Journal of Applied Microscopy. 331 



are a necessity, in addition to the storage of the microscope. In Figs. 1, 2, 3, 

 and 7 the drawer space is inadequate, if the tables are used by more than one 

 set of students, working at different times. Of course storage may be suppUed 

 elsewhere than in table drawers, as described for Cornell in previous issues of 

 the Journal. But in many places this additional storage place is not to be had, 

 and if it is to be had it is often supplied cheaper in tables than elsewhere. In 

 plan No. 8 the tables may be used by one set of students a portion of the time, 

 by another set at other times, and each student may have at his disposal two 

 drawers and the space below in which to store material. If each student is sup- 

 plied with a microscope, it may be kept in space with door. Twenty-five tables 

 will thus accommodate fifty students, each student being supplied at the beginning 

 with the working material he must of necessity use. By this means breakage 

 may easily be accounted for, students will exercise care in handling and putting 

 away material, and the work of the instructor attending will be reduced to a 

 minimum. At the close of the term, semester, or year, the material is checked 

 up, turned in, and breakage or loss deducted from the deposit. 



In planning tables, these features above-mentioned were taken into consid- 

 eration. It is not to be denied that individual tastes and varying work may make 

 differences in the effectiveness which one table may offer over another. But it 

 is difficult to see the advantages that long tables have over short ones, and most 

 of the advantages so mentioned may be had by bunching or grouping the short 

 ones. It is worthy of note, however, that the notes accompanying the sketches 

 of tables invariably express satisfaction as a result of the use of the tables. The 

 letter with sketch from which Fig. 1 is made says, " Doubtless improvements 

 could be made, but they serve our purpose very well." With Fig. 3 the letter 

 says, " I like them better than any I have seen elsewhere." With Fig. 4 the 

 letter states that, " Single desks are by far the most convenient." In Fig. 7 the 

 writer of letter says, " I have seen a number of types of laboratory tables, but 

 never one so satisfactory as this." Another gentleman, who has done much 

 work on entomology, as well as other biological lines, both in this country and 

 abroad, says, " In planning tables to be most valuable, have individual desks, 

 low enough to use a microscope vertically, wax top, and plenty of drawer space." 

 It is thus seen that opinions vary. It is hoped that this discussion may be the 

 means of bringing out both the merits and demerits of various forms of tables 

 now in use, so that those planning new equipment may eliminate the unnecessary 

 and undesired, and secure the best to be had for the work to be done on them. 

 So far as I am now able to determine, the only suggestion offered in table Fig. 

 8, is that the knee space be narrowed a couple of inches or more, making the 

 drawers and space below proportionally wider. 



Cost of tables. Fig. 5 is estimated to cost about $9.00 ; Fig. 6 about $12,00 ; 

 Fig. 8, with panelled door, oak top, as previously mentioned, varnished, waxed, 

 and with two combination locks and four pulls, cost in Montana, each, about 

 $16.00. Doubtless in Eastern states, where labor is not so expensive, the 

 expense would be from a third to a fourth less. Figures are not at hand to give 

 cost or estimate on the others figured. Morton J. Elrod. 



University of Montana. 



