THE MICROSCOPE. 



sudden illness in December last, it had occupied all of my time out- 

 side of my college duties. It was with a feeling of disappointment 

 that Dr. Heitzmann's work was read. He does not give the reader 

 that feeling of satisfaction, which should make him involuntarily ex- 

 claim, "He knows all about it." 



But to the book itself. 



On page i under "Methods" we are told, that the tearing and 

 teasing of tissues is a most objectionable method of preparation, 

 while all working histologists know that it is an indispensable pro- 

 cedure for many examinations. 



On page 8 we read that: "The process of mounting in 

 glycerine is simpler and easier than any other method." The next 

 sentence reads: "Glycerine specimens need more careful handling 

 than balsam specimens." How does the reader reconcile these con- 

 tradictory statements? 



The two sentences following the above describe the many dif- 

 ficulties in the way of getting good glycerine mounts, and the 

 paragraph closes thus: "The mounting and varnishing of glycerine 

 specimens is easier with square than with circular covering-glasses." 

 How this sounds to the practical microscopist! Did the author 

 never see a turn-table? 



"Hematoxylin and eosine are reagents used exclusively for 

 alcoholic specimens, but not suitable for chromic acid preparations." 

 This is not in accord with the experience of many workers. 



After reading this all important chapter, the following conclu- 

 sions are reached: first, no methods are given especially adapted to 

 show reticulated structure; second, many statements are contrary to 

 the experience of practical working microscopists; and third, there 

 are actual contradictions. The above is neither an inaccurate 

 nor overdrawn view of the "Methods" that are to overthrow all the 

 theories of the past concerning the structure of tissues. 



The list of contributors to this volume numbers as high as 

 twenty, and is composed of those who have worked in Dr. Heitz- 

 mann's laboratory. 



In the preface we are told that, "over 700 attendants have 

 satisfied themselves of the correctness of my assertions." Hence it 

 should not be a difficult matter to find 20 from the 700 who would 

 be willing to contribute to the literature of the subject. A large 



