This document describes the key components and functions of different types of microscopes. It discusses the illumination system, magnification system, support system, and adjustment system of basic light microscopes. It also explains how darkfield microscopes use oblique illumination to view unstained specimens, how phase contrast microscopes convert differences in phase into optical intensity, and how fluorescence microscopes use ultraviolet light and fluorescent dyes to visualize structures. Finally, it provides details on how electron microscopes scan specimens with electron beams for very high resolution imaging of cellular and molecular structures.