One of the most enthralling phenomena of nature is the miraculous growth of an embryo from a fertilized egg to a fully developed organism. The development of a single cell to a living creature with its particular figure and essence is maybe one of the many interesting life process. Watching and observing this process through an incubator and under a microscope is an uphill adventure that every biologist and microscopist needs to experience. The techniques of observing the growth and development of an organism through an incubator and the final embryo on the microscopes are not difficult as long as proper thought and care is exercised. Microscopes are essential for studying embryology because it can provide detailed information about the development of a certain embryo.

The most common and typical source for embryological study is the hens eggs. Fertilized hens egg is the most appropriate source to examine. However, the process of incubation is sensitive and needs extra monitoring. It should be examined periodically by a microscopist under a microscope to check the condition of the egg and its development. Eggs sold at the supermarket are not fertilized and therefore such eggs must get from somewhere else. Great sources of fertilized eggs are local farm, biological supply house, live poultry market, and wholesale egg dealer. The eggs obtained must be incubated. After the eggs have been laid the process of embryological growth is suspended. Development does not begin again until the eggs are fully incubated. Putting up an easy yet efficient and dependable incubator will only last for less than an hour.

An incubator for a home laboratory can be made from a scrap lumber, a small packing crate, or, if other materials are not available, several layers of ridged cardboard can be use. Emergency incubators have been constructed of two or three corrugated-paper packing cartons nested one inside the other. Such incubators have been used with absolute accuracy. A forty watt rated electric light bulb can be used as a heating unit. The lamp provides the heat that is necessary to keep the incubators at its required temperature. The thermometer positioned near the eggs must read 103 degrees Fahrenheit with as little variation as possible. Most feel that the maximum permissible deviation is 1degree Fahrenheit.

However, some leeway may not be harmful if length of the temperature rise or fall is not too comprehensive. Heat may be controlled by increasing or decreasing the wattage of the bulb. Adding or taking away some of the corrugated paper used as insulator may also be practiced. Create a humid atmosphere by placing a bowl of water in the incubator. This atmosphere will help avoid the drying out of the eggs albumen content through the shell that is quite absorbent. To avoid the inner membrane of the egg from sticking to the shell, turn it upside down twice a day. Mark the sides, which have been burned using a pencil. It is expected to begin estimating incubation time about four hours after the eggs have been introduced into the incubator. This is done to allow the eggs to warm up to the temperature of the incubator.

Observing chick embryos requires an accurate microscope and different microscope specifications for proper embryo observation. At proper time intervals, an egg is taken from the incubator, opened, and the embryological environment is studied. Stages being studied under a microscope are the 18 hour stage where the primitive vein and head is already visible, the 24 hour stage where four to five pairs of body segments and the beginnings of the body segment are visible, the 33 hour stage where the twelve body segments, eye swellings, and heart visible, the 48 hour stage where the heart beat and circulation visible, and the 72 hour stage where the development of most organs are visible.

The embryo occupies relatively small area on the globular mass of the yolk so an accurate and high quality microscope is needed in order to analyze even the smallest detail of the embryo. The center of an ovoid tissue called the germinal spot or disk serves as the home of the developing organism. In order to learn in detail the development of the embryo, the disk must be separated from the yolk.

Removing the embryo and preparing it for study on a microscope glass slide or as a slide mount is simple. Proper care and technique is important. If first attempts are not successful, do not be discouraged. The method can be easily mastered after two or three tries. Prepare all the required materials in advance including microscope and microscope glass slides. Be guided with the formula for the reagents. And read through the procedure several times to secure the methodology in mind.