98 THE MICROSCOPE. 



largely due to the work of enthusiastic amateurs. At leading 

 microscopical societies, notably the Royal Microscopical Society 

 and the Quekett Club, which meet in London, are to be found 

 men whose recreation is in the microscope, and whose sug- 

 gestions, as the result of personal practical experience and 

 research, are of such weight and value that manufacturers, 

 rivalling one another, have taken advantage of the ideas of 

 these workers. *Also in the medical world its advantages 

 have become appreciated, and necessitated the introduction of 

 reliable and high class instruments at a moderate price. Not 

 many years ago a hospital rarely possessed more than one or 

 two microscopes, and these were generally kept under a glass 

 shade, more for ornament than use ; but to-day every student has 

 to provide himself with one, and become practically acquainted 

 with the ultimate structure of every organ and tissue both in 

 health and disease. The chemist finds it indispensable, and our 

 medical officers of health employ it for detecting adulterations, 

 entozoa, etc. So that not only is it one of the most intelligent 

 means of recreation, but it is also invaluable in many duties af- 

 fecting our immediate comfort and welfare. 



The demand for microscopes caused by their large employment 

 by professional men and students has caused a corresponding 

 competition among manufacturers to produce the best possible 

 instruments at the lowest price, suitable for the purposes for 

 which they were required, and this has been an important fac- 

 tor in the present state of good quality at low cost. 



Some people hesitate in taking up the microscope at all, not 

 caring to use it merely as an amusement, and thinking that 

 they have no special genius for science, or that the ground has 

 been gone over so repeatedly that there are no new worlds to 

 conquer, and that it is perfectly hopeless for then to discover 

 any new organism, or for any novel idea to cross their minds. 

 This is quite a mistake, and it will surprise any microscopist 

 who uses his instrument thoughtfully how love for the work 

 will grow upon him and how gradually he will become master 

 of some special line which he has adopted as his own. On this 

 point we would echo the words of a well-known microscopist. 

 "It needs no marvellous intellect, no special brilliancy, to 

 succeed in a scientific study: work at it ardently and persever- 

 ingly, and success will follow." 



