The Microscope. Sd 



EDITORIAL. 



PHOTO-MICROGRAPHY. 



TN looking over the literature of photo- micrography, we have been 

 -*■ struck with the paucity of articles written on this subject for 

 beginners. Extensive and vahiable communications on the use of 

 the amplifier, and other parts and accessories, and numerous descrip- 

 tions of cameras and holders have appeared, but during 1887, 

 almost nothing new, in the microscopical journals at least, has been 

 written on the methods of work, the value of different developers, and 

 the minutise of technique. In photo -micrography, as in microscopy, 

 workers are constantly running onto helpful devices and methods 

 which should be written up and published for the general good, and 

 not held secret for individual benefit. 



The late Dr. Woodward, probably succeeded better in photo- 

 micrography than any other individual who ever worked in this 

 department, and it was his constant aim to give out his knowledge 

 as soon as acquired, so that his mantle has fallen onto the shoulders 

 of thousands all over the world. 



Excellent work is being done in this countiy, and many of our 

 microscopists have already achieved great fame in this line. We 

 cannot but regret, however, that so little has been published as to 

 methods, during the past year, and earnestly urge all who are inter- 

 ested to do their utmost to advance photo-micrography during 1888. 



The Microscopical Society, of Calcutta, India, mention of which 

 was made in a recent issue of this journal, have issued a " Pros- 

 pectus and Rules," and "By-Laws and List of Members," — two neat 

 pamphlets which speak well for the society. Mr. W. J. Simmons, the 

 Honorary Secretary and originator of the society, in a communica- 

 tion to us under date of November 26, 1887, makes the following 

 kindly reference to the other leading members of the council; 



" ** We could have made no way had it not been for our Vice- 

 President, Mr. Wood Mason, who has entered so fully into the spirit 

 of the society that he is our main stay. He is curator of the Indian 

 Museum here, and a lecturer on zoology at our medical college. 

 His influence in scientific circles here is deservedly great. He lets 

 us meet in the Biological Laboratory of the museum for our council 

 meetings, and has secured us a nice room in the main building of 

 the museum for our. monthly general meetings. His zeal is untiring, 



