Textbook in PDF format The optical microscope is perhaps the most commonly used research instrument. Despite its popularity, the prevalence of sound operational skill and sound fundamental understanding is lacking, particularly among young researchers. This book offers an alternate approach to explaining optical microscopy through a series of experiments using a host of soft materials. The book starts by providing a simple physical rationale for understanding the principle and operation of a microscope. Following which each chapter is designed as a hands on experiment which enhances the readers knowledge on a wide range of soft materials including but not limited to liquid crystals, polymers and butterflies