Abstract
THE contents of the small volume before us fully justify the wording of its title. On the other side of the Atlantic the system of puffing worthless optical instruments seems to be on a much greater scale than in this country. βTo the young student whose means are limited, and to the country practitioner whose ability to supply himself with instruments often falls far short of his desires, the offer of a serviceable microscope for a couple of dollars is a great temptation, and when the instrument in question is endorsed by a long list of clergymen, lawyers, and even editors, this temptation becomes irresistible.β To show what these worthless microscopes really are, and what ought to be expected of the most ordinary one, are the main objects the author has in view in the earlier pages of the work. Further on he explains the manner of using the instrument, and the method of mounting specimens for examination. Accurate formulas are given for the preparation of a large number of preservative solutions, amongst which we do not find any sufficiently novel to deserve special mention. It is in the practical nature of its remarks, and not in their novelty, that the value of Mr. Phin's short book rests, and to the tyro it will be found to give information of real value. Beside Mr. R. B. Tolles, J. Grunow, J. Zentmayer, and W. Wales are mentioned as manufacturers of good objectives in the United States; and Mr. McAllister's stands are particularly praised.
Practical Hints on the Selection and Use of the Microscope.
John
Phin
By. (The Industrial Publication Company, New York.)
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[Book Reviews]. Nature 12, 513 (1875). https://doi.org/10.1038/012513b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/012513b0