cr 
Cr 
cr 
1864. | The Microscope. 
THE MICROSCOPE.* 
Ir there be a philosophical instrument before any other that has 
exercised a beneficial influence upon modern society, it is the Micro- 
scope. It has lent an impulse to the study of Natural History, of which 
the results have been more striking than any recorded previous to its 
invention ; and through its employment, man’s acquaintance with the 
laws and operations of nature has in a very brief period increased in 
a degree almost miraculous. It has taught him to observe with greater 
care; to calculate with more accuracy; has opened out new fields for 
the exercise of the mental faculties, raising the sense of wonder and 
admiration whilst at the same time it cultivated the reason. To the artist 
and poet it has offered new scenes and themes in Nature ; and, in other 
walks of life, has employed thousands of busy hands and brains. In its 
simplest form the manufacturer carries it in his waistcoat-pocket to ex- 
amine the texture of his fabrics, the seedsman to inspect his seeds, and 
80 in many trades ; whilst the more complicated instrument has become 
almost indispensable to the higher professions—the surgeon, physician, 
and analytical chemist having recourse almost daily to its defining 
powers. Indeed, there is hardly a home where, in one form or another, 
the magnifying lens is not to be found; scarcely a cultivated family 
circle in which at least one member does not avail himself of its use. 
And how is it that even as a mere means of recreation, the micro- 
scope should have acquired a position in the homes of men which no 
other instrument has been able to command? The revelations of the 
Telescope are certainly far grander, and the performances of the Magic- 
lantern more amusing; and yet, for every one of these instruments, we 
may count im the houses of the intelligent classes at least twenty 
microscopes. It is because the last-named instrument brings us into 
nearer relations with that mysterious influence which we call Life—an 
influence which human curiosity has endeavoured from time imme- 
morial to fathom, revealing to our gaze the hidden springs of vital 
action in living objects with which our acquaintance was previously but 
superficial ; and exhibiting new scenes from animated nature, where 
we were before accustomed to believe only in the existence of inor- 
ganic substances influenced by physical forces. For a long period 
indeed, whilst the possession of a microscope was a privilege accorded 
only to a few professional men, and was often employed by these rather 
as a means to mystify than to enlighten, the doings of the microscopical 
world were regarded as being beyond the ken of ordinary mortals; and 
even within the last few months we were informed by a friend, who had 
deputed us to select a microscope for the use of his family, that his 
gentler half entertained conscientious scruples with respect to the ad- 
* “An Elementary Text-book of the Microscope ; including a Description of 
the Methods of Preparing and Mounting Objects, &c. By J. W. Griffith, M.D., 
ee M.R.C.P., conjoint author of the ‘ Micrographic Dictionary.. J Van 
oorst. 
‘The Preparation and Mounting of Microscopic Objects.’ By Thomas Davies, 
R. Hardwicke. 
vol. I. 2P 
