The Microscope. 125 



different professional pursuits. It forms, then, an excellent intro- 

 duction to the study of bacteria, for both medical and non-medical 

 readers. The avithor has kept constantly in view the connection with 

 the known facts in the life of bacteria with those with which we are 

 acquainted in other branches of natural history. 



A very satisfactory account is given of the structure of the bac- 

 terian cell and the course of development, species, origin and distri- 

 bution of bacteria. The casual connection of parasitic bacteria with 

 the infectious diseases has received abundant attention. It gives 

 concisely the facts which every physician must know, and which 

 should be known by every educated man. The chapter devoted to 

 the mycotic diseases of insects and plants, contains some very potent 

 arguments, sustaining by analogy the bacterial theory of infectious 

 diseases. A copious conspectus of bacteriological literature ends 

 the book. 



It is one of the very best books upon this subject that we have 

 seen. 



CORRESPONDENCE AND QUERIES. 



Chicago, Feb'y 15, 1888. 

 Editor of The Microscope : 



Your editorial in the January number, as to widening the 

 scope of Microscopical Societies, contains such wise suggestions, it 

 will be well for the many nearly lifeless societies -to give heed and 

 adopt the plan proposed. There has been too much tendency to 

 regard microscopy as an esoteric science, in which those outside are 

 not expected or desired to take interest, except at soirees. The rea- 

 son for this is in the obvious fact that the very large majority of 

 persons absorb all their leisure in music, dancing, games, novels and 

 frivolity. They are not, perhaps, culpable in this condition. Evolution 

 has been belated with them, and it is in violence to their natures to 

 expect them to become microscopists, even for diversion. Yet, in all 

 communities, there are some, and in lar^ cities,many, who are suited 

 and inclined to scientific pursuits; but few of whom develop in that 

 direction because the esoteric conditions repel them. 



If inclined to microscopy, unless the individual is exceptionally 

 fortunate in having some friend to aid him in learning the methods, 

 he will find that he must struggle alone with the text books. So 

 slow will be his progress, that if not very fervent in spirit he will 



