HuGGiNs^ on the Spectra of Microscopic Objects. 85 
eightlis of an inch with a pair of wire pliers at right angles ; 
this second portion_, at half an inch^ again bend at right 
angles in the same plane ; now, at three quarters of an inch, 
turn the wire over on itself, leaving at the bend space suffi- 
cient to admit a thick slide. At one inch and five eighths 
twist the wire completely on itself, and bring the now short 
ends at right angles to the longest part ; file this end quite 
flat. Give the first portion of the wire a slight curvature, so 
that the point and bend may act as a stifi* spring against the 
under surface of the slide when applied. The figure will 
show how it is to be used. If required, a clip can be attached 
at each end of the slide. Wires of the diameters of one 
thirtieth, one twenty-fourth, and one twentieth of an inch are 
useful sizes. 
Note on Prismatic Examination o/Microscopic Objects. 
By William Huggins, F.R.S. 
(Read May lOtli, 1865.) 
It has long been in my mind that microscopical science 
might possibly receive some assistance from prismatic analysis. 
Other investigations on which I am engaged have prevented 
me from making experiments in this field of inquiry. Since, 
however, the plan which I had proposed to myself, and which 
I have adopted with success in a few preliminarry trials, differs 
essentially from the arrangement of prismatic apparatus re- 
cently introduced by Mr. Sorby, a short account of my 
method of observing may not be without interest to the 
Microscopical Society. 
Microscopical science can scarcely hope for the same help 
from prismatic analysis which astronomy and chemistry have 
recently received, because the objects of investigation by the 
