280 THE Microscope. 
His chief desire will be to keep it helpful and inspiring. Many 
an owner of an instrument is as at loss for something to do. His 
knowledge may not be great enough to show him what fields of 
microscopic research are open to cultivation by him; indeed, he 
may not know into what path to step so that he may reach a re- 
gion whose distant and well cultivated prospect seems pleasant. 
Tue Microscope will be happy if it can even accidentally direct 
such inquirers. The owner of an instrument need not sigh for 
the realms of original research. There is enough in the little 
things overlooked or intentionally left by the giants of science, to 
occupy the time and attention of almost any microscopist for a 
life of spare moments. 
A facetious landlord is said to have erected a notice to the ef- 
fect that “If you don’t see what you want, ask for it.” That 
will be one of the notices to remain standing at the head of these 
columns. Although invisible to the naked eye, the reader may 
fell sure that the request is there, and that any suggestion from 
any one, although he may have only just bought his first micro- 
scope, will be welcome, and will receive every possible attention. 
If matters get too dry and lifeless for pleasant assimilation, say 
so in plain English; but, at the same time tell the unhappy 
editor how to turn on the moistening and revivifying stream. 
And help him yourself to do so. If you write to this unfor- 
tunate being (I am already beginning to pity him, because I 
foresee that he will have a hard time of it), to tell him how you 
can “blacken brass by the use of emery,” give him the particu- 
lars so that he may print your experience for the benefit of 
others. 
If suggestions and requests for microscopical help will be wel- 
come, equally so will be essays, papers and contributions upon 
any of the multitudinous subjects pertaining to the department 
of microscopy. However unimportant an item may seem to its 
writer or originator, it may prove to be the link needed to com- 
plete the chain in the hands of some other worker ; and however 
insignificant may appear the little “dodge” which its inventor 
