98 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



Monthly Microscopical Journal, for March last, will be found such a 

 notice included in the address of the President of the Royal Micro- 

 scopical Society, referring to the death of a Fellow, Mr. John Williams, 

 who was also Assistant Secretary of the Royal Astronomical Society. 

 He said : 



" He constructed more than one microscope out of odds and ends, which be 

 put together with much skill and ingenuity. His most elaborate microscope 

 was made with cardboard tubes and brass-screw adjustments. This instrument, 

 when supplied with objectives by Eoss and others, contrasted favorably, in point 

 of utility, with constructions of a more costly character." 



The perusal of this notice, followed by a communication to the 

 effect that in some of the London scientific schools the students are 

 required (when practicable) to make all the apparatus they use, has 

 prompted me to describe a microscope made by myself about six 

 years ago, and which is now but little the worse for wear. 



So far as the stand is concerned, it can be easily made at home, at 

 a trifling cost. The materials are of a humble character, but the opti- 

 cal arrangements are full-sized, and of the highest quality. Within 

 the limits of its use this instrument will exhibit objects with much 

 perfection. By a reference to the cuts, it will be observed that many 

 of the parts are cylindrical, and may be turned on any ordinary lathe 

 in a few minutes. 



To make a microscope such as I shall now describe, requires little 

 mechanical skill. If my directions are followed, and strict attention 

 given to the drawings, no difiiculty will be encountered, but neatness 

 and precision are of course essentiah First provide a wood rod about 

 J5 inches long, and of the circumference of Fig. 3. 



Fig. 3. Fig. 4, 



Then take some paper of firm texture, and wind it around the rod 

 three or four times according to its thickness, applying mucilage all 

 the time ; immediately withdraw the paper casing, and place on one 

 side to dry. This should form a perfectly true and firm tube. When 

 dry, replace it on the rod, and with a sharp knife cut off from each 

 end sufficient to leave the remainder 1\ inches long. 



The other parts are of wood. I suggest mahogany as the most ap- 

 propriate, and susceptible of the best finish ; but any well-seasoned, 

 Jiard wood will do. 



