Introduction 5 



Photography, with its manifold uses and the pleasant 

 memories associated with numerous pictures that are 

 secured, cannot be compared with the microscope, more 

 especially for the long winter evenings. 



For any kind of recreation to produce the mental rest 

 which is required by the man of business, a fresh set of 

 faculties must be brought into play, and no better method 

 can be imagined for the purpose than the introduction to 

 a world whose variety is illimitable, whose form is lovely 

 and unique, and whose subjects can never be met with 

 excepting in the quiet observations through the microscope- 

 tube in the study. 



Perhaps some people may hesitate to attempt working 

 with the microscope, not caring to use it merely as a means 

 of amusement, and mistrusting their ability to employ it 

 scientifically. They reflect that every department has its 

 untiring, experienced workers, and available ground appears 

 to have been gone over so repeatedly that it would seem 

 hopeless for an amateur to attempt to add to existing know- 

 ledge on any subject. This idea is a mistaken one, and any 

 microscopist who uses his instrument thoughtfully will be 

 surprised at the manner in which the love for the work will 

 grow upon him, and how gradually he will become master 

 of some special department which he has adopted as his 

 own. On this point we would echo the words of a well- 

 known microscopist : * It needs no marvellous intellect, no 

 special brilliancy, to succeed in a scientific study ; work at 

 it ardently and perseveringly, and success will follow.' 



In order that the best results may be obtained, however, 

 there must bo a correct understanding of the methods of 

 working the instrument. Facility in this respect can only 

 be acquired as the result of experience and practice, and it 

 is the object of this work to indicate in the plainest manner 

 the rules of manipulation that should be adopted in order 

 to insure success. 



