A compound microscope is an optical instrument that uses multiple lenses to magnify small objects, making them visible for detailed examination. It typically consists of an eyepiece lens and one or more objective lenses, which work together to provide high magnification and resolution. This type of microscope is commonly used in laboratories and educational settings to study biological specimens, such as cells and tissues. The design of a compound microscope allows for the observation of samples placed on a glass slide, illuminated from below by a light source. The combination of lenses enables users to view objects at various magnifications, often ranging from 40x to 1000x. This versatility makes the compound microscope an essential tool in fields like biology, medicine, and materials science.