Abstract: A rectangular microscope slide with a specimen envelope for vertical use having a base of a first uniform thickness and a platform of a second and greater uniform thickness, said platform being in the lower portion of said slide and housing a specimen cavity which is open at the top. The platform surface in the area of the cavity mouth has an upwardly and outwardly protruding lip which helps direct the specimen into the cavity. The slide is transparent and disposable in nature having optical properties similar to those of glass slides.

Abstract: A portable compact microscope for examining vertically disposed slides comprising a housing consisting of top and bottom covers, having mounted therein an optical system having a direct light pathway comprising a single lens eyepiece, an intermediate focus wheel and an adjustable double lens objective, a spring loaded slide holder forward of said objective, a slot in the housing covers by which a slide is introduced into the spring loaded slide holder and a deflector means forward of said slide holder by which light from a light source passes through the slide to be viewed. Parallel to the optical system is a battery powered light source, means to regulate the light intensity of the source and means to actuate the light source.