Preparation of Objects. 61 
15.—ON THE PREPARATION OF OBJECTS FOR THE MICROSCOPE. 
By E. Lovett, 
[Read April 21st, 1880.] 
Mr. Lovett pointed out that it was by no means the case 
that the mounting of objects for the microscope was a very 
difficult matter, necessitating the use of all sorts of acids and 
chemicals. Some of the most beautiful of objects were most 
easily prepared and preserved for any length of time, provided 
only that a little care was exercised, and a few suggestions put 
into practice. By mounting dry in a cell the most natural 
state was obtained, and this was the simplest method of 
mounting. Nothing should ever be put in the cell unless it 
were perfectly dry, and if possible should not be mounted in 
damp weather. It was also well not to use any oil, cements, 
or varnishes for fastening the object in its position. 
Describing a cell which he (Mr. Lovett) had used for some time 
without one instance of failure, he said it was easily and readily 
made. Having cleaned a glass slide, it was to be placed on the 
centreing table, and the operator must then lay a brass ring of 
the size required on the centre, and place on that a piece of 
black ozokerit ; then hold the slip over a spirit lamp and the 
ozokerit melted and filled up the cell floor, cementing the ring 
to the slide, and forming a dull black concave chamber which 
hardened at once when laid down to cool, and was then ready 
for the object. The object should be attached to the centre by 
a little ordinary gum, almost dry; when this became dry the 
cover glass might be fixed with the same material, and when 
firm enough the slide could be placed on the turn table, and a 
good finish of asphalte varnish would bind the whole together 
and render the cell perfectly hermetically sealed. The objects 
suitable for such cells were unlimited, but they were such as 
Foraminifera, micro’ fungi, leaf scales, leaf hair, seeds, many 
wood sections, &c., which were readily obtained and easily 
‘prepared. Many objects might be mounted dry and without 
a background. 
Coming to objects which required a preservative medium, 
Mr. Lovett said balsam was the most generally used in 
those cases, and produced perhaps the most unsatisfactory 
result unless done properly. Objects for balsam required 
a period of soaking in turpentine or oil of cloves, &c., and 
before such soaking, should be dry. Mr. Lovett mentioned an 
easy and convenient method of keeping a lot of things in soak, 
and went on to point out that when the objects were found to 
be clear of air they should be mounted. Only just sufficient 
