16 



How different is the value of slow, careful, and well cogi- 

 tated work, compared with that of the rapidly produced, semi- 

 conjectural assertion, which has been made to do duty for 

 observation ! 



What subject, then, can be so well adapted for scientific 

 training as microscopical enquiry properly pursued for a 

 sufficient period of time ? Now that we have good, cheap, 

 and portable instruments, as well as all the accessory instru- 

 ments and apparatus required, conveniently arranged, I 

 wonder that our work has not become very popular among 

 teachers and in general schools. It is well known how, by 

 Microscopical work, everyone improves his powers of ma- 

 nipulation, increases the deKcacy of his sense of touch, 

 teaches himself patience, improves his sight, developes his 

 powers of observation, and encourages exactness of thought 

 and of description at the same time. And surely all these 

 are of advantage and much to be desired in the training of 

 youth. Moreover, it is equally well suited for both sexes ; 

 but, nevertheless, microscopical work can hardly be termed 

 popular, and as yet is very little taught in any of our 

 schools. 



Unfortunately, like some other branches of knowledge, 

 microscopic investigation has been neglected as of little 

 educational value. It has been intentionally disparaged by 

 the scientific brethren who call themselves strong, no doubt 

 in order that their favourite pursuits might be made to 

 appear more important, and stand a better chance of being 

 admired and rendered popular. It is noteworthy that the 

 departments of science that the pubKc has heard most about 

 of late years are those calcidated rather to excite the as- 

 tonishment of unlearned and somewhat idle people, than 

 those which would excite the interest or appeal to the 

 intellect of real students. Lest minute investigation should 

 lead men to doubt whether all the wonderful phenomena 



