title: Continuously variable amplitude contrast microscopy for the detection and study of microorganisms in soil.
abstract: A new type of phase microscope was used to detect and observe the microflora in soil and to differentiate cells and spores from soil debris. This microscope provides a continuous variation in the amplitude ratios between undeviated and deviated beams of light, and the microbial cells, spores, and debris in soil change in appearance to a differing degree in response to the changes in amplitude ratio.
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D008858:Microscopy, Phase-Contrast / Q000379:methods*; D012988:Soil Microbiology; D013171:Spores, Bacterial / Q000302:isolation & purification