Upright and inverted microscope

A microscope system comprising:

• a body comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the body is rotatably coupled to a base at a rotational coupling, the rotational coupling defining a rotating axis;
• one or more objectives coupled to the first portion of the body;
• a condenser coupled to the second portion of the body;
• and
• a stage positioned between the one or more objectives and the condenser, and comprising a first specimen supporting surface and a second specimen supporting surface, wherein the second specimen supporting surface is positioned opposite the first specimen supporting surface.

A method for assembling a rotating microscope, the method comprising:

• coupling a microscope body to a microscope base at a rotational coupling, the microscope body configured to rotate about a rotating axis of the rotational coupling;
• coupling one or more objectives to a first portion of the microscope body;
• coupling a condenser to a second portion of the microscope body;
• and
• mounting a stage between the one or more objectives and the condenser, the stage comprising a first specimen supporting surface and a second specimen supporting surface, wherein the first specimen supporting surface is positioned opposite the second specimen supporting surface.