1897 THE MICROSCOPE. 21 
tions of a coffee-jelly color; but yet they can be easily 
placed. 
It is a fascinating contemplation. If one has not ac- 
cess to a private or public collection, perhaps the best 
substitute to seeing specimens may be found in reading 
about them. Books are always accesible. In a grand 
bit of pleasant-science, Ruskin has portrayed in word- 
pictures, beautiful ideal suggestions, which are of value 
to every lover of Nature and particularly of quartz. 
The crystalline is not so patiently investigated, as is 
the amorphous form of silicon. The microscopist studies 
a form of rearranged quartz molecules, 
Grandeur is still before the investigator. Precision 
becomes no less precise. The framework of molecules of 
protoplasm; and masses of protoplasm; in their glassy 
outlines, add to the voices which proclaim the universa! 
mystic transmutations. Crystalline life discloses mystic 
inherent forces; and the bits of jelly, quivering with a 
different degree of sensitization, weave their typical pat- 
tern of threads with unvarying constancy. 
In the magical weaving of siliceous threads to pro- 
duce a “Venus Basket,” one needs no microscopic pene- 
tration to see wonder and beauty, in form and structure. 
The Euplectella is a magnificent production. The Diatom 
skeletons are at the other extreme in magnitude. The 
very highest art of man, concentrated toits utmost point, 
displays the marvellous designs of the Diatom skeletons. 
We reach the threshold of newgrandeur, and find ourselves 
beyond our depths in mysticism. 
Rarely has Nature made provision for the microscop- 
ist in supplying exquisite crystallizations of quartz group- 
ings, which will combine all the imitable features of pur- 
est forms. Magnificence and minuteness combined in 
little double terminated brilliants, make pleasing slides. 
The best examples the writer has yet tound, were 
shaken out of chalcedony concretions. The crystals are 
