CHAPTER V 



SOME COMMON OBJECTS 



I PROPOSE in this chapter to direct attention to 

 some common objects which are especially worthy 

 of examination. Space is not sufficient for me to 

 deal exhaustively with any that I mention, nor can 

 I attempt to cover the whole ground open to the 

 microscopist. His field is practically unlimited, 

 and objects are legion in any special line of investiga- 

 tion. I must rest satisfied with giving the novice a 

 shght indication of the ground that may be covered. 

 The worker has the whole realm of Nature to draw 

 upon, and can find inexhaustible treasure in each 

 of the three great kingdoms — mineral, vegetable, 

 and animal. As regards the last two kingdoms, 

 the microscopist finds difficulty in drawing a dis- 

 tinguishing line between them. There are numerous 

 minute organisms which are said to be plants that 

 behave like animals. 



Let us suppose that a novice has just received a 

 microscope, that it is a cold winter evening, and, 

 while it is out of the question to go out of doors in 

 search of objects, the enthusiast is eager to try 

 his instrument. What can he examine ? There is 

 no need to go beyond his own person for material. 

 Let him pluck a single hair from his head, place it 



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