REVIEWS. 
What is Microscopical Science . ?1 
Some of our friends have occasionally asked, not without 
the faint shadow of a sneer, “What is microscopical science?” 
Others have limited it for us to knowledge of things pretty 
when placed beneath a magnifying power ; and many have 
declared that, at any rate, it is not a sufficient basis on which 
to rear a scientific journal. The history of our own periodi- 
cal is sufficient to give a practical denial to the last opinion. 
We would not pretend for one moment that microscopical 
science should have a place in Comte’s ‘ Classification of 
Sciences’ ; nor do we suppose that it can be regarded as a 
philosophical division of knowledge at all. Such a con- 
sideration is, indeed, of very little import in the actual 
affairs of literature or science. The particular branches of 
study to which we find individuals devoting their lives do 
not, by any means, indicate divisions of science which would 
be recognised as legitimate by any philosopher ; nor does 
microscopical science claim to be more than such a branch, 
furnishing us with a term of eminent practical utility. By 
microscopical science we understand the knowledge gained 
by intelligent use of the microscope in the investigation of 
various forms and structures, whether animal, vegetal, or 
mineral. It is undeniable that there is a certain range of 
subjects in which all who know that glorious instrument feel 
an interest. Those who have once enjoyed the gift of a new 
sight do not readily lay it by, but advance in the use of their 
new power, and apply it to the many and various things 
within reach. The anatomist who has been tempted to seek 
the aid of the microscope in his investigations of human 
structure does not lay it down content with the study of 
microscopic anatomy, but soon finds himself deeply engaged 
in tracing the many forms of minute life which are to be 
found so abundantly by aid of the instrument. We could 
name many a distinguished man who has thus devoted him- 
1 ‘ Molecular and Microscopical Science. 5 By Mary Somerville. Two 
vols. London: Murray. 
