Am.  Jour.  Pharm.  I 
Sept.,  1878.  f 
The  Microscope. 
421 
Although  only  a  mere  beginner  in  microscopy,  I  take  the  liberty  of 
calling  the  attention  of  my  colleagues  to  this  instrument,  and  of  sug- 
gesting that  some  instruction  in  the  use  of  it  be  provided  by  the  differ- 
ent pharmaceutical  colleges,  in  conformity  with  the  usages  of  most 
medical  colleges  ;  attention  to  said  instruction  of  course  ?not  being 
obligatory  at  first. 
Two  ideas  seem  to  have  deterred  most  pharmacists  from  buying  a 
microscope:  That  it  is  difficult  to  use,  and  that  it  is  very  expensive. 
1.  The  mere  handling  of  the  microscope  (which  is  little  more  than 
taking  proper  care  of  the  instrument  and  of  one's  eyes)  is  learned  easily 
enough  ;  the  intelligent  use  of  the  different  parts  and  accessories  is  only 
learned  by  practice  j  under  guidance,  if  attainable.  There  is,  however, 
this  advantage  with  the  microscope  :  it  is  never  tedious,  always  inter- 
esting, and  with  increasing  familiarity  with  its  use  grows  more  so. 
Before  one  has  had  it  two  weeks  its  usefulness  will  be  felt. 
2.  As  to  its  expensiveness — well,  yes,  that  is  true — neither  five,  nor 
ten,  nor  fifteen  dollars  will  buy  an  instrument  worthy  of  the  name.  A 
serviceable  working  microscope  can  not  be  had  for  less  than  thirty-five 
or  forty  dollars,  including  the  most  necessary  accessories  ;  as  necessity 
demands  and  circumstances  permit,  additional  apparatus  may  be  fitted 
at  any  time  and  without  trouble. 
Illustrated  catalogues  may  be  obtained  from  most  opticians  for  a 
return  stamp,  and  will  convey  better  information  as  to  price,  etc.,  than 
can  conveniently  be  given  here.  The  first-class  microscopes  cost  from 
$1,400  down  to  $2 — 300,  and  contain  more  apparatus  than  the  average 
pharmacist  is  likely  to  use  or  even  to  understand,  hence  they  are  out 
of  the  question.  The  second-class  (student's,  professional,  physi- 
cian's), $60 — 100  or  more,  will  satisfy  the  most  exacting  of  our  pro- 
fession. The  third-class  (educational,  economical),  $35 — 50,  will 
perhaps  suit  the  purposes  of  most  pharmacists. 
The  binocular  microscope  is  of  such  general  usefulness  that  it  should 
be  preferred  where  its  price  is  not  a  positive  objection  (not  under  $100). 
Foreign  microscopes  are,  as  a  rule,  cheaper,  but  with  an  import  duty 
of  40  per  cent,  and  other  expenses  they  will  cost  as  much,  if  not  more, 
than  American  instruments. 
I  would  strongly  recommend  to  get  "  Phin,  practical  hints  on  the  use 
of  the  microscope."    This  little  book  restricts  itself  to  its  subject  and 
