ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
A few Worps on the Cuotcre of a Microscope. 
By J. J. PLumer, Esq., M.A. 
THERE are, perhaps, few instruments of the present day 
in which theoretical perfection has been so nearly reached in 
its practical results as in the modern microscope. In say- 
ing this, I am of course speaking of it in its most perfect 
form, in which the highest optical skill is combined with the 
most consummate mechanical contrivance. A large number 
of works have been published on the microscope,* on its 
history and manner of using it, on its manufacture by our 
chief opticians, and lastly, on the countless variety of objects 
which nature and art present for its investigation.t Dr. 
* The following are amongst the principal standard works on the micro- 
scope and the wonders it reveals.—Dr. Carpenter, ‘The Microscope and its 
Revelations,’ third edition; Mr. Quekett, ‘Treatise on the Microscope,’ 
third edition; Quekett, ‘Lectures on Histology,’ 2 vols.; Hogg on ‘The 
‘Microscope, its history, construction, and application ;’ Beale’s ‘ How to 
work with the Microscope ;’ Beale’s, ‘The Microscope and its application 
to Clinical Medicine ; Gosse’s ‘Evenings at the Microscope ;’ Lankester’s 
‘Half-hours with the Microscope,’ illustrated by Tuffen West; Lewis on 
‘Seaside Studies ;’ Pritchard’s ‘ History of Infusoria,’ 4th edit.; Smith on 
‘British Diatomacez ;’ Hassall’s ‘British Freshwater Alge;’ Hassall’s 
‘Microscopic Anatomy of the Human Body; Wythe on the ‘ Microscope ;? 
Griffith and Henfrey’s ‘ Micrographic Dictionary ;? Woodward on ‘ Polarized 
Light ;’ Dr. Lardner on the ‘ Microscope.’ 
+ Without giving a formal classified list of such objects, which would be 
misplaced here, let us select three classes merely of the most ordinary, each 
of which would stock a large cabinet, each of which has engaged the atten- 
tive study of some of the principal naturalists of the day, and given birth 
to valuable publications concerning their habits and character. 1st. Insects, 
their heads, eyes, antenne, trunks, mouths, tongues, stings, wings, legs, feet, 
and breathing-organs; particularly the scales of beetles, butterflies, and 
moths. 2nd. The Marine Alge, those vast families of Seaweed, together 
with the infimte number of creatures living and fossil attached to them. 
3rd. The Pollen or Farina of every wild and cultivated flower or weed that the 
earth produces. See Dr. Hicks on “ The Eyes and Peculiar Organs of Sense 
VOL. IV.— NEW SER. M 
