Courses in microscopy

Smithsonian Center for Materials Research and Education
Applied Optical Microscopy Calendar
2001

April 9-13. 2001
Plant Anatomy and Morphology
Harry A. Alden <aldenh [at] scmre__si__edu>
$500.00

    This course provides an introduction to and appreciation of
    plant anatomy and morphology for those dealing with ethnographic
    objects made from or containing plant materials.  Emphasis is on
    herbaceous characters of leaves, stems, roots and bark.  Wood
    anatomy and identification is covered in a separate course.  The
    information provided will form the basis for construction of
    reference material sets, recognition of anatomical characters
    and comparative analysis of unknown samples.  Areas covered
    include anatomical characters, sampling, microtechniques, and
    data accumulation from both reference and unknown materials. The
    course packet includes a CD-ROM of the class text (600+ pp.) in
    PDF, a 10X hand lens and other handouts. Students are welcome to
    bring an object for analysis. Do not send payment with your
    registration.

May 14-18, 2001
Microscopy of Protective and Decorative Coatings
Mel Wachowiak <wachowiakm [at] scmre__si__edu>
$500.00

    This course is the newest offering in our ongoing microscopy
    series, and will focus on the practical techniques for
    characterization of paint and varnish systems.  While the
    equipment and techniques will be discussed extensively, a large
    portion of the course will be spent in practical laboratory
    exercises. Topics will include:

    *   Sample preparation: this is the most critical factor
        influencing the quality of microscopy, therefore, materials
        and methods of preparation for reproducible, high-quality,
        cost- and time-efficient mounts will be covered. Attendees
        will receive molds, resins and other supplies.

    *   The stereomicroscope: this under-utilized tool will be
        profiled as a critical part of microanalysis and
        documentation schemes; common and novel uses of this tool
        will be covered.

    *   Light microscopy techniques: brightfield, darkfield,
        fluorescence, transmitted light, and combined methods will
        be discussed and used.

    *   Documentation: photographic techniques (including film
        formats and selection criteria) video, and digital
        techniques will be covered.

    *   Design of studio space for microscopy, ergonomics,
        specifying and purchasing microscopes, and other topics will
        be addressed as time permits

    The course is intended for the conservator, museum scientist, or
    other professional with some experience in this area.  Attendees
    will be encouraged to participate fully in dialog during
    lecture, and discuss their experiences in microscopy.  Attendees
    are encouraged to bring samples from their practice, and
    consider bringing their own microscopes to the course.  Advice
    on maximizing, or modifying, your microscope can be given during
    the course. There will be ample time for open lab to prepare and
    examine your samples. Equipment available: a range of
    stereomicroscopes and laboratory-grade microscopes will be
    available, including those equipped for brightfield, darkfield,
    and fluorescence. Do not send payment with your registration.

July 16-20, 2001
Polarized Light Microscopy--Fundamentals and Applications
Martha Goodway <goodwaym [at] scmre__si__edu> and
Jan Hinsch (Leica Microsystems, Inc.)
$500.00

    This course furnishes a thorough, in-depth look at the
    fundamentals of polarized light microscopy and its applications.
    It includes principles (wave nature of light, isotropy,
    anisotropy and optical activity), mechanics and use of
    polarizing microscopes, sample preparation, orthoscopy and
    special methods. This course will provide the practical
    application of polarized light microscopy towards the
    identification of natural fibers and artist's pigments. Do not
    send payment with your registration.

August 12-14, 2001
Interpretation of Archaeological Metals
Martha Goodway <goodwaym [at] scmre__si__edu>
$500.00

    Many metals and alloys encountered in archaeology and
    conservation are no longer industrial materials, and the
    interpretation of their microstructures is not treated in
    current texts and atlases. This course will focus on the
    principles that enable the microscopist to interpret these
    microstructures, and apply them to bronze, wrought iron, steel,
    brass and other traditional alloys. Students are encouraged to
    bring their own prepared samples for discussion. Text and notes
    will be provided. Do not send payment with your registration.

August 20-24,2001
Wood Anatomy and Identification
Harry A. Alden <aldenh [at] scmre__si__edu>
$500.00

    This course provides an in depth study of wood anatomy of
    temperate taxa and an introduction to the anatomy of tropical
    species, as relates to their macroscopic and microscopic
    identification.  Emphasis is placed on temperate species and
    real-life applications of analysis of samples from wooden
    artifacts from museum and archaeological contexts (including
    charcoal). Areas covered include sampling, microtechniques,
    character identification and identification of unknowns using
    reference sets, dichotomous keys and computer applications.
    Students are welcome to bring an object for analysis, and are
    encouraged to bring a laptop with CD-ROM drive to view class
    text. The course packet includes a CD-ROM of the class text and
    other electronic references in PDF, a 10X hand lens and other
    handouts. Do not send payment with your registration.

September 17-21, 2001
Microscopy of Protective and Decorative Coatings
Mel Wachowiak <wachowiakm [at] scmre__si__edu>
$500.00 (see listing above)

For general information on courses, registration, logistics, etc.,
please contact Francine T. Lewis at 301-238-3700 X102
<lewisf [at] scmre__si__edu>.

For specific information about an individual course, contact the
instructor at the addresses provided in the course listing.


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 14:42
                 Distributed: Monday, February 5, 2001
                       Message Id: cdl-14-42-013
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