1897-98-] Microscopy and some of its Uses. 319 



objects, and but little to books. Therefore, in bringing us 

 back more and more to the study of natural objects — to a 

 real education — the usefulness of the microscope can scarcely 

 be exaggerated. 



As recent instances of microscopic achievement, those in- 

 terested should read the review in ' Science Progress ' for May 

 1897 of Dr Kleb's work on "The Physiology of Eeproduc- 

 tion in Plants," and the article on " Eecent Science " in the 

 'Nineteenth Century' for July 1897, in both of which new 

 and extremely interesting results are given. In the latter 

 of the two there is an account of a very brilliant discovery 

 in brain structure, which goes a long way towards explaining 

 the action of the brain both in health and disease. It is 

 true, not many have the means or the ability and devotedness 

 required for the highest researches. But there is a splendid 

 field for thousands of humbler workers to gather around the 

 leaders in research, to cheer them on, to co-operate with them 

 by appreciating their work and scattering the fruit of it far 

 and wide. We have arrived at a time when we suffer not so 

 much from the want of new discoveries as from the slow 

 rate at which already discovered truths are utilised. Hence, 

 I believe, there are few ways in which we can do more real 

 good than by trying to make it the desire of every household 

 to possess a good microscope, and to study the sciences and 

 the ethics which circle around it. For while there are many 

 ways of slightly alleviating human misery, all the ways of 

 thorough amelioration resolve themselves into scientific know- 

 ledge of life and the conditions of its wellbeing, such as the 

 microscope is eminently fitted to give. 



