Portable digital microscope

The use of a microscope allows a detailed, non-invasive observation of the surface. Portable digital microscopes are easily accessible devices that are commonly employed during the preliminary phases of the investigation to thoroughly examine the surface and highlight, for example, uneven areas, discontinuities and abrasions, as well as to document the state of conservation of the object under investigation.

Portable digital microscopy setup at the Biblioteca Nazionale Vittorio Emanuele III of Naples.

A Dino-Lite Premier digital microscope was used during the present study. It is a portable microscope that can be connected to the computer via USB and acquires photos and videos with the dedicated DinoCapture 2.0 software. A dedicated stand can also be used to keep the microscope still and stable and avoid any contact with the examined area. The Dino-Lite Premier is able to focus in the range of around 20–50× and around 200×; the images in the present study were acquired at 20×, 50× and 230×.

Microphotographs from the ex-Vindobonensis Greco 2 (Biblioteca Nazionale Vittorio Emanuele III of Naples).

Microphotographs from the Sacramentarium Sancti Wolfkangi LXXXVII (82) (Biblioteca Capitolare di Verona).

Keywords: Portable, digital, microscope