9 
On the Photographic Delineation of Microscopic Objects. 
By K. L. Maddox, M.D. 
(Read Nov. 12fch, 1862.) 
On the construction of the microscope, its appendages and 
useSj much has been written ; still it is to be marked^ and 
with regret,, that the page devoted to its conjoined applica- 
tion with photography bears so insignificant a proportion^ 
when we see that the tendency of the present day is to 
employ each for the purpose of scientific observation and 
illustration. In a degree, this may have arisen from the 
trouble or difficulty peculiar to the study, and the paucity 
of attempts to reduce the art to a position calculated to 
advance its use. Doubtless, each individual has adopted 
methods peculiar to himself, which he has employed for 
some supposed, if not real, advantage; therefore, if only 
these, so far as they have been made known, were briefly 
enumerated, it would considerably guide others, and greatly 
tend to facilitate its use. 
Yet it seein§ likely, without aid from opticians, that we 
shall be subject to perpetual vibrations, without important 
additions nevertheless, it cannot be desired that we yield 
to our exigencies by assigning a limit to the discoveries of 
future ages,^^ prescribe to science her boundaries, restrain 
the active and insatiable curiosity of man within the circle of 
his present acquirements, and thus rather accommodate his 
wants to the narrow spirit of prejudice, neglect, and disap- 
pointment, than strive to participate in the common advance- 
ment of applied photography. 
Unfortunately there is little encouragement given to ad- 
vocate its use, even when its usefulness is acknowledged, 
and the common remark, that ^' its employment must be 
very limited, for, unless the object to be represented lies in 
one plane, you cannot, by the microscope, obtain definition 
over its entire surface,'^ at once prejudices the question, and 
consigns us to still chiefly rely on woodcuts,-,with their errors, 
omissions, and the " distinct folds of their accustomed 
drapery.^^ It should be remembered we are not in a position 
to limit its use, nor assign, without experiment or trial, 
the number of diameters an object, whether primarily or 
secondarily, can be enlarged, before the eye detects any 
offending error ; rather would it be in harmony with the 
basis upon which the science of experiment has been reared 
to first acknowledge the want, then encourage the effort. 
