'94 The Microscope. 



But Protozoa are not all the animals to be studied, and when 

 we attempt to study the numerous Coelenterata, we are compelled 

 to use the microscope in a vertical position. Life-slides in study- 

 ing Ctenophora and Hydrozoa, or Acalephse in general, are as 

 unable to admit of being inclined as a watch-glass or some kind 

 of glass trough which is, next to the microscope itself, an in- 

 dispensable article. The same thing holds good with reference 

 to the embryo, of nearly all the invertebrates. It is but a short 

 "time ago that I was studying the fresh-water polyzoa Cristatella, 

 and if any one can study such animals with the microscope in- 

 clined he is welcome to do it ; I can not. Then again the 

 numerous physiological experiments involving the use of the 

 microscope, and the total or partial replacing of liquids by others 

 and by reagents while watching their effects on the organism or 

 tissue, and numerous other cases, involve the use of the micro- 

 scope in a vertical position. 



As regards the neatness of a histological or biological labora- 

 tory, allow me to state that there is no more occasion for its 

 being a " sloppy and an unattractive place " than for a parlor to 

 be such, and the fact that we are compelled to use our micro- 

 scopes in a vertical position has nothing to do with it. There 

 is no more need of using liquid to excess so as to cause it to run 

 over the slide, microscope or table, than there is of using a quart 

 of oil at one time on a sewing machine. My private laboratory 

 is as neat and clean as any drawing-room, and yet all my work 

 is done on two large felt covered, flat top desks which are as clean 

 as if not in use. There is no excuse for uncleanness in any work 

 with the microscope. 



Every microscope should be made so that it can be used in a 

 vertical position or inclined at any angle, and no worker should 

 think of purchasing a stand that is rigid so not to be inclined, 

 any more than he would of purchasing one that is inclined with 

 no joint for placing it in a vertical position. However, if com- 

 pelled to choose between the two, the one that is vertical should 

 be the choice of all workers, but from all I can see " Amateur " 

 might just as well have a stand made permanently inclined. 



Washington, D. C. J. M. Stedmax. 



Editor The Microscope :— 



In relation to the Star cleaning powder I may mention that 



