2300 Journal of Applied Microscopy 



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Journal of 



Applied Microscopy 



and 



Laboratory Methods 



Edited by L. B. ELLIOTT. 



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In the last issue of School Science Professor W. F. Ganong, in commenting 

 upon an improvised apparatus for demonstrating osmosis, says : 



" There are two other reasons why I think these shells, especially if used 

 with calibrated tubes, are superior to such devices as those described by Mr. 

 Adams, excellent though the latter are. First, they show the process in much 

 greater simplicity than the carrot, for we are dealing with a single membrane 

 and not with a complicated structure, the operation of which needs considerable 

 explanation. Second, and more important, the experiment with the shells can 

 be conducted with a precision and neatness far more illustrative of the real 

 nature of scientific work than is possible with the make-shift devices. I have 

 myself been a great advocate of home-made apparatus and make-shift methods, 

 even going so far as to maintain that upon the whole such self-made arrange- 

 ments are educationally superior to those that could be purchased especially 

 made for the purpose. But increasing experience is making me change that 

 opinion, and chiefly for the reason that these make-shift devices introduce the 

 students to a wrong ideal of scientific work, and one which it is almost impos- 

 sible for them to get rid of afterwards. The very soul of scientific experiment 

 is precision and simplicity, or I might say precision, which presupposes sim- 

 plicity ; and it is most desirable that students shall receive this impression of it 

 at the start. Make-shift devices are better than none, but the precise arrange- 

 ments are best." 



We have met many eminent educators who have held the view that the 

 putting together of make-shift apparatus before the student gives a better com- 

 prehension of the causes and effects in the demonstration, hence a better under- 

 standing of the results. " Give me a piece of tin, some solder, wire, and a pair 

 of shears, and I will produce almost any piece of laboratory apparatus," said 

 one. Can there be anything more unscientific, more demoralizing to the 

 receptive minds of students, than the laboratory tinker ? Ingenuity is always to 

 be commended, but it had much better be expended in devising new applica- 

 tions for well made and accurate appliances than in tinkering up new ones for 

 the same purpose. The teacher or investigator who has a few good pieces of 

 apparatus and is master of them finds little use for make-shifts. 



