VI PREFACE TO SECOND EDITION. 



that issue them, we have thought it best to refer our readers to these 

 catalogues for information in regard to the construction of the instruments 

 of different makers, and to facilitate their doing so, we have given at the 

 end of the book a list of the prominent makers with their addresses. 



In this, as in the previous edition, we have omitted all descriptions of 

 objects, believing that the proper aim of a book on the microscope should 

 not be to teach the general principles of botany, zoology or histology, but 

 simply the best methods of using the microscope in the pursuit of these 

 studies. The proper books in which to find a description of objects, are 

 those which treat of that department of science which takes cognizance 

 of the special subject under consideration. The present volume is 

 intended merely as a guide to the best general methods of using the 

 microscope. 



It has been a source of great satisfaction to the author to be^assured by 

 those whom he deems good authority, that this little book has done much 

 to foster the use of the microscope in this country, and he hopes that the 

 present improved edition will tend to still further increase the deep 

 interest which is already felt in an instrument which has done more than 

 any other to extend our knowledge of organic nature. 



New York, August, 1877. 



