THE MICROSCOPIST. 



CHAPTER L 



HISTORY AND IMPORTANCE OF MICROSCOPY. 



THE term microscopy, meaning the use of the micro- 

 scope, is also applied to the knowledge obtained by this 

 instrument, and in this sense is commensurate with a 

 knowledge of the minute structure of the universe, so far 

 as it may come under human observation. Physics and 

 astronomy treat of the general arrangement and motions 

 of masses of matter, chemistry investigates their constitu- 

 tion, and microscopy determines their minute structure. 

 The science of histology, so important to anatomy and 

 physiology, is wholly the product of microscopy, while 

 this latter subject lends its aid to almost every other 

 branch of natural science. 



To the student of physical phenomena this subject un- 

 folds an amazing variety developed from most simple 

 beginnings, while to the Christian philosopher it gives the 

 clearest evidence of that Creative Power and Wisdom 

 before whom great and small are terms without meaning. 



In the arts, as well as in scientific investigations, the 

 microscope is used for the examination and preparation of 

 delicate work. The jeweller, the engraver, and the miner 

 find a simple microscope almost essential to their employ- 

 ments. This application of the magnifying power of lenses 

 was known to the ancients, as is shown by the glass lens 



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