42 The Microscope. 



analytical chemist. It cannot displace the microscope nor any of 

 the other appliances, which have until the present day constituted 

 the armamentarium of a chemical laboratory. But it can be justly 

 <5laimed that we possess in the spectroscope a new power of the first 

 magnitude. The precision and exactitude with which it analyzes 

 organic as well as inorganic substances challenges our highest 

 admiration. It distinctly and instantaneously reacts to most infini- 

 tesimal particles of matter, vapors and gases, so that five new 

 metals have been discovered by its aid which jjerhaps might have 

 remained unknown forever. 



Says Professor Roscoe, in his splendid work on spectrum analysis: 

 " We are forced to admit that by the application of the simple prin- 

 ciple of spectrum analysis the chemist is able to overstep the narrow 

 bounds of our planet, and, extending his intellectual powers into 

 almost illimitable space, to determine with as great a degree of cer- 

 tainty as appertains to any conclusion in physical science, the 

 composition of the atmosphere of the sun and far- distant fixed stars. 

 Nay, he has even succeeded in penetrating into the nature of those 

 mysteries of astronomy, the Nebulae, and has ascertained not only 

 the chemical composition, but likewise the physical condition of 

 those most distant bodies." 



And what immense amount of valuable material has been 

 harvested from the domain of organic and animal chemistry! The 

 flood of light which it has thrown upon vital processes, the nature 

 and function of the blood, how it has amplified our knowledge of the 

 wonderful processes of respiratory, oxidising and oxygenating powers 

 of this vital fluid, its natural affinities for oxygen and carbonic acid, 

 its energetic and dangerous affinity for poisonous irrespirable gases, 

 forming with them permanent alliances, dangerous, nay, even fatal 

 to human life; it has opened a new vista in the nature of diseases 

 depending upon these alliances; it has lifted the veil fi'om solar and 

 stellar chemistry; it has enabled us to enter nature's most secluded 

 laboratory, and to cast a glance into the fathomless depth of creative 

 energy ! 



In medical jurisprudence its use is far-reaching, and of unlim- 

 ited importance. Its simple application, its response to the 

 minutest material of blood, its extraordinary delicacy and sensitive- 

 ness, gives to the spectrum test the greatest value and the most 

 extended scope. It responds decidedly and immediately where the 

 highest magnifying powers of the best microscopes can no longer 

 give any information. It gives us valuable and often instantaneous 



