Abstract: The invention contemplates an optical microscope of inverted design and having versatility for application to solve and serve virtually all microscopy problems and needs. The microscope features a particular U-shaped housing with upstanding legs and with integrated optical elements contained within and carried by said housing. A rugged specimen table is removably secured to both legs, and is presented for viewing a specimen on said table via either reflected light or via transillumination, the light source in both cases being so mounted to the exterior of the housing as to be thermally isolated from the housing and from the lens system, the latter being vertically adjustable in the space between the housing legs and beneath the specimen table. Various further features are described.