REVIEWS. 37 



of them. We mention this that they may be corrected in a second edition, 

 which we hope may be soon called for. 



While these works may be regarded as furnishing the inquirer with 

 what he needs as to the microscope, and the auxiliary instruments needed 

 more or less by every student of nature, they do not fill a want which 

 every day he will feel more and more. He will require a book sufficiently 

 portable to be the constant companion of his microscope, which will briefly 

 tell him what is known of the objects he has been examining, and also 

 direct him to the best sources of information. This want is being now 

 supplied in the " Micrographic Dictionary," published by Mr. J. 

 Van Voorst, who seems to have resolved, that the school of British natu- 

 ralists shall feel no want in their pursuits which can be remedied. Eight 

 parts of the " Micrographic Dictionary" have now appeared ; each number 

 has made us more desirous of seeing its completion. We have already,* 

 on the appearance of the first numbers, expressed our opinion of its utility 

 an opinion we see now no reason to alter. In the introduction prefixed 

 to the early numbers are contained some observations on the selection of 

 a microscope, which those about to purchase will not regret the careful 

 perusal of; they are clearly and intelligibly written, as well as remarkably 

 free from any tendency to exaggerate either the merits or defects of any 

 particular maker. The plates and woodcuts, with which it is plentifully 

 illustrated, possess the finish and accuracy which characterize the produc- 

 tions of Mr. Van Voorst's press. 



The microscopist being deeply imbued with that "love of progress" 

 which is so marked a characteristic of the present age, still feels dissatisfied 

 with all the books on microscopy though their name is legion which 

 have issued from the press bearing on every imaginable subject on which 

 the aid of that instrument can be called in. He wants "sympathy;" 

 he needs " assistance ;" he wishes to tell what " he has done," and " to 

 hear what others are occupied with." 



There had existed in London a society which a high legal functionary, f 

 in a late remarkable trial, justly described as " a learned body, who make 

 it their object to pry into all things" we mean, the Microscopical Society 

 of London, which, from some cause or another we suppose that defect in all 

 societies, too cumbrous machinery was not so beneficial as might, from the 

 zeal and ability of its members, have been expected ; its Transactions, 

 appearing at uncertain periods, had but a very limited circulation. From 

 these and other causes, which we need not now discuss, it failed fully to 



* Nat. Hist. Rev., vol. i., p. 126. 



f The Lord President's address to the jury in the Tcrbane-hill mineral case. 



