Abstract: A stage for a microscope comprises a stage carrier, an object stage, an intermediate carrier disposed between the stage carrier and the object stage, and first and second displacement means. The first displacement means serves to displace the intermediate carrier together with the object stage in a first direction relative to the stage carrier, and the second displacement means serves to displace the object stage in a second direction substantially transverse to the first direction. The first and second displacement means are fixed relative to the stage carrier so that they do not move when the intermediate carrier and the object stage moves.