76' The Microscope. 



ELEMENTARY DEPARTMENT, 



In the course of conversation with a gentleman, a recognized 

 expert microscopist, whose business leads him to all parts of the 

 country, we found much interest in an account of the extent and 

 character of study of microscopical science as existing in the United 

 States to-day. From him was learned that the general growth, though 

 encouraging, is not great. The cause of this state of things was 

 attributed principally to the lack of thoroughly competent teachers. 

 Even in some of the larger cities, though the seat of colleges, it is 

 oftentimes next to impossible to get good instruction in this import- 

 ant and ever-developing science. 



The only resort remaining then, is the text-book, and although 

 there are many most excellent ones, few of them are of* benefit unless 

 used under a good instructor. Then again, many do not possess 

 text-books, and, for reasons best known to themselves, will not buy 

 them. These circumstances, as well as hints received from sub- 

 scribers, have led the editors to the idea that a series of lessons on 

 practical, elementary work, would be of value to many readers. 



The lessons will be based on actual laboratory work, and will 

 attempt to place before the beginner, in the most elementary and 

 primer like manner, the details of microscopical technique. No 

 qualification other than the possession of a microscope and an aver- 

 age intelligence will be taken for granted. It is hoped that in this 

 way many, who have hitherto failed or have not begun at all, will be 

 led to comparative if not complete success. And if, at any time, any 

 interested reader do not thoroughly understand, or if he entirely 

 or even partially fail in the working of a lesson, it is requested that 

 he communicate with the laboratory of The Microscope, explaining 

 the difiiculties of his situation. Where every error, however slight, 

 is magnified, any wrong procediire, though, at the time, it may seem 

 to " do," will end in ultimate disaster. 



For the reason that, in presenting these lessons, simplicity 

 in style is much to be desired, only the essential and best 

 approved methods will be employed. Multiplication of methods 

 leads but to confusion, particularly if the beginner believe each one 

 as of paramount importance. It will smprise many to learn how 

 few of these methods are worthy of serious consideration. Many 

 are worthless, some of them are transitional stages to more perfect 

 states and others again are good, but no better than the old ones we 

 are used to. But they all look well in encyclopedias and all serve to 

 the ultimate advancement of the science. 



