A specimen slide (1) for a microscope, camera or other such observation device has a receiving area (2) for cell or tissue samples or other such organic material and a smaller observation area (3) for the organic material. The specimen slide (1) at least in the observation area is made of transparent material. Within the receiving area (2) the specimen slide (1) is provided with thin-film sensors (6 to 12) adjacent to the observation area (3) for measuring physiological parameters of the organic material. The chemical and physical characteristics of the organic material under observation can be picked up by the sensors while it is observed, for example under a microscope. Sensors of differing types can be provided, such as interdigital capacitors (6), NO sensors (8), O.sub.2 sensors (9) or temperature sensors (11), thereby making available important physiological measurement and/or control parameters.