The Micrographic Dictionary

Abstract

THE interval of eight years since the publication of the third edition of the “Micrographic Dictionary” has been marked by substantial progress, not only in the microscope itself, but also in our knowledge of the structure of various classes of organisms included in the subjects specially treated. In the former of these two departments the present edition may be regarded as fairly keeping pace with the advance of science; and the introduction forms a very useful treatise on the structure and use of the microscope and of the various appliances and reagents which the microscopist should have at his command, as well as of the mode of examination of microscopic objects. In the second department the editor has been again assisted by the Rev. M. J. Berkeley in the cryptogamic articles, and by Prof. Rupert Jones in those on Geology and on Foraminifera, as well as by other specialists. To put new wine into old wine-skins is proverbially an unsatisfactory proceeding; and we do not know that it has been more successful here than elsewhere. We are far from saying that the syndicate who have assisted the editor have not contributed much from their vast stores to bring down the work to the date which it now bears on its title-page; but in some of the articles which we have had occasion to consult for work that we have happened to have in hand, the most recent observations are certainly not alluded to, and the system of classification is not the best or newest. But granting these defects, the work is one which no practical microscopist can afford to be without, and which must always lie on his table for ready reference. The present edition is enriched by five new plates, and some new woodcuts.

Tue Micrographic Dictionary.

By J. W. Griffith, M.D., and A. Henfrey. Fourth Edition, Edited by J. W. Griffith, M D. (London: Van Voorst, 1883.)