F. WATSON BAKER 8a 



maker are dealt with, the sum of the differences in their constants,, 

 although the glasses are of the same tyyes, necessitates the complete- 

 reconstruction of the objective. This is actually what is happen- 

 ing. It has only been during the last few months that the varieties, 

 of glass necessary have been delivered. 



The computation of a high power objective usually occupies several 

 weeks, and when this is done, proof plates and tools, which also 

 require great care and a considerable amount of time in prepara- 

 tion, have to be made. 



The full programme in this direction has not, therefore, been 

 completed, but rapid progress is being made. The manufacturer is. 

 compelled to give priority to the production of objectives that are 

 in most urgent demand, and those which by comparison are not so 

 important will be made in full quantity as time progresses. 



If the English microscope is to be firmly established, it requires 

 now the whole-hearted support and recommendation of leaders in 

 this country, and a generous patience while the preparation and 

 supply of all that is needed is taking place. 



The technical side of microscopy has, in this country, hitherto 

 depended on two or three men whose names are well known. The- 

 means of education in practical optical science have been excejed- 

 ingly limited hitherto, but it may be hoped that the instruction 

 now being given in this subject will place at the disposal of the 

 optical houses in the near future an increasing number of capable 

 opticians. Such men must possess high technical and mathematical 

 attainments, combined with practical knowledge which can only be- 

 obtained in the workshop. 



There is one more point. The chief reason why the microscope- 

 is not manufactured by a larger number of firms in this country 

 is, not merely on account of its technical difficulties, but because it 

 is regarded as unremunerative. One large optical firm, at least, 

 had microscopes in its post-war programme, but on studying the 

 question, it was found to offer such small prospect of return for 

 the effort and outlay that the project was abandoned, and financial 

 men show no disposition to embark capital in a business of so 

 highly technical a character. So it comes about that manufacturers 

 are thrown very much on their own resources, and it is suggested 

 that progress could be hastened and the whole business in micro- 

 scope manufacture established in the fullest manner, so that it 

 could stand four square to the competition of other countries, if" 

 capital were forthcoming on a generous scale for the purpose. 



