109 



On a Portable Binocular Dissecting and Mounting 



Microscope. 



By the Rev. H. J. Fase. 



(Bead May 26th, 1882.) 



It having been suggested that the form of microscope made to 

 meet my own wants might prove useful to others, I gladly, at the 

 request of our Secretary, send it for inspection, together with a 

 few words of explanation. 



It may perhaps make more clear the arrangements and general 

 purpose which this microscope is intended to fulfil, if the circum- 

 stances which gave rise to its construction are briefly narrated. 



Not long since it was my lot to be away from London during a 

 considerable portion of two years, most of the time moving about 

 frequently from place to place. 



Occasionally microscopic objects of interest presented themselves, 

 which were in many cases lost or damaged irretrievably, because 

 materials for mounting them were not at hand. 



There was no difficulty as to the carriage of a small folding 

 microscope in a portmanteau, but there was found to be, in practice, 

 considerable difficulty in carrying safely and compactly, and so 

 that they might be readily got at and replaced, the many small 

 matters required in dissecting and mounting. 



I found it took a lot of time and care to pack them, if there 

 was to be a tolerable hope of their safety in their travels. If this 

 were not accorded to them dire was the consequence apparent 

 when the box containing them was opened, in the shape of an 

 awful smash, and considerable expenditure of glass, not easily 

 replaced in a remote country village. 



Balsam, turpentine, glycerine, and methylated spirit are capital 

 things in the right place, but it struck me very forcibly after 

 experience thereof, that the right place for these very insinuating 

 and tenacious media was not on linen, or clothes, hair-brushes 



