Journal of Applied Microscopy. 491 



It has been truly said that the microscope is our " sixth sense." It is our " open 

 sesame " to worlds innumerable. 



The microscopist has no need to sweep the heavens to discover new worlds ; 

 they are literally everywhere. Nor need he ever sigh for more worlds to con- 

 quer, for no branch of science — and science is only systematized observation — 

 has reached that degree of perfection where there is no round still further up 

 the ladder of knowledge. Indeed, we have not even yet progressed so far as to 

 know what there is to learn, to say nothing of entering and possessing the land. 



There are those who claim that all who use the microscope should devote 

 themselves to some special line of study ; in short, be specialists. Considering, 

 however, the universal utility and pleasure to be derived from the microscope, 

 this claim is very unjust. For the many, the microscope is an open book, or 

 rather, a whole library of open books. 



A microscope will suggest more queries in five minutes than can be answered 

 in a lifetime. 



We owe more to the microscope than we are conscious of, and to the physi- 

 cian most of all this fact should be thoroughly cognizant. The importance of the 

 microscope in medical practice is yet in its infancy ; in chemical analysis, in 

 the study of minute anatomy, in the detection of physiological functions, in 

 pathological examinations, and in the determination of the origin and causation 

 of disease, the aid of the microscope is invaluable. The great germ theories of 

 disease have been so systematically and thoroughly advanced, that many of 

 them have already ceased to be theories, but are now established facts. 



The physician, druggist, and chemist who does not use the microscope may 

 well question whether he is doing justice to himself, to say nothing of justice to 

 his patrons. 



The clergyman, if he would keep abreast with the times, must be familiar 

 with the revelations of the microscope. The structure of the humblest insect, 

 which we ruthlessly crush, abounds in sermons. 



To the perplexed and harassed man of business this fascinating form of 

 varied communion with soothing nature, which the microscope yields, may afford 

 just that ounce of prevention which will prove his salvation from the nervous 

 prostration so common in long-strained mental activity. 



The use of the microscope will soon be obligatory in the public schools, and 

 the teacher who acquaints himself with its manipulations in advance, not only 

 adds to his usefulness, but stands on a vantage ground over his less enterprising 

 competitors. 



To ladies, with their love of the beautiful, their abundant leisure, their quick 

 intuitive perceptions, and their nimble fingers, the use of the microscope is 

 particularly commended. 



In the family circle, also, the microscope is invaluable ; strengthening home 

 ties, furnishing an interest ever fresh, in which all, both young and old, may join. 



The popularity of the microscope is rapidly increasing, and very soon this 

 ingenious instrument will be as necessary an adjunct for the completion of a 

 household as a piano or Webster's dictionary. 



Its value to the medical man is already recognized and appreciated by the 



