88 Journal of the Mitchell Society [August 



Probably the greatest danger from the use of the microscope comes 

 from the use of prepared slides. There is perhaps nothing that con- 

 fuses the mind of the student more than looking through a high power 

 microscope at a jDrepared slide the making of which he has not the 

 faintest conception. This is perhaps the most influential factor in 

 creating the conception of "mysteries of plant and animal life." 

 Now, since it is necessary that some things must be magnified to be 

 seen and studied, it will be better to use the lowest magnification nec- 

 essary. Very often better details of the image are obtained this way 

 than by using higher magnification. If this is done, very often, a 

 magnifying glass of from twelve to twenty-five diameters will give 

 better results than a compound microscope. 



Whenever possible the material to be studied should be put on the 

 slide by the student, and when prepared slides must be used their 

 study should be preceded by a careful explanation with the aid of 

 models or drawings from what part of the organism the part or sec- 

 tion came and how the section was cut. An explanation or demon- 

 stration of how temporary or permanent microscopical preparations 

 are made will also be of great aid to the student in comprehending 

 what he sees. 



Durham, N. C. 



