252 THE AMERICAN MONTHLY [November, 



have complete control of the instrument, and realize the relation of ob- 

 ject and image. This is the time to teach the desirability of examining 

 objects by both reflected and transmitted light. 



The measuring of magnified objects is next in order. This serves 

 to fix the real value of an instrument on the minds of the beginners, 

 and I find that they appreciate it. First measure familiar and large 

 objects, and then follow with less familiar and smaller ones. 



By this time students will be ready to determine the magnifying 

 powers of both simple and compound instruments. See to it that they 

 learn the principle and make free use of it. Every student who has an 

 instrument of his own should be permitted to bring it to the class, and 

 determine the value of the various combinations, as well as taught how 

 to record them. 



The use of the camera lucida and drawing naturally follows at this 

 point and should be given attention. A review of all that has been 

 studied is appropriate, and will determine whether the students are 

 ready for the next step. 



The mounting of objects will have excited the curiosity of students by 

 this time, and they will be ready to give it close attention. Commence 

 with the very simplest forms of diy mounts, and then step to the use of 

 liquid media, and finally the use of " balsam " and other resins. The 

 mounting of crystals and other objects which require special manipula- 

 tion can follow the simple work. 



Section cutting and the preparation of specimens of various kinds 

 will next interest the student. Here special attention and practice 

 should be confined to pharmacv, but reference can be made to work in 

 animal histologv and pathology. 



It will be observed that the above outline of study is not in the order 

 that a person will follow when working at home. The microscopist 

 will cut sections, prepare and mount the specimens, and then measure 

 and otherwise study them. It is from experience that I have concluded 

 that a different order is better for instructions. 



It is not ni}' purpose to outline a course in the application of micros- 

 copy to pharmacy, such as the study of vegetable histology, the detec- 

 tion of adulterations, etc. In such work text-books and collateral 

 instructions are serviceable. The subject is one worthy of a special 

 paper. 



The proper care of the microscope should be insisted upon in the 

 class-room, so that the students will not neglect it at home. 



Towards the close of the course is the proper time to impress the 

 students with the importance of forming collections of such specimens 

 as are of use in work or entertaining when exhibited. I alwaj's feel as 

 if the microscopist who never makes permanent mounts is like a person 

 who does not preserve books for reference after having read them. 

 Both books and permanent mounts are of use to others. 



Pharmac}' students scatter to all parts of the country, and can do a 

 good work in the interest of microscopy if they form local organiza- 

 tions where even two or more workers are found. Competent physi- 

 cians are ever ready to join, so that the druggist and doctor can meet 

 on a common ground and instruct each other in the application of 

 mici"oscopy to their respective vocations. 



The low price of microscopes at the present time enables any drug- 

 gist to own one, so that students should be urged to make the instru- 



