X-ray microscopy fills a gap between optical and electron microscopy. Using soft x-rays, a resolution higher than with visible light can be obtained. In comparison to electron microscopy, thick, wet, unstained specimens can be examined. This is especially advantageous for biological applications. The intense synchrotron radiation of electron storage rings and the de velopment of optical elements for soft x-rays render x-ray microscopy feasi ble for basic research. Wider applications will be possible in the future with the development of laboratory x-ray sources and microscopes. In 1979 a...