Manipulation of the microscope

Front matter

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PREFACE TO FIRvST EDITION

It may seem to some persons an act of presumption for a maker of microscopes and microscopic accessories to enter the field of authorship and attempt to supplement the valuable labors which in recent years have made the use of the microscope an indispensible aid in the advancement of science.

To such, if any, I submit, that being a producer of microscopes and their accessories, I have had opportunity to become acquainted with the lack of general knowledge of the fundamental principles of the instrument and the best method of technique, even among owners of microscopes. Indeed, with so many complications, with almost unlimited powers and uses of the instrument, the beginner cannot fail to feel the need of a guide and adviser.

In order to accomplish the greatest good, I have started out in this little Manual with the supposition that the purchaser, or owner, is a beginner, and absolutely ignorant of the microscope and everything which pertains to it, and therefore have attempted to convey, step by step, in as simple language as I could command, information which will, I trust, lead to ease of manipulation and give both pleasure and profit to those for whom it was specially written.

Preface To Second Edition

The demand for this book having considerably exceeded the expectations of its author and the comments on its utility having been so favorable leads to the view that it fills a gap in microscopical literature.

In preparing for a new edition an opportunity has been giv6n for enlarging on some of the subjects and rewriting others, so as to makje them conform to the changes which the last five years have brought about in the construction of apparatus.

While it may be true that many of the subjects might be treated much more extensively, the writer has purposely refrained from doing so, because he has considered it beyond the province of his intention and because books giving more extensive information are available.

An intending purchaser of a microscope finds it more or less difficult to make a suitable selection and while it is always best to consult an experienced microscopist, the writer has endeavored to convey information which, he hopes, will aid in this direction.

The Author.

May, 1891.

Preface To Third Edition

The past demand for this little volume makes extended remarks superfluous, the new edition appearing as evidence that it is considered of some value.

This edition has been almost entirely rewritten to bring it in accord with the advance which has been made in the construction of microscopes and accessories and while it is not expected to be a complete guide, it is, nevertheless, hoped that it will make the labor of the beginner more easy.

Since its first issue there have appeared two books covering the same purpose: "The Microscope and Microscopical Methods" by Prof. S. H. Gage of Cornell University and " Microscopical Praxis " or " vSim pie Methods of Ascertaining the Properties of Microscopical Accessories " by Dr. A. C. Stokes, both of which are heartily commended to the microscopist. Neither should be wanting in a microscopical library. The writer is also plea.sed to acknowledge the suggestions of an enlarged scope for this book, which he has obtained by a perusal of them, as well as from the admirable work of Dr. W. H. Dallinger in the latest issue of Carpenter, *' The Microscope and Its Revelations"

which may be commended to those who wish to study more deeply the principles of the microscope and learn its history and development.

The writer trusts that omissions will be pardoned, as the only time which it has been possible to devote to this work has been the spare moments ot a busy life and hopes sufficient information may be obtained to give full compensation for such defects.

The Author.

March 1, 1897.