14 Modern Microscopy. 



which was a luxury, and acquirable only by the wealthy, 

 within the reach of the slenderest purse. This is largely 

 due to the work of enthusiastic amateurs. At leading 

 microscopical societies, notably the Eoyal Microscopical 

 Society and the Quekett Club, which meet in London, are 

 to be found men whose recreation is in the microscope, 

 and whose suggestions, as the result of personal practical 

 experience and research, are of such weight and value that 

 manufacturers, rivalling one another, have taken advantage 

 of the ideas of these workers. Also in the medical world its 

 advantages have become appreciated, and necessitated the 

 introduction of reliable and high-class instruments at a 

 moderate price. Not many years ago a hospital rarely 

 possessed more than one or two microscopes, and these 

 were generally kept under a glass shade, more for ornament 

 than use ; but to-day every student has to provide himself 

 with one, and become practically acquainted with the ulti- 

 mate structure of every organ and tissue both in health 

 and disease. The chemist finds it indispensable, and our 

 medical officers of health employ it for detecting adultera- 

 tions, entozoa, etc. ; so that not only is it one of the most 

 intelligent means of recreation, but it is also invaluable in 

 many duties affecting our immediate comfort and welfare. 



The demand for microscopes caused by their large 

 employment by professional men and students caused a 

 corresponding competition among manufacturers to produce 

 the best possible instruments at the lowest price, suitable 

 for the purposes for which they were required, and this has 

 been an important factor in the present state of good 

 quality at low cost. 



Some people hesitate in taking up the microscope at all, 

 not caring to use it merely as an amusement, and thinking 

 they have no special genius for science, or the ground has 

 been gone over so repeatedly that there are no new worlds 

 to conquer, and that it is perfectly hopeless for them to 

 discover any new organism, or for any novel idea to cross 

 their minds. This is quite a mistake, and it will surprise 



