The microscope may seem to be a relic of an antiquated age of science when compared with some of today's advanced instrumentation. But microscopy can be as powerful as many current technologies and, in some cases, more powerful. The microscope is a nearly universal symbol of science, representing our ability to explore the world below the limits of our perception. Forensic science is equally well represented by the microscope. A brief review of some of the central concepts of microscopy is presented along with case reviews that show the utility of trace evidence.
