556 



Journal of Applied Microscopy. 



Some Helpful Laboratory Apparatus. 



In the opinion of the writer, no conveniences are too elaborate for the 

 microscopist who daily spends several hours of exacting labor in the minute and 

 careful observation of details under high-power lenses. Any appliances that 

 give ease to eyes or body not only render the work less arduous, but increase 

 the efficiency of the investigator's powers of observation. 



Realizing this, the writer has, by degrees, accumulated a number of con- 

 trivances that, according to his experience, combine to render observation with 

 the microscope easier and more precise. These different pieces of apparatus 

 may not be new to many, but possibly an account of their combination into a 

 working series may suggest to others schemes for greater ease in manipulation, 

 and thus prove of some value. In this hope, a description of the installation is 

 here given. 



Explanation of figure : a, shelf for microscope ; /', swinging arm of chair ; c, inclined 



drawing surface ; d, balloon flask condenser ; e, Welsbach light ; 



/, eye shade with cloth attached. 



The principal feature of it is a chair so modified as to carry a microscope 

 and a drawing board in positions that will require the least strain upon the body 

 and arms. In constructing it, a large chair with the right arm broadened into a 

 slanting writing surface was employed. The hard-wood writing top was 

 removed, and in its stead was placed a soft pine board of similar size and shape. 

 Below this, at a distance equal to the height of the microscope stage above the 

 table, was fastened a horizontal shelf just large enough to receive the microscope 

 foot. This is sufficiently distant from the seat of the chair to allow the right leg 

 of the observer to rest beneath it. This arrangement places the microscope 

 nearly enough in front of the operator to render access to the eyepiece easy and 

 convenient. At the same time this projection makes it difficult to enter the 



