10 LABORATORY METHODS AND EQUIPMENT 



trying and are generally favored by those with aptitude for 

 illustration. 



5. Describe the figures either neatly in a legend at the bottom 

 of the sheet or on an accompanying page of the notes, using 

 letters to refer to the parts indicated. For sample legends see 

 Principles, Figs. 3, 57, 58, 59, 169, and 248. Give the approxi- 

 mate magnification when this is not evident. Explain in the 

 notes all the points not shown in the sketches, such as character- 

 istic color, consistency, etc. Think out everything before begin- 

 ning to write a description, and, if it is lengthy, draw up a brief 

 outline so that your notes have an orderly arrangement like the 

 form of an essay. Write the notes in connection with the mate- 

 rial and in the laboratory. 



6. In describing an experiment record in separate paragraphs 

 what you did, what the results were, and your conclusions from 

 them. Do not leave out any little detail that may have influenced 

 the results ; for instance, if in a germination experiment the seeds 

 were allowed to get too dry. Make your record on the spot. Do 

 not go to the laboratory to observe the progress of an experiment 

 and write part or all of your notes elsewhere, but put down the 

 results in the presence of the materials and apparatus used. 



7. If not original with yourself, always record the soiu-ce from 

 which any statements were obtained, thus: "Experiment IX, 

 Results obtained by instructor in performing the experiment 

 before the class." 



8. Be neat and accurate. Forty pages of well-written, clearly 

 expressed, and exact notes are worth more than a hundred pages 

 of disorderly and inaccurate ones. 



The Construction and Use op the Compound 

 Microscope 



A. The chief parts of a compound microscope are : 



1. The base which rests on the table, generally horseshoe 

 in form. 



