92 THE AMERICAN MONTHLY [April, 



as lai^ge to twice as large as a red blood corpuscle. They are found 

 within the epithelial cells. They appear to multipl}' by budding, and 

 Dr. Russell is of the opinion that they are of the nature of a fungus. 

 He also thinks that their multiplication is sufficient to account for cancer 

 growth . 



BOYS' DEPARTMENT. 



Buying Microscopical Outfits. 



By E. C. HOYT, 



DETROIT, MICH. 



" Have I a word for the boys this month ?" Yes, as to buying goods. 

 Many are more competent to give information or advice to younger 

 amateurs than myself, and a fear of giving offence rather conflicts ^vith 

 my disposition to tell the truth and tell it plainly. I had almost con- 

 cluded to keep my experience in some directions to myself, especially 

 as I have, after over two years effort, finally succeeded in disposing of 

 my outfit. Had I never invested in a microscopical outfit (or even in- 

 vested intelligently) the funds used would have placed me in much more 

 comfortable circumstances than I am in financiall}' to-day. 



I have had occasion heretofore in other journals to criticize somewhat 

 severely what I regard as unjust prices. When I began purchasing 

 about ten years ago, I was in the employ of a hardware manufactory. 

 In that line catalogues are issued with prices called " List prices," and 

 discounts vary from 25'^^ to So9y . When I first inquired for discounts 

 on microscopical goods I was told, " Prices in catalogue are net." 

 Having no guardian at the time I purchased freely, until I had expended 

 over $1,500, and generally at full catalogue prices, accepting in good 

 faith the statement that there was no discount on " microscopical " 

 prices. 



I am now prepared to say to " the boys" that while any one who 

 pays full prices, as per catalogue, may not be a consummate idiot, at 

 the same time he is in need of a guardian, and upon application I can 

 refer to one in whom confidence may safely be reposed, though there is 

 no money in it for me. 



The superintendent of a large factory of optical goods told a friend 

 of mine that the profit made was at times over 400%, but even with this 

 immense profit they seem not to be willing to let the dea/efs in for their 

 share, and private individuals often obtain the discount of 20%, I am 

 told, if they know enough to remit less 20%. I have a friend in New 

 Yoi^k who is a dealer. He is agent for certain objectives, a regularly- 

 appointed agent. I knew of three people wanting his first-class i-ioths. 

 I endeavored to aid my friend by telling him of this want. He wrote 

 to the parties, but he did not sell to them. Three objectives were sold 

 from the factory for $180.00 — a little less for the buyers, a little more 

 for the makers, leaving the dealer, a legitimate position, out for his time, 

 postage, and paper. 



I have too deep a reverence for the revelations of the microscope to 

 feel that this is as it should be. The microscope is too noble an instru- 

 ment to be used for ignoble purposes. It is the same " trust" upon 



