Fluorescence Microscopy, Volume 1

Fluorescence microscopy is used for studying the distribution of substances which are present in very small amounts. The high sensitivity of the method makes it ideal for studying the distribution of substances in living cells. Its techniques are used mainly in biology and medicine, but are also valuable in coal petrology and elsewhere. The best-known application is in immunofluorescence. This magnificent new work provides comprehensive coverage of all aspects of fluorescence microscopy. It covers instrumentation, applications to a wide variety of fields, and the history of the technique. There is a chapter on quantitative techniques, including scanning: this aspect is dealt with in more detail in a companion volume, Quantitative Fluorescence Microscopy. Volume 1 deals with instrumentation and techniques for fluorescence microscopy, and includes the chapter on quantitation and scanning. Volume 2 deals with the applications of fluorescence microscopy in many fields. It includes information on fluorochromes and on autofluorescence. An invaluable appendix provides an alphabetical list of fluorochromes, giving information concerning chemical structure, fluorescence properties, applications and suitable filter combinations. These two important volumes will be of use to all fluorescence microscopists and will be an invaluable reference tool for those graduate students and research workers in biology, medicine and earth science who need to make use of these techniques.