A Point in the Theory of ‘Critical Illumination’ in the Microscope

Abstract

IT is extremely difficult to give any general theory of the formation of the image in the microscope, inasmuch as the action differs with every different object and with the arrangement of the illumination. On the other hand, it is possible to give a satisfactory account of particular cases which throw light on the various ‘simplifications’ which have from time to time been put forward. Modern views are represented in a recent discussion on the Abbe theory (Jour. Royal Mic. Soc., 49, pp. 123–142 and 228–264; 1929).