[22 ] 



^be flDicro6Cope anb bow to '^ec it 



By V. A. Latham, late Hon. Sec. Norwich Branch U.J.F.C. 



First Part. 



IN the following series of papers, it will be our endeavour to 

 give some of the best methods for the Preparation and 

 Mounting of microscopic objects. 



We will state frankly at the commencement that the methods 

 given will not, in many instances, be original, and perhaps our 

 articles may not be complete, but we trust that they will prove 

 helpful to the general microscopist. But whatever the failings of 

 these papers may be, they have this recommendation, that all the 

 methods herein given have proved themselves thoroughly efficient, 

 and therefore are unhesitatingly recommended. 



The Microscope opens up innumerable sources of entertain- 

 ment and amusement to all classes of students. To the zoologist 

 it is a necessary co-operator. To the geologist it reveals, among 

 other facts, that our coal-beds are the ruins of a gigantic vegeta- 

 tion. Its influence as an instrument of research upon the struc- 

 ture of bodies has been compared to that of the galvanic battery 

 in the hands of Davy upon chemistry. To the pathologist, bota- 

 nist, and numerous others, has it ever been the source of assisting 

 and forwarding science, adding greatly to our store of knowledge, 

 and as many good microscopes may be purchased for merely 

 nominal sums, every student of science should possess one. 



The following notes may be of use : — The microscope having 

 been placed in a convenient position, taking care that the stand is 

 •firm and perfectly steady, the mirror is to be adjusted so as to 

 throw a beam of light through the stage-aperture and along the 

 central axis of the tube. Direct sunlight should not be used for 

 illumination, but that thrown from some bright cloud is strongly 

 recommended. The eye-pieces and object-glasses, as well as the 

 mirror, must be kept perfectly clean and free from dust by means 



