.
A compound microscope is a multi-lens, high-magnification, narrow
field device designed to focus relatively close to the object/subject
observed. The object/subject cannot be easily manipulated other than by
mechanical stage.
The
dissecting microscope, on the other hand, is a low power, long focal
length, wide-field device intended for observing large object/subjects,
and; thus, permitting physical manipulation of the object/subject by
hand while observing it.
