THE MICROSCOPE. 



CHAPTER I. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



I AM supposing, reader, that at present you are almost, 

 if not altogether, unacquainted with the use of that 

 wonderful instrument by means of which objects quite 

 invisible to the unassisted eye become distinctly seen, 

 and their minutest structure understood. It will be 

 my endeavour in this little Elementary Hand-book on 

 the Microscope, its construction and revelations, to 

 put you in possession of such knowledge as shall serve 

 as a basis for further information, and a stimulant to 

 unceasing inquiry. 



The word microscope is of Greek origin, being 

 derived from two words, n<Kpoc, "small," and <nco7re W) 

 " I view." Its name, you will see at once, most 

 appropriately describes its use. I need say very* 

 little of its history. Simple microscopes or magnify- 

 ing-glasses were known to the ancient Greeks and 

 Romans ; while compound microscopes were not in- 

 vented before the end of the sixteenth century. In 

 process of time this instrument, through the successive 

 labours of various men of different ages, has become 

 developed into a very valuable instrument of scientific 

 research, whilst the success that has crowned the efforts 

 of microscope-makers during the last thirty years has 



