Abstract: Apparatus for positioning objects for microscopic examination includes a stage module which may be attached to standard microscope, and a control module. The stage module is comprised of a translating stage, a rotating stage, and a pair of rotating sample holders. The translating stage is movable horizontally in a linear direction, and the rotating stage is carried on the translating stage for rotational movement about a vertical axis. The rotating sample holders may be rotated about their centers, and they are linked together so that their rotational movements are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction. The respective movements of the translating stage, the rotating stage and the rotating sample holders are controlled by the control module.