WEST, ON THE MICROSCOPE. 197 
of Objects, by Mr. Thomas Ketteringham, which will be 
found very useful to beginners. he following is the intro- 
ductory passage to this portion of the work : 
“The majority of objects exhibited by the microscope require some kind 
of preparation before they can be satisfactorily shown, or their form and 
structure properly made out. To convince tlie beginner of this, let him 
take the leg of any insect, and, without previous preparation, place it under 
his Microscope, and what does he see? A dark opaque body, fringed with 
hair, and exceedingly indistinct. But let him view the same object pre- 
pared and permanently mounted, and he will now regard it with delight. 
That beautiful limb, rendered transparent by the process it has undergone, 
now lies before him, rich in colour, wonderful in the delicate articulation of 
its joints, exquisite in its finish, armed at its extremities with two sharp 
claws equally serviceable for progression or aggression, and furnished, in 
many instances, with pads (pz/vill/), which enable the insect to walk with 
ease and safety on the smoothest surface. If the beginner has a true love 
for the study of the microscope, he will be glad of information respecting 
the method pursued in dissecting and preserving microscopic objects, nor 
will he rest satisfied until he has acquired some knowledge of the art. We 
will briefly point out a few of the advantages possessed by those who are 
able to prepare specimens for themselves. 
‘Objects well mounted will remain uninjured for years, and will con- 
tinue to retain their colour and structure in all their original freshness. 
“They can be exhibited at all times to one’s friends, and may be studied 
with advantage whenever an opportunity occurs. 
‘By the practice of dissection such a knowledge is gained of the varied 
forms and internal organization of minute creatures as can be obtained in no 
other way. 
“There are doubtless many who, possessing a small microscope, are 
unable by reason of their limited means to expend money in the purchase of 
ready-prepared specimens. ‘To such a few plain directions, if followed, will 
be of service, and will enable them to prepare their own. 
“The materials necessary for the beginner are few, and not expensive. 
Tn fact, the fewer the better; for a multiplicity is apt only to cause con- 
fusion. The following will be found sufficient for all ordinary purposes, and 
may be obtained at any optician’s : 
“ Bottle of new Canada balsam. 
“ Bottle of gold size. 
“Bottle of Brunswick black. 
Spirits of turpentine—small quantity. 
* Spirits of wine—small quantity. 
‘Solution of caustic potash (diguor potasse). 
* Ether—a small bottle. 
“Empty pomatum-pots, with covers, for holding objects while in pickle. 
“ Half a dozen needles mounted in handles of camel-hair brushes. 
“Pair of brass forceps. 
«Two small scalpels. 
“ Pair of fine-pointed scissors. 
«* Camel-hair pencils—half a dozen. 
“Slips of plate-glass, one inch by three inches—two dozen. 
“Thin glass covers, cut into squares and circles—half an ounce. 
“We will suppose that the beginner, having purchased the necessary 
materials, is about to make his first attempt. Let him attend to the fol- 
lowing advice, and he will escape many failures. 
“He must bring to his work a mind cool and collected; hands clean and 
