4 THE MICROSCOPE. JaD. 



the intestinal glands (figure 7, f) and thence through the 

 single intestine to the saculated intestine (figure 7, m). 

 Some species of worms have three gizzards and the num- 

 ber and arrangement of the sacs vary in the different 

 species. 



Although so seemingly insignificant, the worm is of 

 benefit to man, for by its industry it keeps the ground 

 mellow and leveled and prepares the dead grass and 

 leaves for absorption by the soil. Worms vary greatly 

 in size, some being microscopic while in Ceylon there is 

 one which measures from 20 to 40 feet. They are found 

 not only in the earth but in both salt and fresh water. 



On a New Form of Mechanical Stage. 



By ARTHUR M. EDWARDS, M. D., 

 NEWARK, N. J. 



1 wish to describe as well as I can without figures, a 

 new form of mechanical stage which I have had put on 

 my microscope. For it is a microscope without a me- 

 chanical stage itself, made with a fixed stage, a common 

 kind of microscope. But I know that the new mechanical 

 stage I am abont to describe can be put on an expensive 

 stand with advantage. It can be moved in any way that 

 is desired and can be removed from the microscope stage 

 and quickly replaced. It can be moved up and down by 

 means of an extremely fine screw placed on either side. 

 In this way it becomes a tilting stage also, making it use- 

 ful when magnifying stereoscopically with even a one 

 fifth objective. Besides these advantages it is cheap. 

 I think it can be made by oneself — at least the one that I 

 have was home made and I do not claim any superior me- 

 chanical skill. 



A fixed stage three inches long by two inches broad 

 with spring clip is used for holding it. This is of course 



