This document discusses different types of microscopes, including simple microscopes, compound light microscopes, darkfield microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and phase contrast microscopy. Simple microscopes allowed Antonie van Leeuwenhoek to magnify images up to 300 times in the 17th century. Compound light microscopes were later developed using multiple lenses and visible light, forming the basis for modern microscopes. Darkfield microscopy uses angled light to view unstained specimens against a dark background. Fluorescence microscopy employs fluorescent dyes or antibodies and ultraviolet light to illuminate specimens. Phase contrast microscopy examines live, unstained samples by accentuating refractive index differences to produce grayscale images.