    
        ************                                                    
        The manual is not designed to teach you how to use Microscope   
        for the PC at a control level; this type of help is provided    
        within the software itself during use. Instead, the manual      
        provides broad understanding of how to gain the best results    
        from the software. It outlines essential differences between    
        study with a real optical instrument and study using this tool. 
        The manual will prepare you for a journey filled with wonder,   
        helping you navigate your way and guiding you towards a better  
        understanding of what you observe on route.                     
                                                                        
        It is a source of help and a provider of hints and tips.        

        ******************                                              
        * Where to begin *                                              
        ******************                                              
        Most people never read manuals. I dare say, like me, they       
        consider the best way of learning something new is to try       
        it first and see how they get on - only looking at the manual   
        with great frustration when they come up against a problem.     
                                                                        
        I therefore recommend you follow this standard practice & leave 
        this manual as soon as you have read the chapter called SET UP  
        to have a go at the software. When you eventually reach a       
        problem, where a help screen and a bit of trying from you fails 
        to enlighten, then come back to this text. To find the subject  
        you wish to know more about, select the broadest category from  




        Page  5

        the list of contents above and go to the appropriate chapter.   
                                                                        
        PLEASE NOW READ THE CHAPTER CALLED: SET UP!                     
        IF YOU ARE A TEACHER IN AN EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT PLEASE ALSO  
        READ CHAPTER 4 ON CONFIGURING MICROSCOPE.                       




        Page  6

        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        Chapter: 3            SET UP                                    
        ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        
        ************                                                    
        * Overview *                                                    
        ************                                                    
        Microscope is designed to be used in different countries. It is 
        translated into several languages: both the main software and an
        ever-increasing range of slidesets.                             
                                                                        
        Programs and slideset packs are distributed by independent      
        agents other than MOLCOL software (the creators) under licensed 
        agreement. You should first check to see if such a distributor  
        has provided their own method of installing the software. This  
        may be the case if Microscope is part of a range of software    
        which has been stylised to conform to a common way of effecting 
        installation and set-up on your PC. If no such instructions     
        exist then INSTALLATION and SET UP is established as described  
        here.                                                           
                                                                        
                                                                        
        *******************                                             
        * LANGUAGE FILES  *                                             
        *******************                                             
        Different language files exist. These provide translations of   
        the internal help and default message screens to help people    
        all over the world use Microscope for the PC. Language files    
        are identified by their suffix:  .LNG - preceded by a           
        country code of two letters; these codes follow the naming      
        convention for keyboard codes as described in most DOS manuals. 
        For example, a language file called UK.LNG will contain text    
        in ENGLISH whereas a file called PO.LNG will be in PORTUGUESE.  
                                                                        
        Different user manuals like this one would follow a similar     
        naming convention: MANUAL.UK MANUAL.PO etc.,                    
                                                                        
        MICROSCOPE is designed to make new translations into other      
        languages a relatively easy task. Anyone interested in          
        re-translating a language file into a new language for use in   
        another country should contact MOLCOL SOFTWARE in the UNITED    
        KINGDOM to receive help and assistance.                         
                                                                        
        *******************                                             
        * DOS or WINDOWS  *                                             
        *******************                                             
        Microscope is a DOS program. It should therefore be installed   
        outside of the WINDOWS environment from the DOS command line.   
        However, once installed, you will be able to run Microscope     
        from the WINDOWS kernel under a DOS session. Please see CHAPTER 
        7 and MOUSE INITIATION for more details on this.                
        NOTE: Microscope will not run in a window itself.               




        Page  7

        ************                                                    
        * INSTALL  *                                                    
        ************                                                    
        Most software will arrive in the form of floppy discs. These may
        be numbered from 1 to n or be labelled in some other manner to  
        describe the order in which they should be installed. Microscope
        can only be used on a PC which has a hard disc drive, so files  
        on the floppy discs must ultimately exist on the hard disc for  
        the program to work. An INSTALLATION routine accomplishes this  
        in a controlled way. On the first floppy disc, normally called  
        DISC 1, a file exists called INSTALL. This may have a suffix    
        of .BAT or .COM or .EXE for example - INSTALL.BAT!              
                                                                        
        This file will initiate the Installation process. Put the floppy
        disc called DISC 1 into your floppy drive unit and log onto the 
        drive. Type INSTALL at the DOS command line and press the ENTER 
        KEY on your keyboard.  Instructions will appear on the screen to
        assist you.                                                     
                                                                        
        If INSTALL.BAT is the original file released by Molcol Software 
        to world-wide distributors, then you should invoke the          
        Installation Process by typing INSTALL {todrive} {fromdrive}    
        where the word in each curly bracket would be replaced by you   
        with two drive designation letters. For example, you would      
        enter perhaps the following: INSTALL C A   to install the soft- 
        ware on drive C from a floppy disc in drive A.                  
                                                                        
                                                                        
        ************                                                    
        *  SETUP   *                                                    
        ************                                                    
        During installation of Microscope, a program called SETUP.EXE is
        invoked. Microscope is distributed to many countries. Several   
        different language translations can be used without the need to 
        purchase the entire software pack again. Language files can be  
        obtained independently - one or more such files will have been  
        distributed with the original package. SETUP will search your   
        MSCOPE directory to see which language files exist and allow you
        to select one. You will then be asked to select a screen:       
        English or International. If you select the English screen then 
        Microscope buttons and controls will contain English labels to  
        identify them. The International screen will instead display    
        buttons and controls labelled with icons, easily recognised     
        irrespective of the natural language you use.  SETUP can also   
        be re-run anytime when using Microscope to change the language  
        or screen in use!                                               




        Page  8

        Note: SETUP will not change the language of the slideset text   
              files. Slidesets exist in different languages but cannot  
              be mixed together in the same directory.                  
              Language files and alternate translations of slideset text
              files can be purchased separately from your local         
              distributors.                                             




        Page  9

        **************************                                      
        *  INSTALLATION FAILURES *                                      
        **************************                                      
        If after several attempts to Install Microscope, you have been  
        unsuccessful, try the following:-                               
                                                                        
           (1) Log onto the root directory of your hard disc.           
           (2) Create a new directory from the DOS command line by      
               entering: MD MSCOPE                                      
           (3) Log onto this directory by entering: CD MSCOPE           
           (4) Copy all the files from the distribution disc into the   
               new directory. Enter: COPY A:\*.* if the distribution    
               discs are using floppy drive A.                          
           (5) When all the files are in the new directory, enter: SETUP
           (6) When SETUP finishes, enter: MIC_CTRL IN:*.*              
                                                                        
        This should complete a successful manual Installation.          
                                                                        
        ***********************************                             
        *  START-UP: Running the software *                             
        ***********************************                             
        If you received independent instructions from a distributor on  
        how to start Microscope running, then please follow them -      
        otherwise see below.                                            
                                                                        
                                                                        
        To run Microscope:-                                             
        ====================                                            
                                                                        
                                                                        
                 (1) LOG ONTO THE DIRECTORY WHERE THE MICROSCOPE        
                     SOFTWARE IS INSTALLED, NORMALLY: MSCOPE            
                                                                        
                 (2) FROM THE DOS COMMAND LINE, ENTER: MIC              
                                                                        
                                                                        
        Note: This will start Microscope's DOS Menu System, allowing    
              access to the complete Program Suite. If you only wish    
              to access Microscope itself, you can enter the following  
              from the DOS command line instead: MSCOPE2                




        Page 10

        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        Chapter: 4            CONFIGURING MICROSCOPE                    
        ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        
        ************                                                    
        * Overview *                                                    
        ************                                                    
        Microscope uses several methods to configure operation to suit  
        your PC and your particular needs. Languages and Screens are    
        established via the SETUP.EXE file described in the previous    
        chapter. The help routines, sounds, button speed controls, and  
        warning messages are configured from within Microscope by using 
        the CFG button. This is located at the top of the main screen to
        the right of the FINI button. Help screens within Microscope    
        will enable you to understand how to configure the various      
        options. Two other configurable functions of great importance   
        are discussed below:-                                           
                                                                        
        *******************                                             
        * ANIMATION SPEED *                                             
        *******************                                             
        Microscope uses short clips of digitised video. These are known 
        as ANIMATED slidesets. The speed at which they run and therefore
        the quality of what you see will depend on several factors:-    
                                                                        
        The type of Processor in your PC - 286, 386, 486 ; whether or   
        not your PC has a maths co-processor, video graphics            
        acceleration board, or cache software installed; the access     
        speed of your hard drive; and whether or not you have additional
        ram installed with associated software to manage higher memory. 
                                                                        
        To try and stabilise animation speeds on a variety of hardware  
        set-up's, Microscope attempts to limit frame rate speeds at     
        around 18 frames a second. If your machine is very slow then you
        may not be able to see animations at this speed: animations will
        appear jerky on slow PCs. To try and speed up slow animation,   
        you can try using a built-in switch to release all the internal 
        software brakes. This is accomplished when you invoke Microscope
        by including /A in the command line AND running Microscope by   
        entering MSCOPE2 /A instead of the Menu program: MIC            
                                                                        
        Animations work best when your PC is using extended memory along
        with a cache or high-memory manager. Once all frames of an      
        animated slideset have been loaded from disc, subsequent images 
        are put to screen direct from memory, thus saving time between  
        frames by eliminating repeated loading from the hard disc.      
                                                                        
        Animation speeds can be varied by using one of the buttons on   
        the video panel to the left on the Main screen. The start-up    
        speed, when you first run Microscope and load an animated       
        slideset, is set to 1 click less than maximum speed.            




        Page 11

        ***********************                                         
        * PASSWORD PROTECTION *                                         
        ***********************                                         
        Microscope is provided with an option to help you manage your   
        slidesets. The slideset management software can be accessed     
        via the button marked DBF on Microscope's main screen. This     
        facility enables slidesets to be un-installed, a process which  
        deletes slideset files from your hard disc. It may be           
        undesirable in educational environments to allow anyone to      
        have access to the UNINSTALL feature. You can therefore         
        establish password control of this option.                      
                                                                        
        If you wish to use this form of protection then please see      
        below. When you first try to use the Uninstall option, you      
        will be asked if you want to enable password control. If you    
        accidentally state yes when you really mean no, you will forever
        have to enter a password to uninstall slidesets unless you find 
        the file called MICPASS.CPT on the first distribution disc and  
        copy this back into the MSCOPE directory on your hard disc.     
                                                                        
        Note: If you delete the file MICPASS.CPT from the MSCOPE        
              directory, you will permanently disable the Uninstall     
              option until you re-load the missing file into the Mscope 
              directory from your distribution discs.                   
                                                                        
        Most users in a non-educational environment will not require the
        PASSWORD protection and may simply confirm this fact when       
        prompted during their FIRST attempt at uninstalling slidesets.  
                                                                        
        Please note that PASSWORD protection will only safeguard against
        deletion of files when running Microscope: once you exit the    
        program and return to the operating system (DOS or WINDOWS), the
        slideset files become vulnerable to erasure just like any other 
        files on your disc.                                             




        Page 12

        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        Chapter: 5            SOFTWARE AND FILES                        
        ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        
        ************                                                    
        * Overview *                                                    
        ************                                                    
        Microscope Ver 3.0 consists of a suite of program files called  
        .EXE files. These are supported by several other file types such
        as .QPL .DTA .CFG .LNG suffixed file names. Although most of the
        .EXE files may run if invoked independently, they are not       
        designed nor tested to do this. All .EXE files (Program Modules)
        have been constructed to work around Microscope's main module   
        called MSCOPE2.EXE which should always be invoked to start up   
        the software unless running Microscope's Menu system by entering
        MIC at the DOS command line.                                    
                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
        Files used to produce images, text, and references associated   
        with slidesets utilised by Microscope are as follow:-           
                                                                        
        *.MIC = Contains header information about the slideset type.    
        *.SET = Contains references about each slide in a set.          
        *.QPL = Contains all images in a library for the set.           
        *.TUT = Contains Tutorial Text for 'STILL' slidesets.           
        *.ANI = Contains Tutorial Text for 'ANIMATED' slidesets.        
                                                                        
        When a slideset is INSTALLED, at least four of these files are  
        copied into the MSCOPE directory and the header data from the   
        .MIC file is placed into a special CONTROL DATABASE called      
        MIC_CTRL.DTA to enable Microscope to be aware of what slidesets 
        are available for use. At least 1 slideset must remain installed
        at all times which means the control database must always have  
        at least one slideset name stored in it!                        
                                                                        
        A slideset must always have a .MIC .QPL .SET file present and   
        either an .ANI (or) a .TUT file. THESE FILES MUST NEVER BE      
        DELETED FROM THE DISK DIRECTLY - THE OPTION CALLED 'UNINSTALL', 
        ACCESSIBLE FROM THE SLIDESET MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE, MUST ALWAYS   
        BE USED FOR THIS PURPOSE.                                       
                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
        *******************************                                 
        * VERSIONS and Serial Numbers *                                 
        *******************************                                 
        Microscope was originally released as Version 1.0. and 2.0.     
        A SHAREWARE evaluation version is available but does not have   
        the ability to use PROFESSIONAL slidesets designed for use by   
        registered version owners only. A small range of SHAREWARE      
        SLIDESETS have been made available to assist evaluation but they
        are created from simple samples taken from Professional sets.   




        Page 13

        The shareware sets do not provide sufficiently detailed formal  
        references for serious study and have insufficient scope to     
        cover the wide range of Microscopy subjects. Users will require 
        a fully registered and licensed copy of Microscope to obtain    
        advantaged benefits, technical support, and access to all       
        electronic slidesets.                                           
                                                                        
        Owners of registered versions of Microscope are able to use     
        Shareware slidesets to help them see SAMPLES of PROFESSIONAL    
        slides. PROFESSIONAL SLIDESETS, containing quality pictures and 
        formal accurate references, are only available to registered    
        users.                                                          
                                                                        
        A serial number appears in the Aux window on Microscope's main  
        screen at start-up. Any slight modifications made to version 3.0
        will result in (and is therefore detectable by) a different     
        number appearing here. The number represents the modification   
        date in day/month/year order: later dates indicate the most     
        recent modifications. In practice only minor modifications would
        be 'signalled' in this way.                                     
                                                                        
        **************                                                  
        * DISC SPACE *                                                  
        **************                                                  
        Microscope is a fully developed comprehensive software product  
        taking several years to develop and refine. Like other          
        mainstream software packages, it requires a fair size of your   
        hard disc space to store the core software files. At least 6    
        megabytes of space should be reserved for use of the core       
        package and at least another 6 megabytes should be reserved if  
        you wish to purchase and use additional slideset packs.         
                                                                        
        Use the SLIDESET MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE and THE FLOPPY DISC        
        INSTALLER features to retain slidesets you find useful and to   
        free space for other applications.                              
                                                                        
        Microscope makes use of compressed image data in .QPL           
        LIBRARY FILES. A single slideset can have a maximum of 50       
        separate images in its library yet the whole set, including     
        the text, header, and reference information, will only occupy   
        a maximum of 1.4 megabytes of disc space. This means you could  
        have around 500 individual images on microscopical subjects     
        stored on your hard disc at a cost of 10.5 megabytes of disc    
        space.                                                          
                                                                        
                                                                        
        **************                                                  
        * LANGUAGES  *                                                  
        **************                                                  
        Language translation files are discussed in CHAPTER 3 : SETUP.  
        Please refer to this chapter.                                   




        Page 14

        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        Chapter: 6            THE MAIN SCREEN                           
        ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        
        ************                                                    
        * Overview *                                                    
        ************                                                    
        The main screen contains over 100 buttons and controls. At first
        you may be stunned by the proliferation of options and the high 
        degree of user inter-activity allowed. The controls are neatly  
        arranged into logical sets which, when understood, will greatly 
        ease your learning and control. Individual controls are         
        explained in the various help messages and screens. This section
        is designed to help you understand the logical grouping of the  
        main controls.                                                  
                                                                        
                                                                        
        ***************                                                 
        * SCREEN PLAN *                                                 
        ***************                                                 
        Here is a loose plan of the main screen:-                       
        :-------------------------------------------------------------: 
        :###   ######    ====2====   ##0##   ====3====  :=====  ###4##: 
        :###     1      =    ########################## :=============: 
        :###   ######   =    ########################## :===== 9 =====: 
        :###   ======   =    ########################## :=============: 
        :###   ======   =    ########################## :=============: 
        :###   ======   =    ########################## :-------------: 
        :#5#   = 6  =   = 7  ##########  8  ########### :=            : 
        :###   ======   =    ########################## :=            : 
        :###   ======   =    ########################## :=10          : 
        :###   ======   =    ########################## :=    11      : 
        :               =    ########### 8a ########### :=    aux     : 
        :=12=  ==13==   = 7a ########################## :             : 
        : ============= =====  =================== ==== :-------------: 
        : =====14====== ==15=  ====== 16 ========= =17=     ==18==    : 
        : ######################################################## == ; 
        : ##################### 20 ############################### 19 : 
        :-------------------------------------------------------------: 
                                                                        
        Key :-  #=DISPLAY  :=BOUNDARY  = equals BUTTON BLOCK            
        =======                                                         
                                                                        
        0 = Logo to identify English/International Screen -not a button!
                                                                        
        1 = Icons in top window indicate if original pictures were taken
            using an optical microscope or a scanning microscope for the
            slideset loaded. Icons in bottom window indicate whether set
            loaded is a still or animated slideset.                     




        Page 15

        2 = HELP and WARNINGS Control buttons block.                    
                                                                        
        3 = Configuration and settings plus FINI button block.          

        4 = Optical type and effect in use - display is in English only.
                                                                        
        5 = Slideset Tray where set is visually loaded to.              
                                                                        
        6 = Video/Animated slideset buttons block.                      
                                                                        
        7 = Indicators to slide detail control and display buttons.     
        7a= Indicators off/on and change style controls.                
                                                                        
        8 = Main viewing area where images are displayed.               
        8a= Slide name will flash to screen here when button called     
            NAME is pressed. This button is in area 18 on the plan.     
                                                                        
        9 = Sampling Area and sampling control buttons to allow details 
            to be taken from the slide on display and digitally doubled 
            in size.                                                    
                                                                        
        10= External Programs Access Buttons. Invokes support programs. 
            Enables additional slidesets purchased from an increasing   
            range to be installed from floppy distribution discs.       
                                                                        
        11= Auxiliary Window displays additional text or image data.    
            For example to show diagrams, maps, geographical pictures,  
            etc., to support slides on display in the viewer.           
                                                                        
        12= Levels indication. Identifies, for the slide on display,    
            how many true magnification levels, focus levels, or        
            positions a slide may be adjusted by. Different values will 
            be put to the screen dependent on the slide being studied.  
                                                                        
        13= LOAD AND VIEW MAIN CONTROLS!                                
                                                                        
        14= FOCUS, MAGNIFY, MOVE POSITION CONTROLS - only 1 of these    
            three options is enabled for the slide on view, depending on
            what the pre-determined slide type is.                      
            THE TOP BUTTON IN EACH BLOCK RESETS IMAGE TO DEFAULT OF     
            MINIMUM LEVEL.                                              
                                                                        
        15= LIGHT Intensity control. Top Button resets to default.      
                                                                        
        16= Optical control block. MAIN RESET BUTTON TO PUT LIGHT,      
            OPTICAL FILTERS, POLARISATION, AND OPTICAL TYPE  BACK TO    
            THEIR DEFAULT VALUES. IT IS THE LONGEST BUTTON ANYWHERE     
            ON THE SCREEN. USE THIS IF YOU GET CONFUSED BY MULTIPLE     
            CHANGES TO THE SCREEN OR IMAGE.                             




        Page 16

        17= Polarisation simulation controls. Sets greys to full colour 
            and allows colour changes. Use in association with single   
            colour select ( to the right of this control ) or           
            to toggle between grey shades or colours.                   
                                                                        
        18= Slideset name display area.                                 
                                                                        
        19= Text Control block TEXT ON/OFF TOP/BOTTOM status indicator. 

        20= Main Text area. Simple help messages (or) Tutorial file text
            is displayed in this area.                                  




        Page 17

        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        Chapter: 7            THE CONTROLS                              
        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        ************                                                    
        * Overview *                                                    
        ************                                                    
        MICROSCOPE is mainly operated via on screen buttons by          
        pointing at them with the mouse and clicking the left mouse     
        button. Occasionally, you will need to use your keyboard to     
        perform an operation. In these instances, messages on the screen
        will indicate which key to press; generally you will need to    
        operate a number key from the top row of alpha-numeric keys on  
        your keyboard.                                                  
                                                                        
        Most of the External Programs (Chapter 15) are not operated by  
        the mouse and control of these will be via your keyboard.       
                                                                        
        **************************                                      
        * THE ESCAPE KEY         *                                      
        **************************                                      
        The <escape> key on your keyboard can be used as a general PANIC
        key, allowing you to escape from things where you have not yet  
        developed full understanding of the controls. There is ONE      
        EXCEPTION TO THIS RULE: when you first start-up Microscope, you 
        are given the option of accessing a brief tutorial on getting   
        started with using MICROSCOPE for the PC. Pressing the <ESCAPE> 
        key at this point will take you into the TUTORIAL !             
                                                                        
        **************************                                      
        * THE MOUSE : initiation *                                      
        **************************                                      
        A mouse is known in Computer terms as a 'device'. All devices   
        require special software to enable them to communicate          
        effectively with different programs.                            
                                                                        
        To use your mouse with Microscope, it must be enabled prior to  
        running the Microscope program OR Microscope's Menu system      
        invoked when entering MIC instead of MSCOPE2.                   
                                                                        
        The Mouse software must be DOS compatible and NOT a 'WINDOWS'   
        MOUSE driver. If you wish to run Microscope from Microsoft      
        Windows you will not be able to - UNLESS A NON-WINDOWS MOUSE    
        is established as active prior to starting-up windows.          
        If this is done,  you will be able to RUN Microscope from       
        WINDOWS in a DOS session OR as normal from DOS.                 
                                                                        
        A DOS MOUSE is normally activated by a running a '.COM' file,   
        for example-  MOUSE.COM! This command may be included as part of
        your autoexec.bat file found in the root directory of your disc.
        You can have two MOUSE drivers active; one for DOS and a        
        different one for WINDOWS.                                      




        Page 18

        If you intend to run Microscope straight from DOS instead of    
        from Windows, then these matters should not cause you any       
        problems, especially if you normally use a mouse with your DOS  
        programs.                                                       
                                                                        
                                                                        
        **************************************************              
        * THE MOUSE - Left Button/Right Button/Moving it *              
        **************************************************              
                                                                        
        * LEFT BUTTON *                                                 
        THE LEFT MOUSE BUTTON is clicked to operate the on-screen       
        controls. Simply point the cursor at the desired control and    
        click on the left mouse button briefly. An audible click from   
        your PC's loud-speaker will be heard unless you have decided to 
        disable the audible click using the CFG control (See Chapter 4).
                                                                        
        To ensure Microscope works in a slick efficient way, responding 
        rapidly to the on-screen controls, the software does not check  
        to see if you have released the left-mouse button after you have
        depressed it. Instead, a time delay is invoked each time you use
        the left-mouse button: this disables subsequent left-button     
        operations for a tiny fraction of time. The delay period can be 
        adjusted to optimise performance by using the CFG on-screen     
        button -(See Chapter 4).                                        
                                                                        
        If the delay is very short, you will experience difficulties on 
        a fast PC: on-screen controls will repeatedly operate faster    
        than the time you take to release the mouse button. If this     
        happens on your PC, set the MOUSE RESPONSE time to a slower     
        level by using Microscope's CFG facility.                       
                                                                        
        When scrolling animated slideset text, holding down the         
        left-mouse button may cause the cursor to disappear from the    
        screen until you release the button: this is normal!            
                                                                        
                                                                        
        * RIGHT BUTTON *                                                
        The right mouse button is used to identify the purpose of any   
        on-screen control. Simply point the cursor at the button on     
        Microscope's main screen and depress the right mouse button to  
        see a brief description about the control's function. YOU MUST  
        KEEP THE RIGHT MOUSE BUTTON DEPRESSED : releasing it causes the 
        message line to vanish until the right mouse button is held down
        again.                                                          
                                                                        
                                                                        
        * MOUSE MOVEMENT when ANIMATIONS are 'RUNNING' *                
        When you have an animated slideset loaded and 'running', the    
        MOUSE will behave slightly differently than when used with a    
        'STILL' slideset. The mouse cursor will flash on and off the    




        Page 19

        screen and the on-screen buttons may appear less responsive.    
        As you move the Mouse, animations will PAUSE by themselves until
        you stop moving it; they will re-start shortly after the mouse  
        becomes still.                                                  
                                                                        
        During the PAUSED period, the on-screen buttons will become very
        responsive again allowing you to easily operate one of the      
        controls. Therefore, the best way to operate the Microscope's   
        controls when running a video sequence, is by moving the mouse  
        quickly to point at the control and then clicking on the left   
        mouse button before the animation restarts.                     
                                                                        
        HOLDING DOWN THE LEFT OR RIGHT MOUSE BUTTON WHEN THE MOUSE      
        CURSOR IS IN THE SLIDE VIEWING AREA WILL PAUSE THE ANIMATION:   
        THIS IS USEFUL FOR POINTING AT DETAILS IN THE VIDEO IMAGE.      
                                                                        
        If you wish to view an animated slide without it continually    
        pausing, the best policy is to take your hand away from the     
        mouse since even the slightest twitch from you will interrupt   
        the sequence.                                                   
                                                                        
                                                                        
        **************************************************              
        * THE MOUSE - TRAPPED IN A BOX                   *              
        **************************************************              
        You are free to move the mouse cursor to any position on the    
        screen most of the time. Three exceptions exist:-               
                                                                        
        (1) When you load a new slideset, a directory window opens IN   
            in the bottom left corner of the screen. The mouse is       
            intentionally trapped in the window until you click the     
            left mouse button to either select a new slideset or to     
            abort. PRESSING THE ESCAPE KEY WILL ALSO PERFORM AN ABORT   
            and release the mouse cursor from the directory window.     
                                                                        
        (2) When you TURN ON the SAMPLE option, the mouse cursor is     
            trapped in the top right box - called the SAMPLING AREA -   
            until you operate the SAMPLE OFF button in the centre of    
            the sampling area. PRESSING ESCAPE will also force the      
            SAMPLING to turn off (if on) and release the cursor from the
            box.                                                        
                                                                        
        (3) When any new window opens to display help or to ask you to  
            press a key to select an option, the mouse cursor will be   
            trapped in the new window until you press one of the keys   
            described by the text in the window. PRESSING THE ESCAPE    
            KEY will abort and release the mouse cursor from the window.
                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        




        Page 20

        **************************************************              
        * RESET to DEFAULT buttons                       *              
        **************************************************              
        MICROSCOPE has many controls to allow experienced users to      
        study slide images with tools that enhance viewing and reveal   
        hidden detail. The combined effect of these tools may cause     
        NEW users to become 'lost' with regard to restoring an image to 
        its normal (DEFAULT) viewing state. Several controls are        
        therefore provided to perform a rapid return to default         
        conditions:-                                                    
                                                                        
                                                                        
        THE MAIN RESET BUTTON is the longest button on the screen. It is
        located below the main viewing area in a central screen position
        along with the buttons to control filters and optical types.    
        Operating this button will reset LIGHT INTENSITY to default     
        values, turn off all COLOUR FILTERS (RED,BLUE,GREEN), turn off  
        POLARISATION (if on), and switch the OPTICAL TYPE to NORMAL (if 
        currently set to a non-normal OPTICAL TYPE).                    
                                                                        
        WHAT IT WILL NOT DO: it will not reset EFFECTS. To RESET EFFECTS
        and remove CONTOUR and RELIEF IMAGING, operate the EFFECTS      
        RESET button: this is located to the right of the longest button
        on the same block.                                              
                                                                        
        Negative imaging (inverse grey) selected by operating the lower 
        right button in this central button block is reset to positive  
        image only by operating the POSITIVE IMAGE button. This is      
        adjacent to the NEGATIVE image button.                          
                                                                        
        ALL THE TOP BUTTONS IN EACH OF THE CONTROL BUTTON BLOCKS BELOW  
        THE VIEWING AREA ARE RESET BUTTONS. STARTING WITH THE LONGEST   
        BUTTON DESCRIBED ABOVE, YOU CAN QUICKLY RESET MOST VIEWING      
        OPTIONS BY CLICKING ON THESE TOP BUTTONS working from centre    
        to left across the screen. In practice, the slide on view will  
        be one of three types or else an animated slideset, therefore   
        you need only to RESET the appropriate SLIDE TYPE - FOCUS,      
        MAGNIFY, OR STAGE/MOVE - to replace the image with the lowest   
        level e.g. the lowest magnification image for a MAGNIFY TYPE.   
                                                                        
                                                                        
        (REFER to CHAPTER 12 for better understanding of SLIDE TYPES).  
        (REFER to CHAPTER 15 for more on OPTICAL TYPES).                




        Page 21

        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        Chapter: 8            HELP                                      
        ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        
        Microscope has many help screens. The help facility for the     
        main module (Microscope) can be configured to be either         
        auto-displaying or manually-called. The Microscope main screen  
        contains a HELP control block with several buttons to manage the
        HELP facility.                                                  
                                                                        
             Click on the button marked 'A' to set to Auto.             
             Click on the button marked 'M' to set to Manual.           
                                                                        
        ********                                                        
        * Auto *                                                        
        ********                                                        
        When set to 'A' (Auto), help messages will appear automatically 
        if you operate a control to perform an inappropriate action. The
        Auto-display feature can be further configured to behave in an  
        intelligent way: help will be displayed automatically only when 
        you make the same mistake twice. This can prove useful after you
        have become more familiar with operating Microscope for the PC. 
        Please refer to the section on CONFIGURABLE OPTIONS for more    
        detail on how to select INTELLIGENT AUTO-HELP.                  
                                                                        
        **********                                                      
        * Manual *                                                      
        **********                                                      
        When set to 'M' (Manual), help messages will appear only when   
        you demand them by clicking on the main HELP button or the      
        associated scroll HELP buttons. On the International Screen, the
        MAIN HELP BUTTON is identified by the icon of three large       
        question marks. On the English Screen, the Help button is       
        labelled as HELP.                                               
                                                                        
        In both modes of operation the help messages are 'tuned' to the 
        action associated with the last control you operated. For       
        example, if you clicked on the LIGHT button and then clicked on 
        the HELP button - you would receive help messages explaining the
        use of the Light Control.                                       
                                                                        
        *******************                                             
        * Navigating Help *                                             
        *******************                                             
        Once the HELP window has opened and a message is displayed, you 
        can use the buttons in the Window Top Bar to navigate the help  
        file. Clicking on either arrow button moves you up or down the  
        help file, a page at a time. You cannot explicitly request help 
        on a specific topic. Instead, you should operate a control      
        button on the main screen (the one associated with the subject  
        you wish to know more about) and then operate the Help button.  
                                                                        




        Page 22

        Note: The mouse cursor is trapped in the HELP window until the  
              FINI button located in the Window Top Bar is operated.    
              The ESCAPE key on your keyboard can also be used to FINI  
              (FINIsh) using help, releasing the mouse cursor from the  
              window.                                                   
                                                                        
                                                                        
        Possible problems:-                                             
        ===================                                             
        Help Button clicked but no help message appears.                
                                                                        
                                                                        
        Causes & possible solutions:-                                   
                                                                        
        (1) Help may be set to 'Intelligent' option if this happens. The
            Microscope software may be expecting only to give HELP after
            you have tried using an option a few times: try clicking    
            on the last control used again and then click on the HELP   
            button to receive a message.                                
                                                                        
        Help Messages are not appearing automatically:-                 
                                                                        
        Causes & possible solutions:-                                   
                                                                        
        (1) You may have used the CFG button to turn HELP permanently   
            to Manual use only: use the CFG option to reset HELP to     
            AUTO or INTELLIGENT.                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
        (2) You may have turned off AUTO-HELP on the Main Screen : click
            on the tiny button labelled 'A' in the HELP block to toggle 
            HELP back to the AUTO-display mode                          
                                                                        
                                                                        
        *******************                                             
        * FLASHED HELP    *                                             
        *******************                                             
        QUICK HELP messages can be turned OFF or ON. When ON, if you    
        click on a button or control which cannot perform it's function,
        you will receive a one-line help message on the screen. This    
        will appear for the duration of time configured when using the  
        the CFG button. The message will suggest one or more reasons    
        why your request cannot be complied with - e.g. you may have    
        requested to turn on the SAMPLE option while an animated        
        slideset is still 'running' (which is not allowed). After you   
        become familiar with using Microscope, these one line messages  
        may irritate you. Use the button marked '!' to toggle off/on.   
        This way, with the feature OFF, you will only get a warning     
        beep but can always toggle the option ON and retry an operation 
        if you don't understand why the software refuses to comply with 
        your request.                                                   




        Page 23

        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        Chapter: 9        Video and Animated Slidesets                  
        ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        
        ************                                                    
        * Overview *                                                    
        ************                                                    
        ANIMATED SLIDESETS are short video clips of between 2 to 40     
        frames. They will be accompanied with a text file (.ANI) which  
        may contain from 5 to 36 lines of text. Unlike STILL slidesets, 
        you cannot use the Slide Selector to pick out individual frames 
        for viewing: the selector shrinks after loading an animated set 
        to remind you of this. Instead, to view a specific frame from   
        the sequence as a still image, simply STOP the animation on the 
        desired frame. Most of Microscope's other features, like the    
        sampling option can then be used.                               
                                                                        
        Some of the options used on STILL slidesets cannot be used on a 
        'running' animated sequence UNLESS YOU STOP IT FIRST! Pausing is
        different from 'Stopping', and a paused animated slideset is    
        still unable to have options like 'Sampling' applied to it.     
                                                                        
        Text, explaining the detail of an animated slideset, is only    
        visible while the sequence is 'running'. When you stop the      
        video, the text window clears to display default messages until 
        the animated slideset is restarted.                             
                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
        *************************************                           
        * Running Negative Image Animations *                           
        *************************************                           
        STILL slidesets can be viewed as positive or negative images by 
        using the two buttons in the lower right of the large button    
        block below the viewing area. When you start running an animated
        slideset, the image is 'forced' back into to displaying a       
        POSITIVE representation of the slide, even if you had previously
        selected NEGATIVE viewing!  To see animated slidesets running   
        IN NEGATIVE FORM: click on the NEGATIVE OPTICAL TYPE button.    
        This is located as the left-most button of the optical-type     
        select buttons; also located on the button block - central and  
        below the main viewing area (See Chapter 13 for OPTICAL TYPES). 
                                                                        
        Note: When viewing animated slidesets with NEGATIVE optical     
        type enabled, the background colour, normally held to BLACK,    
        will automatically be RELEASED, allowing the background to      
        assume a correct colour shade if a red, green, or blue day-     
        light filter, is active. Also, the entire screen - including all
        controls, display neons, text and icons will switch to display  
        inverted (or negative) shades and colours; this is NOT a program
        malfunction!                                                    




        Page 24

        ************                                                    
        * JOGGING  *                                                    
        ************                                                    
        The jog control enables you to run a shorter sequence from the  
        animated set. Simply switch on the Jog option where you wish to 
        concentrate on a specific piece from the sequence, and use the  
        JOG EXPAND and JOG REDUCE controls next to the JOG ON/OFF toggle
        to widen or restrict how many frames to animate.                
                                                                        
        Remember to turn off the JOG option prior to loading another    
        animated set or you may think the new set has a very short      
        sequence. When 'jogging', the sequence runs alternatively back  
        and forth several frames either side of the Jog reference point;
        (the frame on view when you toggled JOG ON). You may use the    
        PLAY FORWARD and PLAY REVERSE buttons to shift the Jog reference
        point to an earlier or later position in the sequence.          
                                                                        
                                                                        
        ******************                                              
        * NO INDICATORS  *                                              
        ******************                                              
        Animated sets, unlike STILL sets, do not use indicators to pick 
        out specific details from the image and associate them with text
        references. Normally, animated sets are distributed along with  
        still sets as part of a pack on a topic or subject. The pack    
        will include still images with 'indicated' details to supplement
        knowledge gained observing the animated sequence.               
                                                                        
                                                                        
        ******************                                              
        * TIME LAPSE     *                                              
        ******************                                              
        Animated sets may be in real-time (filmed at a rate equal to the
        natural time of an event) or in compressed or expanded time.    
                                                                        
        Compressed time means that an original event may have taken     
        several minutes, hours, or days to complete but the filmed event
        is viewed in a few seconds. This is achieved by taken regular   
        photos or video shots of the event at frequent intervals, every 
        hour for example, and then combining them into a sequence which 
        plays-back in a much shorter time.                              
                                                                        
        Expanded time means the reverse : events happening in very brief
        moments are captured rapidly on film and then played back very  
        slowly, seemingly expanding the time taken for an event to      
        occur, and making it easier to see what happens.                
                                                                        
        Microscope's Professional slidesets make use of both techniques 
        to assist understanding and learning. References to real-time   
        periods for these sequences can normally be found in the text   
        files which form part of a set.                                 
                                                                        
        Note: SEE CHAPTER 4 for issues on configuring Microscope and    
              your PC to run animated slidesets efficiently.            




        Page 25

        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        Chapter: 10            VIEWING SLIDESETS                        
        ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        
        ************                                                    
        * Overview *                                                    
        ************                                                    
        'Still' and 'animated' slidesets are seen by taking one of      
        the slides from the tray and placing it into the viewing area.  
        The first slide of an animated set is loaded into the viewer to 
        start the sequence running. 'Still' slides, once they are loaded
        into the slideset tray from disc, are selected by using the     
        slide selector to mark which one will be called into the viewing
        area when the VIEW button is clicked. If you are using the      
        International Screen, this button is identified by the          
        presence of a PAIR OF EYES icon.                                
                                                                        
        Help screens seen when using Microscope provide details on using
        the VIEW and SLIDE-SELECTOR controls therefore further          
        discussion here is unnecessary. Instead, this chapter provides  
        assistance on how to interpret slides: a skill often acquired   
        more by practice then by being taught.                          
                                                                        
        ********************************************                    
        * Mental Modelling and Interpreting Images *                    
        ********************************************                    
        The real world is composed (in simple terms) of matter with     
        three-dimensional properties, that is - they appear as solid    
        forms to human eyes. When we begin to look more closely at this 
        matter, we find - as we move down into the microscopic realm -  
        that solid form is created by something unexpected: we see many 
        small elements of matter existing in close proximity to each    
        Stability of an object normally depends upon the organisation   
        and compatibility of its components. This is true of both living
        and non-living things!                                          
                                                                        
        It is important when using an optical microscope to remember    
        not only to view a subject with the eye, but with the mind as   
        well. There is a mental leap required by you to understand      
        Microscopical images. You have to appreciate that in most       
        cases you will be looking at a VERY THIN SLICE of               
        three-dimensional matter, so thin in fact, it appears to the    
        unaided eye almost two-dimensional.                             
                                                                        
        Imagine a giant with a huge microscope wanting to study a       
        football. The giant is given a slice from the ball to use in    
        his/her microscope. What the giant sees when looking through    
        the lens is basically two circles, one inside the other: these  
        mark the inner and outer surface of the ball. If the giant has  
        never seen a whole football and had only been given this one    
        slice, he would need to use his mind to imagine what the        
        three-dimensional object looks like.                            




        Page 26

        Of course, if the giant was given successive slices from the    
        ball, smaller or larger pairs of circles would be discovered;   
        providing more clues for a mental image to be constructed.      
                                                                        
        Now imagine if the first slice had been taken from the very edge
        of the football, where the valve is embedded. If the giant was  
        never given any more slices, his mental image of a football     
        would be of something round with a long tube passing through the
        middle of it, possibly from one side to the other: an imperfect 
        model of the real object!                                       
                                                                        
        This little story should be remembered when studying Microscope 
        for the PC's slide images. It will help you to understand how to
        create mental three-dimensional representations of the subjects 
        you study.                                                      
                                                                        
        **************************                                      
        * Simulated Optical Aids *                                      
        **************************                                      
        A real optical microscope can be fitted with devices to aid     
        image interpretation. Mainly, these would come in the form of   
        different lens systems incorporating prisms. One such example   
        is known as the NOMARSKI optical system. This has an EFFECT of  
        making objects appear 'raised' or 'embossed' (imagine looking   
        at a footprint in the sand) and therefore presents an almost    
        three-dimensional image to the observer. Microscope for the PC  
        includes similar tools known as EFFECTS to provide simulation   
        of the optical microscope functionality. Different optical types
        are also selectable: high contrast optics, graphic optics along 
        with normal and negative-viewing. When combined with either the 
        CONTOUR or RELIEF effects, the POLARISER, or the various colour 
        filters, the OPTICAL TYPES will offer many alternate views of   
        a single image.                                                 
                                                                        
        (NOTE: Please see Chapter 13 for more on OPTICAL TYPES.)        
                                                                        
        You should experiment with these along with different light     
        levels. The more you use these tools, the better you will become
        at extracting the maximum information from an image. You will   
        quickly discover that using certain combinations of these aids  
        work better with some subjects than with others. For example,   
        the RELIEF EFFECT does not enhance images of insects very well, 
        nor does it work well with highly digitally-focused images - but
        it can work wonders on low contrast images of muscle tissue,    
        plant stems, and similar subjects with big discrete components. 
                                                                        
        Effectiveness of the colour polariser is greatly enhanced when  
        used in conjunction with the CONTOUR EFFECT due to the 'effect' 
        adding in dark black lines at the boundaries of coloured areas, 
        - often making clear division between different cell areas      
        very discernible.                                               
                                                                        




        Page 27

        ************************                                        
        * Magnification Levels *                                        
        ************************                                        
        Images used in Microscope for the PC may have been through      
        several different processes in their creation (see chapter 11   
        for more on 'Image Sourcing'). The final magnification level in 
        relative terms, as seen on your monitor, are not definable since
        different size monitors will produce varying image sizes. Also, 
        some of the processes involve using both optical and electronic 
        tools to manipulate the image size. Each slide is therefore     
        represented with a magnification level based on an estimate of  
        the original powers used to capture an image at the microscope. 
        Thus if a mix of 16x eyepiece lens was used with a 10x          
        objective, the overall magnification level is declared as 160x. 
        In practice, different cameras - themselves with different lens 
        systems - may confound accurate assessment of this value.       
                                                                        
        The magnification level shown on Microscope's main screen should
        be considered as a guide only!                                  
                                                                        
        ************************                                        
        * Image Quality        *                                        
        ************************                                        
        The quality of images used in Microscope for the PC depends on  
        many factors: optical equipment used at source, slide           
        preparation, lighting arrangement of original subjects,         
        magnification levels, processing techniques, and finally -      
        the image format used on your PC. Slideset pictures are made to 
        conform to 16 grey shades (quite a low resolution on current    
        PCs). The image is processed in a way designed to maximise the  
        use of so few shades to represent a photo-quality picture.      
        Without this technique, the image resolution would suffer       
        appreciably and would probably result with picture standards    
        which would not provide sufficient detail.                      
                                                                        
        The technique has a beneficial effect on grey-scale images but  
        a detrimental one on colour pictures. When you use the          
        polariser to produce colour, this becomes apparent! Microscope  
        is designed to produce the best picture quality with grey-scale 
        imaging. Registered Users will have opportunity to obtain full  
        colour digital images for PC use and Video Tapes for real-time  
        playback as part of a range of support products. These are      
        discussed further in Chapter 20.                                
                                                                        
        The use of video cameras when filming an original slide under   
        a microscope may result in a slight grid-like pattern appearing 
        in Microscope for the PC slides; this is normally noticeable in 
        areas of the image devoid of any substance (e.g. where light    
        shows through most). This is probably due to the camera using a 
        charge-coupled-device (ccd) and the digital-sampling method     
        employed. When using Microscope for serious study, it is best   
        to be aware of this to avoid misinterpreting slide details.     




        Page 28

        On a similar note, optical microscopy requires clean lens and   
        environment: the slightest speck of dust on the surface of a    
        lens will produce false details in an image. Some of the images 
        used in slides for Microscope for the PC may often contain      
        spurious blobs, shadows, and specks especially where            
        magnification levels are in excess of 440x.                     
                                                                        
        After a little practise, you will soon learn to identify        
        false image information of this kind and dismiss it.            




        Page 29

        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        Chapter: 11         Slide Types and Image Sources               
        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        ************                                                    
        * Overview *                                                    
        ************                                                    
        Slides used in Microscope for the PC are electronic, that is -  
        they consist of magnetically stored information in digital form.
        Future slides may possibly take advantage of improvements to    
        new data-retention mediums such as Optical discs, CDRoms etc.   
                                                                        
        Original images used to create electronic slides come from      
        several sources: video or still photography of living subjects, 
        or by the similar methods applied to specimens studied with a   
        real optical microscope.                                        
                                                                        
        Source material may be owned by Molcol Software or              
        other parties. Permission is obtained from third parties to use 
        other peoples material for electronic conversion.               
                                                                        
        Slides can also be created from images obtained through the use 
        of electron scanning microscopes or from physical explorations  
        into living tissue using optical fibres linked to cameras.      
                                                                        
                                                                        
        ******************                                              
        * SLIDE TYPES    *                                              
        ******************                                              
        Groups of electronic slides covering a specific topic are       
        organised into a structure called a slideset. One slideset may  
        consist of upto 40 individual images plus a maximum of 10 other 
        pictures to provide additional reference material. Each slide in
        a 'STILL' set may have a single characteristic out of three     
        possible options. The possible choices are : focus, magnify, and
        stage (also called MOVE). These define how a slide image may be 
        further enhanced when loaded into Microscope's viewing area.    
                                                                        
        It is possible for a slide to have 'mixed' characteristics, for 
        example - it can be both a magnify AND a focus slide at the same
        time. This can cause confusion and is therefore normally        
        avoided; in most cases, a slide will be a MAGNIFY type or one of
        the other types only.  A fourth type became more available with 
        Version 3.0: focus+move type.                                   
                                                                        
        During the creation of a slideset, the subject in each slide is 
        carefully considered with a view to how it can be best presented
        within Microscope for the PC. Some subjects, such as plant      
        stems, are better presented as a series of images at low to     
        middle powers of magnification, while other subjects - seen     
        normally under high power magnification - are better presented  
        as FOCUS types.                                                 




        Page 30

        Photographs or video film is then taken, with the resulting     
        pictures being digitally sampled and processed. If the original 
        images are taken at a real Microscope at different magnification
        levels or degrees of focus, then final digital pictures will    
        retain their resolution and detail. If however, focusing or     
        magnification is performed DIGITALLY, pictures derived from the 
        base image will not be any better 'resolved' than the base      
        image. For example: a real slide of a plant stem can be filmed  
        at 40x and 100x magnification, sampled, and displayed on screen;
        the 100x image here will have improved resolution. Compare this 
        with filming the same plant stem at 40x, sampling it, and then  
        doubling its size with computer processes to produce a second   
        image of 80x magnification; in this case, the 80x image does not
        possess improved resolution: the dots are just made bigger!     
                                                                        
        Computer processing of slide images to improve focus and obtain 
        sharper detail is a powerful aid when converting real images for
        use in Microscope for the PC. Note: this technique may have been
        used on many slides without formal declaration in their         
        associated text files.                                          
                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
        ******************                                              
        * SPECIAL NEEDS  *                                              
        ******************                                              
        MOLCOL SOFTWARE in the United Kingdom are happy to consider     
        converting any suitable material into  Microscope for the PC    
        format. Maybe you realise the opportunity this software has in a
        training or educational environment. Possibly, you have material
        in a different form which could be more readily taught if       
        converted for use with Microscope for the PC. This can be done  
        inexpensively - sometimes with no cost to you at all: for       
        example - if you agree that Molcol Software can make the new    
        slidesets available to other  users.                            
                                                                        
        Note: Microscope for the PC can provide first class learning    
              opportunity to people who, perhaps through disability,    
              have difficulty operating a real Microscope.              




        Page 31

        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        Chapter: 12         Light and Filters                           
        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        Real microscopes employ natural light or/and artificial light,  
        either illuminating a subject from beneath or by a method of    
        overhead lighting. Microscope for the PC has a back-light (under
        -lighting) which can be intensity adjusted. The default light   
        type is Halogen light-source which equates to using artificial  
        light on a real subject in a real instrument.                   
                                                                        
        The daylight filter can be selected. This is, in fact a blue    
        filter. When enabled with the filter-intensity set to its lowest
        level, the slide on view will appear equal in tone to a real    
        subject lit by natural light. Increasing the filter intensity   
        will result in loss of true daylight emulation and increase the 
        blue content of the lighting.                                   
                                                                        
        Note: The filter intensity control will only work when a        
              light-type filter other than the default of halogen is    
              selected.                                                 
                                                                        
        ********************                                            
        * Black Background *                                            
        ********************                                            
        When using a light-filter other than the default halogen type,  
        the screen background colour is LOCKED to BLACK. This may result
        with black patches appearing in images. The background is       
        deliberately held in this way to optimise screen clarity and    
        layout. The button marked with a KEY ICON can be used to toggle 
        on/off the background lock: operating this control once will    
        release the black background allowing it to assume the darkest  
        shade of the selected colour range. Operate the button again to 
        re-lock the background to black!                                
                                                                        
        The background lock/unlock status is taken over by the software 
        when you select the NEGATIVE OPTICAL TYPE - preventing manual   
        operation of the lock/unlock background option until another    
        OPTICAL TYPE is selected; this is to ensure animated slidesets  
        can be viewed without false black patches appearing when running
        a video sequence.                                               
                                                                        
        (Please see more about OPTICAL TYPES in Chapter 13).            
                                                                        
        ********************                                            
        * LIGHT PRIORITY   *                                            
        ********************                                            
        Use of the light controls will automatically reset polarised    
        colours back to grey shades. The polariser is considered a      
        transitory option.  When combining the application of tools,    
        always use the light control first to set light levels before   
        using the polariser                                             




        Page 32

        *****************                                               
        * LIGHT DEFECTS *                                               
        *****************                                               
        The combined use of camera lenses and optical microscope lenses 
        may occasionally produce light halos or round darker patches in 
        a final image; this can become accentuated during the process   
        of digital conversion. It is good to be aware of this so that   
        new-comers to electronic Microscopy do not misinterpret these   
        elements as belonging to the subject under study.               




        Page 33

        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        Chapter: 13         OPTICAL TYPES                               
        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        You can turn Microscope for the PC to emulate several different 
        microscopes by selecting one of the 4 optical types. In fact you
        can extend Microscope for the PC's capability beyond what can be
        accomplished with a real instrument in some aspects. An example 
        of this is NEGATIVE viewing, where - at the click of a button   
        you transform the entire image into its inverse colour range or 
        grey-shades.                                                    
                                                                        
        By combining one of the four different optical types with other 
        optical tools, like CONTOUR and RELIEF effects, you broaden the 
        range of simulations possible.                                  
                                                                        
        The four buttons used for selecting optical types are located   
        beneath the longest button (width-wise) just below the main     
        viewing area. Each button is marked with a strange-looking      
        symbol which attempts to symbolise a lens, prism, light         
        arrangement. These are described in the help screens: the right-
        most one selects NORMAL OPTICS, the next left selects PHASE     
        CONTRAST emulation (called simply CONTRAST in this software),   
        the next left is called GRAPHIC, and the last left is NEGATIVE. 
                                                                        
        Their use is apparent through these names, except possibly the  
        GRAPHIC type. This simplifies the degree of contrast between    
        shades of grey, often making a subject easier to understand.    
        This is useful when drawing a copy of the slide-specimen onto   
        paper especially where a student is shading the main regions of 
        a 'busy' slide, for example: a tissue sample!                   
                                                                        
        You should remember these optical types are emulations. The     
        CONTRAST type, for example, represents using PHASE CONTRAST     
        techniques in real Microscopy. In practice, the emulation       
        may be quite different from results produced using real optics  
        in real instruments: however, they are still useful tools       
        when applied to electronic slides in Microscope for the PC's    
        environment.                                                    




        Page 34

        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        Chapter: 14         TRANSITIONAL EFFECTS and POLARISER          
        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        The EFFECTS are VERY POWERFUL visual aids which should be used  
        frequently when studying specimens in Microscope for the PC     
        slidesets. The help screens, seen when running the software,    
        explain more about these tools.                                 
                                                                        
        This chapter explains WHEN and WHY to use EFFECTS AND THE       
        POLARISER, and HOW they can prove to be serious study aids.     
                                                                        
        Two REAL (special) EFFECTS can be applied to an image. These are
        termed 'TRANSITIONAL' because they will automatically switch off
        when you take any action that 'changes-out' the image in the    
        viewer: for example - when you FOCUS, MAGNIFY, or LOAD another  
        slide from the tray into the viewer. This is deliberate to      
        prevent you accidentally leaving an EFFECT turned on and then   
        thinking the slide on view (altered by the EFFECT) is a natural 
        representation of the real specimen.                            
                                                                        
        *****************************                                   
        * CONTOUR EFFECT and colour *                                   
        *****************************                                   
        The CONTOUR effect will attempt to produce lines at the borders 
        of highly contrasting areas on a subject. This can help         
        identify where different type cell-groups exist in tissue       
        slides. It also helps you to differentiate between areas of     
        different organic constitution. The following will clarify:-    
                                                                        
        Real specimens are subjected to staining techniques to reveal   
        chemical or organic structures. Different dyes (chemicals)      
        tend to react with some living structures and not with others - 
        thus some cells will absorb one colour while rejecting another. 
        Good staining techniques will produce highly contrasting        
        coloured areas in a specimen.                                   
                                                                        
        Slides used in Microscope for the PC, when converted to grey-   
        shades from full-colour images, will often still retain this    
        fundamental indication of separation (and thus clues) from the  
        original stained specimen. For example:  a real specimen with   
        areas stained red and blue will appear in Microscope for        
        the PC as an image with dark, almost black, areas (representing 
        the red), and very light-grey areas where the subject was       
        stained 'blue' in the original slide.                           
                                                                        
                                                                        
        he CONTOUR effects feature can help enhance this separation.    
        Also, when used with the POLARISER, the resulting image appears 
        more detailed and more dramatic in comparison to using the      
        polariser on its own.                                           




        Page 35

        ******************************************                      
        * Human Perception and the RELIEF EFFECT *                      
        ******************************************                      
        In the world of Microscopists, opinion on the use and benefits  
        of Nomarski-phase differential technique is often divided: the  
        technique imparts a 3D or relief-type effect to specimens being 
        studied. Purists of observation argue that the technique creates
        an illusory or 'unreal' effect, thereby leading to false        
        representation of the subject. Others argue the 'effect' (real  
        or not) aids the mind to perceive 'thickness' in, what otherwise
        appears to be - flat, two dimensional subjects : most specimens 
        appearing two-dimensional when viewed through a traditional     
        optical microscope!                                             

        The author of Microscope for the PC (me) believes this effect to
        be beneficial to novices and most non-novices alike, since it   
        constantly reminds the observer - sometimes quite stunningly -  
        of the 3 dimensional nature of all microscopic structures. This 
        can aid the mind to see what the eye cannot!                    
                                                                        
        MICROSCOPE for the PC therefore includes an effect to try and   
        reproduce the advantage of this illusion(?). If you doubt its   
        benefit, try using it on one of the slides on Plant Stems in    
        GUIDE01 slideset to realise the potential for reinforcing the   
        idea of 'thickness'. (Guide01.set is issued with all packs of   
        version 3.0).                                                   
                                                                        
        The effect has been termed 'RELIEF'. It works well with some    
        subjects and not so well with others. It tends to make          
        structures rich in reflected light on one side and dark with    
        shadow on the other: akin to observing buildings, craters, and  
        mountains from an aeroplane at sunset as opposed to seeing them 
        at high noon!                                                   
                                                                        
        You will need to adjust the light intensity when this effect    
        is turned on to optimise the viewing advantage.          
                                                                        
        ************************                                        
        * THE POLARISER        *                                        
        ************************                                        
        In real Microscopy, polarisers are used to reveal additional    
        information from a specimen though the use of colour: different 
        materials produce various colours when exposed to polarised     
        light - essential when studying rocks, crystals and minerals.   
                                                                        
        The emulated polariser in microscope for the PC cannot compete  
        with this truly wonderful aid. Instead, the polariser is used   
        to bring colour to the grey-shade slides. This produces images  
        which are stunning and beautiful. The polariser can help to     
        reveal hidden detail in some slides. Several buttons allow the  
        colours to change (as though turning a polariser-analyser in    
        a real microscope) and single colours can be reset to grey or   
        altered to other colours.                                       




        Page 36

        The polariser produces dramatic results when used in conjunction
        with the CONTOUR EFFECT feature, and less dramatic (but still   
        interesting ) when used with the RELIEF EFFECT.                 
                                                                        
        Note: Polariser is auto-toggled off, by the software itself,    
              when you adjust light levels, select/adjust a light-filter
              or change the microscope type: this is correct operation  
              of the software.                                          




        Page 37

        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        Chapter: 15         THE EXTERNAL PROGRAMS                       
        ----------------------------------------------------------------

        *************************                                       
        * THE EXTERNAL PROGRAMS *                                       
        *************************                                       
        Their are five programs supporting the main Microscope Program  
        Module. These are executed or accessed as already described     
        earlier.  A brief outline of their purpose is included below for
        anyone wishing to understand a bit more about the Software's    
        technical detail:-                                              
                                                                        
        EXE FILE    = BRUNEL2.EXE                                       
        BUTTON ICON = A Microscope                                      
        OBJECTIVE   = To demonstrate a range of real Microscopes        
                      available and to promote the purchase of a real   
                      instrument. Controls access to the BRUNEL         
                      electronic catalogue.                             
        NOTES:-                                                         
        Non-English versions of Microscope may not contain translations 
        of the catalogue, however the different Microscope types are    
        visible and provide a useful learning experience.               
                                                                        
                                                                        
        EXE FILE    = OPTICALX.EXE                                      
        BUTTON ICON = A Smiley face.                                    
        OBJECTIVE   = To demonstrate the basic controls of a real       
                      Microscope and to allow a gateway to future       
                      modules describing how to use a real instrument.  
                                                                        
        NOTES:-                                                         
        Non-English versions of Microscope may not contain translations 
        of this module. It has been retained for Program Integrity.     
        This program is also known as the OPTICAL COMPANION MODULE 1.   
        Further modules may be added in the future to develop a complete
        and comprehensive companion to real Microscope Users. Registered
        users of Microscope for the PC will be advised if this happens. 
                                                                        
                                                                        
        EXE FILE    = MIC2FLOP.EXE                                      
        BUTTON ICON = A simplified picture of a floppy disc.            
        OBJECTIVE   = To enable new slidesets distributed by floppy     
                      discs to be installed onto the hard disc and      
                      enabled for use.                                  
                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
        EXE FILE    = MIC_CTRL.EXE                                      
        BUTTON ICON = DBF                                               
        OBJECTIVE   = To enable slidesets to be installed, uninstalled  
                      in the control database. To allow trouble-shooting




        Page 38

                      when (if?) slidesets do not work properly in the  
                      Main Microscope software.                         
        NOTES:-                                                         
        This module will also show which slidesets exist in the Mscope  
        directory and can provide an alternative way of installing new  
        sets distributed by floppy discs: files from floppy discs can be
        manually copied from the distribution discs into the Mscope     
        directory for Mic_ctrl.exe to install in the control database.  
                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
        EXE FILE    = SETUP.EXE                                         
        BUTTON ICON = Cartoon of person's head with word balloon.       
        OBJECTIVE   = To enable different languages called .LNG files   
                      to be used making Microscope universal. Also      
                      resets all parameters configured with the CFG     
                      BUTTON in Microscope's main screen to default     
                      values. Selects English or International screen.  
        NOTES:-                                                         
        Automatically detects and enables any language files present in 
        the MSCOPE directory for use with Microscope. Different language
        files can be added by purchasing them separately.               
                                                                        
        SPECIAL NOTE:-                                                  
        ==============                                                  
        TO QUIT ANY EXTERNAL PROGRAM AND RETURN TO MICROSCOPE:  you can 
        normally press the ESCAPE key several times when running an     
        external program to accomplish this. Some of the EXTERNAL       
        programs are in ENGLISH only and it may therefore be difficult  
        for non-English speakers to understand how to exit from the     
        external module; the escape key exit option should provide a    
        natural 'escape-route' in these cases.                          




        Page 39

        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        Chapter: 16         SAMPLING                                    
        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        *****************                                               
        *   OVERVIEW    *                                               
        *****************                                               
        It can be an advantage to compare details from one slide with   
        those of another. Also, some details are very small and can be  
        difficult to see if an observer is at a distance from the       
        monitor, which can often be the case in a classroom environment 
        where a single PC may be used by several pupils at the same     
        time. In such instances, it would be an advantage to 'blow-up'  
        details from the slide to make them more visible over a distance
        or even just to assist normal study.                            
                                                                        
        A feature has been included in Microscope for the PC to fulfil  
        both these needs. It is call 'SAMPLING'.                        
                                                                        
        Operate the SAMPLE ON button to enter a 'sampling' session and  
        the SAMPLE OFF button to finish 'sampling' and access the normal
        controls again.  The mouser cursor is trapped inside the Sample 
        box when SAMPLE is ON, until you turn sampling off or press the 
        ESCAPE key.                                                     
                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
        Note: International Screen has OFF buttons indicated by a cross 
              and ON buttons indicated by a tick.                       
                                                                        
                                                                        
        ***************                                                 
        * 1X Sampling *                                                 
        ***************                                                 
        Small details from any slide on view can be copied to one of the
        three windows in the top right corner of the main screen. You   
        can continue to 'sample' image details either from the same     
        slide or another slide until the three storage windows are full.
        If you wish to take another sample, you will to need to make    
        room for it by clearing (trashing) one of the existing samples  
        from a storage window.                                          
                                                                        
        For example: you can take a sample from the image when CONTOUR  
        EFFECT is on and compare it to one taken with the EFFECT OFF.   
                                                                        
        Samples can be shifted from one storage window to another by    
        using the 'shuffle' button. This will help you place samples    
        side by side for direct comparison.                             




        Page 40

        ***************                                                 
        * 2X Sampling *                                                 
        ***************                                                 
        There is only a single storage area for samples taken at 2x.    
        When this is full, you will need to 'trash' the sample to take  
        another section of detail from the slide. Two times sampling    
        merely 'blows-up' a section of the image. This will not give    
        finer resolution then the main slide image and may look fairly  
        'pixilated' (like its made up of tiny squares). You can smooth  
        this effect by switching on the alternate 2x sample quality-    
        select option - the 'smooth' feature - before taking the sample.
        Two buttons exist to switch between 'chunky' and 'smooth'       
        quality sampling. The 'smooth' option will produce a more life- 
        like image although it will appear less focused than a sample   
        taken with 'chunky' quality selected.                           
                                                                        
                                                                        
        NOTE: IT IS BEST TO TURN OFF ALL INDICATORS PRIOR TO TAKING     
              ANY SAMPLES.                                              




        Page 41

        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        Chapter: 17         AUXILIARY WINDOW                            
        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        The Auxiliary Window (AUX) opens and closes under control of    
        the software. Different slides in any set may have other images 
        associated with them to support educational content. For        
        example, if a slide of a mosquito was in the viewer then the aux
        window may open to show a world map depicting mosquito-inhabited
        areas. Not every slide in a set will have AUX images. Some sets 
        will have no auxiliary images! Animated slidesets do not use the
        AUX window.                                                     
                                                                        
        If you operate the AUX button, you will simply see a few lines  
        of text: this identifies the version and status of Microscope   
        for the PC along with current memory-spare values for your PC.  




        Page 42

        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        Chapter: 18         PROBLEMS                                    
        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        Try reading the appropriate section of this manual for the type 
        of problem experienced. If this fails to provide an answer, then
        carry on reading this chapter.                                  
                                                                        
        It is difficult to predict what problems (if any) you are likely
        to encounter using Microscope for the PC. Unless bugs in the    
        program code exist, and they shouldn't - considering the        
        extensive testing done on the final code - most problems are    
        likely to be caused by files being accidentally deleted by you  
        outside of Microscope's environment. You should be able to      
        identify this by using the SLIDESET MANAGEMENT OPTION, accessed 
        from the Microscope main screen by clicking on the DBF button   
        next to the AUX window.                                         
                                                                        
        Other types of trouble are likely to be caused either by        
        misunderstanding the software's performance and purpose or      
        by an incorrectly configured environment for Microscope to run  
        in on your PC. Listed below are some likely circumstances which 
        may arise and cause trouble, along with brief notes on what to  
        do to cure the problem. After trying the solutions suggested    
        here, or in error messages received when running Microscope -   
        if you still cannot solve your difficulties then please write,  
        fax, or phone us (MOLCOL SOFTWARE). The more you tell us, the   
        more likely we will be able to help. You should include a       
        printed copy of your AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS  FILES  in your
        query to us, along with your name, address, telephone and - if  
        you have one - a fax number.  A 24hr auto-voice-fax system will 
        take your call. If outside the UK, it may be better to raise    
        your query with your local MAIN distributor, who will forward   
        the problem on to us quickly by fax.                            
                                                                        
        ******************************                                  
        * Problem / Solution Listing *                                  
        ******************************                                  
        General problems may be caused by one or more of the following:-
                                                                        
        (0) Microscope refuses to load. Error message refers to SPACE   
            OR MEMORY problems.                                         
                                                                        
            Solution: Microscope uses a lot of conventional memory      
                      i.e. the 640K program area. You may have other    
                      software taking up memory (TSRs). Either disable  
                      other TSRs (remark them out if in Autoexec.bat) or
                      invoke extended/expanded memory management soft-  
                      ware first. Your PC needs to have a 640K memory   
                      capability not 512K to run Microscope.            
                      Try reducing the number of files and buffers      
                      reserved in Config.Sys.                           




        Page 43

        (1) Insufficient FILES and BUFFERS reserved in your CONFIG.SYS  
            file.                                                       
                                                                        
            Solution: You should include the following lines in your    
                      config.sys file:-                                 
                                          BUFFERS=15                    
                                          FILES=20                      
            Note: you may be able to reduce these values but try them   
                  first to see if they clear the problem.               
                                                                        
        (2) Microscope for the PC will not run on a NETWORK PC.         
                                                                        
            Solution: Microscope is not designed to run on a network. If
                      you can isolate the PC from the network and the   
                      PC has its own hard disc, processor, and memory   
                      (not a dumb terminal), then Microscope WILL RUN   
                      on it. Most PC's connected to a network can be    
                      isolated via the network software.                
                                                                        
        (3) The Microscope Main Screen becomes scrambled.               
                                                                        
            Solution: A .QPL file contains picture information. The file
                      called MICPICS2.QPL contains Microscope'S Main    
                      images. If it becomes corrupt, the main screen    
                      will look wrong. Copy this file back into the     
                      MSCOPE directory from the floppy distribution     
                      discs. It may be a good idea to re-install the    
                      software in case other files have been corrupted. 
                                                                        
        (4) Slideset files exist in the correct directory but Microscope
            refuses to load them.                                       
                                                                        
            Solution: If a slideset file is deleted from outside of     
                      Microscope's environment, a new ZERO length file  
                      may be created when attempting to load the set    
                      named in the control database. Use the SLIDESET   
                      MANAGEMENT feature and attempt to INSTALL the     
                      slideset. If the operation report's missing files,
                      re-install the problem slideset FROM THE ORIGINAL 
                      DISTRIBUTION DISCS using Microscope's FLOPPY-DISC 
                      INSTALLER feature.                                
                                                                        
        (5) All messages and help screens appear in a language different
            to the one established using SETUP.                         
                                                                        
            Solution: Re-run SETUP.EXE by clicking on the SETUP button; 
                      this has an icon of a face with a word balloon.   
                      If this doesn't work, you may have some files     
                      wrongly named. For example, PO.LNG should contain 




        Page 44

                      PORTUGUESE text. Maybe the UK.LNG file or another 
                      *.LNG file has been renamed (incorrectly) to      
                      PO.LNG or whatever language file you should be    
                      using. Copy any *.LNG files back into the MSCOPE  
                      directory from your original distribution discs.  
                                                                        
        (6) Slideset Text is in the wrong language.                     
                                                                        
            Solution: Either the slidesets you are using ARE for a      
                      different language version or (if you own         
                      more than 1 translation of slidesets) the files   
                      may have become mixed. Trying copying the         
                      alternate slideset files into the appropriate     
                      directory from the distribution discs.            
                                                                        
        (7) Software fails on start-up before or after receiving 'Please
            wait, loading...' message.                                  
                                                                        
            Solution: A file has been tampered with or has become       
                      corrupt. Most likely cause is corruption of       
                      the LANGUAGE (.LNG) file. Try copying this file   
                      into the MSCOPE DIRECTORY from the distribution   
                      discs. Re-install software if this fails.         
                                                                        
        (8) Animation routines will not run fast enough.                
                                                                        
            Solution: Start microscope using the /A switch (See Chapter 
                      9 for more). If this fails and you have tried     
                      increasing speed with the appropriate button on   
                      the main screen, then - sorry: your PC setup is   
                      probably not capable of running FAST animations.  

        (9) Microscope refuses to run in a window when started from     
            Windows.                                                    
                                                                        
            Solution: Run Microscope in a DOS session only. It will not 
                      run in a Window anyway. Refer to your Windows     
                      manual on running DOS programs.                   
                                                                        
        (10) Microscope runs too fast. Mouse difficult to use because   
             everything happens too quickly.                            
                                                                        
            Solution: Click on CFG button on Microscope's main screen   
                      and adjust the button response value to SLOW. Also
                      adjust other features to suit. If still unusable, 
                      contact Molcol Software and send details of your  
                      PC setup to receive a replacement CFG file for    
                      your PC. This should not normally be required.    




        Page 45

        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        Chapter: 19         ADDITIONAL SUPPORT: PICTURES AND VIDEOS     
        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        There will be people who would like to see full-colour pictures 
        of Microscope for the PC slideset subjects. Registered Users    
        will be able to obtain full-colour stand-alone pictures in PCX  
        and other file formats.                                         
                                                                        
        To show you what can be done, a colour picture in .pcx format   
        is included with this software. It is deliberately reduced in   
        size to save distribution disc space. The file is called        
        sample.pcx file. You need other software capable of showing pcx 
        files to see it.  The quality will depend on your SVGA or VGA   
        card in your PC.                                                
                                                                        
        Molcol software will also be making video film available to     
        support the material used in Microscope for the PC. These are   
        likely to be of further benefit to users in educational         
        environments. Contact MOLCOL SOFTWARE in the UK for further     
        information.                                                    
                                                                        
        Anyone wishing to have specific material (which they own)       
        converted to slidesets for use in Microscope for the PC, should 
        contact Molcol Software to discuss their needs. We will be happy
        to try and help. If you would like to help in any other way,    
        please write or fax us (Molcol Software) and tell us about it.  




        Page 46

        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        Chapter: 20         ADVANCED USE : DUAL LANGUAGE ACCESS         
        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        READ THE CHAPTER called SET UP first and then read the rest     
        of the text below.                                              
                                                                        
        Microscope is designed to run in several different languages. If
        you wish to install the software on a single PC so that it can  
        be used by students using different languages, then - PROVIDED  
        YOU OBTAIN SLIDESETS AND LANGUAGE FILES FOR THE LANGUAGES YOU   
        WISH TO EMPLOY - this is possible. Installation should be       
        carried out as normal (see CHAPTER called SET UP) but after the 
        Installation is completed, you should rename the MSCOPE         
        directory as MSCOPE2.                                           
                                                                        
        You must then re-install the software again. This will recreate 
        the MSCOPE directory complete with all program files. Decide    
        which directory will be used for which language, for example:   
        MSCOPE for ENGLISH, and MSCOPE2 for PORTUGUESE. Ensure that the 
        correct language file (*.LNG) exists in each directory even if  
        this means copying all .LNG files in your possession into each  
        directory. In this example, the file called UK.LNG needs to be  
        in MSCOPE directory and PO.LNG in MSCOPE2 directory.            
                                                                        
                                                                        
        From this moment on, all new slidesets must be installed in the 
        appropriate directory only! Slidesets have the same file names, 
        regardless of the language used in associated text files.       
                                                                        
        There is no way of knowing, if you have 2 files called ANT.ANI, 
        which is in English and which is in Portuguese - except by the  
        labels on the distribution discs.                               
                                                                        
        Users speaking ENGLISH will access MSCOPE directory and run     
        Microscope by entering MIC    , whilst PORTUGUESE speakers will 
        access MSCOPE2 directory and enter MIC     to run the program.  




        Page 47

        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        Chapter: 21         CREDITS                                     
        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        MICROSCOPE FOR THE PC version 3.0 has taken several years of    
        work to create and enhance. Work continues to advance the       
        software further and extend the library of slidesets available  
        even as you read this. Registered Users are likely to hear      
        the good news first and will have access to further support and 
        help - both in the home and in educational establishments.      
                                                                        
        So much work cannot been done alone. Molcol Software has been   
        supported by the co-operation and effort of many people, some   
        still continuing to input their time, expertise and support.    
        Many of those who have helped have done so out of their own love
        of Microscopy and have received nothing in return except the    
        satisfaction of knowing they have helped to illuminate a truly  
        incredible subject to others. It is hoped, through their        
        un-selfish efforts, that many people around the world, young and
        old alike, will now have the chance to delve into the world of  
        the very small; and hopefully, many people who never dreamt     
        that owning a real microscope could provide so many hours of    
        joy, will purchase one and join a special breed of people:      
        an enlightened group - for they have witnessed the beauty and   
        secrets of nature with their own eyes.                          
                                                                        
        Molcol Software would like to thank all those who have helped,  
        too many to list here! Special thanks is given to the people    
        below:-                                                         
                                                                        
        ALAN POTTER of BRUNEL MICROSCOPES (UK) for his advice and trust.
                                                                        
        KEN WILLETTS of PRC, FALMOUTH, UK. for PIXSHOW software,        
                     which enabled slick animation routines to be built!
                                                                        
        WILLIAM (BILL) ELLS of MAIDSTONE, KENT, UK for his impressive   
                     knowledge and donation of work on DESMIDS and ALGAE
                                                                        
        ALAN MAUDE of THE URSULINE CONVENT HIGH SCHOOL, Wimbledon, (UK) 
                     For his participation, help, and work on material  
                     for 'A' level curriculum students.                 
                                                                        
        DAVID WALKER of ASHFORD, MIDDLESEX, (UK) for donating material  
                     and work on POND-LIFE slidesets.                   
                                                                        
        MEMBERS OF THE POSTAL MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY, (UK) who kindly    
                     allowed conversion of their slides into electronic 
                     format and use with Microscope for the PC.         
                                                                        
        MEMBERS OF THE QUECKETT MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY, (UK) who kindly  
                     allowed conversion of their slides into electronic 
                     format and use with Microscope for the PC.         




        Page 48

        THE VARIOUS REPUTABLE SHAREWARE VENDORS who were brave enough to
                     add Ver 1.0 of Microscope for the PC to their      
                     libraries, when most of the world wanted 'killer'  
                     games.                                             
                                                                        
        YVONNE ARTHUR (PORTUGAL) for burning the mid-night oil and      
                     grappling with difficult translations, and for her 
                     encouragement.                                     
                                                                        
        LINDA BLOOM  (USA) For her care and love over the Internet in   
                     my moments of despair. And for her support and help
                     in the States.                                     
                                                                        
        PAUL GUINN   (USA) For his care and love over the Internet in   
                     my moments of despair. And for his support and help
                     in the States.                                     
                                                                        
        ANDREW SYRED of Microscopix for agreeing to produce SEM         
                     slidesets for Microscope.                          
                                                                        
        ALL EXISTING USERS OF VERSION 1.0 AND 2.0 FOR BECOMING INVOLVED.




        Page 49

        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        Chapter: 22         SERIAL NUMBERS, UPDATES, BUG-FIXES          
        ----------------------------------------------------------------
          HISTORY                                                       
          =========                                                     
          Originally released as version 1.0 in September 1993          
          (Good record of performance on various PCs in different       
          countries but user interface was keyboard controlled only!)   
                                                                        
          Released as Version 2.0 serial 301094 in October 1994         
          This was a major revision to include mouse driven Interface   
          and additional features.                                      
                                                                        
          (Bug discovered by SHAREWARE ELITE in England in the program  
          when restoring from help screen. Screen messes up on some     
          types of VGA cards). Bug found in 3rd party library routine.  
                                                                        
          Re-released as version 2.0 serial 071194 in November 1994     
          (To overcome bug in serial 301094). Screen save and restore   
          routine was replaced with author's).                          
                                                                        
          Note:-                                                        
          Version 2.0 has been seriously upgraded to become a mouse     
          driven comprehensive software package with more powerful      
          features inc.  multi-language capability. Released in USA,    
          Australia, Portugal, and United Kingdom with local country    
          Retail or direct purchase of professional version available.  
          Further agents sought in other countries!                     
                                                                        
          Released as version 2.0 serial 140295 in February 1995.       
          After a trial period in various countries and on different PCs
          running different caches and versions of DOS, a minor         
          rationalisation and revision of software was carried out      
          along with bug fixes:-                                        
                                                                        
          Revisions                                                     
          ---------                                                     
          (1) Aux. Window no longer displays memory left for use on PC. 
              (No value-add for user in previous facility.)             
                                                                        
          (2) 2x grab now set to default SMOOTH instead of CHUNKY.      
              (Produces better result but slightly slower.)             
                                                                        
          (3) Slowed down button response when clicking 'Sample' to ON. 
                                                                        
          (4) Slowed down button response for slideset selector.        
              (Users with fast processors should find the CFG button on 
              Microscopes Main screen, and use to slow down Mouse       
              button response!)                                         




        Page 50

          (5) Made compatible with Norton DOS (at least version 6.0).   
              (Slight differences in DOS caused problems previously with
              installing slidesets.)                                    
              (Should already be compatible with MSDOS 3.3 and higher!) 
                                                                        
          (6) Included routines to reset DIRCMD environment variable    
              during run-time and reset to user default after running.  
              (Previously, if user set with /w/p switches, slidesets    
              would not install at all).                                
                                                                        
          Bug Fixes                                                     
          ---------                                                     
          (1) Eliminated 'Crash' when delete key is used when redefining
              new Install slideset to directory: FLOPPY DISC INSTALLER. 
                                                                        
          (2) Eliminated 'Crash' when delete key used when inputting    
              name of slideset to install/uninstall with DBF management 
              option.                                                   
                                                                        
          (3) Corrected 'messed-up' text screen when invoking uninstall 
              without first setting password option (PRO version).      
                                                                        
          (4) Cleared constant beep when keys held down too long.       
                                                                        
          (5) Eliminated possible false errors in slideset installation,
              both on floppy disc installer and database management     
              module, if Microscope is installed in a directory with    
             'mic' as part of the directory name.                       
                                                                        
          (6) Corrected WRONG Internet Email address on SHAREWARE       
              installation front screen.                                
                                                                        
          Tests                                                         
          --------                                                      
          Ensured floppy disc installer would run under Norton Cache.   
          (Please Set cache to optimize for SPEED not MEMORY!)          
                                                                        
          Ensured software behaved okay with all mixes of MSDOS and NDOS
          with cross-product caches: Smartdrive and Ncache.             
                                                                        
                                                                        
          RELEASED AS VERSION 3.0   - Serial 130595                     
                                                                        
          * Major Upgrade *                                             
          *****************                                             
          SEM image slidesets made available.                           
          256 colour images made available.                             
          Main screen alterations made to facilitate new module.        
          New Focus + Move slidesets made available plus functionality. 
          Small bug fixes - mostly cosmetic and transparent to the user.
          Windows Auto-Install routines added.                          




        Page 51

          Programmes prepared to accept additional 256 colour modules - 
          (due late 1995)                                               
          Find DOS mouse module added.                                  
          Test for 256 svga colour compatible module added.             
          'Formatted for printing' DOS and Windows User-Manuals added.  
          All programs modified for working in Microsoft Windows (      
          Windows Wallpaper Swap module added.                          













                                                                        
                  * --------  end of Manual (Ver. 3.0) ------ *         
                                                                        
