A simple microscope is a basic device used to view objects that are too small to be seen with the naked eye. It is also known as a magnifying lens or a hand lens. Other synonyms for a simple microscope include a loupe, a single-lens microscope, and a pocket microscope. A loupe is a small magnifying glass that is often used by jewelers and watchmakers. A single-lens microscope is a smaller version of a compound microscope and is often used in biological research. A pocket microscope is a small device that is easy to carry around and is especially useful for fieldwork. Regardless of what it is called, a simple microscope is an important tool for many different fields of study.