THE MICEOSCOPIST. 



CHAPTER I. 



THE HISTORY AND IMPORTANCE OP MICROSCOPIC 

 INVESTIGATION. 



FROM the earliest period of scientific research, the magnify- 

 ing properties of lenses have been used to penetrate the arcana 

 of nature, and with most striking results. A vast amount of 

 information, which could have been obtained in no other way, 

 has been added, by microscopic observation, to almost every 

 branch of natural science. 



To the Christian philosopher, the microscope reveals the 

 most amazing evidence of that Creative Power and Wisdom 

 before which great and small are terms without meaning. He 

 rises from the contemplation of the minutise which it displays, 

 feeling more strongly than ever the force of those beautiful 

 words " If God so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day 

 is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more 

 clothe you ? ye of little faith !" 



To the geologist, it reveals the striking, yet humbling fact, 

 that the world on which we tread is but the wreck of ancient 



