1 3 6 M i e r o s c o p i c a l E s s a y s .
C H A P . IV.
G eneral Instructions for using the Microscope,
AND PREPARING THE OBJECTS.
A S the advantages which are obtained from any inftrument
are eonfiderably increafed, if it be ufed by a perfon who is
matter o f it’s properties, attentive to it’s adjuftments, and
habituated by pra&ice to the minutiae o f management, it is the
defign of this chapter to point out thofe circumftances which require
moft the attention o f the obferver, and to give fuch plain
directions, as may enable him to examine any objeft with eafe;
to {hew how he may place it in the beft point o f view, and, if
neceflary, prepare it for obfervation.
A fmall degree o f attention will render the obferver matter o f
every neceflary rule, and a little practice will make them familiar
and habitual: the pains he takes to acquire thefe habits will be
rewarded by an increafing attachment to his inftrument, and the
wonders it difplays. Let him only perfevere till he has overcome
that natural indolence which oppofes the advancement of
every kind o f knowledge, and he will furely find himfelf moft
amply recompenfed, by the pleafure o f a fcience that has the unlimited
treafures o f infinite wisdom for the objeCl of it’s
6 refearches:
rerearches: and his mind being ftrengthened by the viSory it has
gained, will be more keen in perceiving, and more patient m the
inveltigation of truth.
It has long been a complaint,* that many o f thofe who pur-
chafe microfcopes are fo little acquainted with their general and
extenfive ufefulnefc, and fo much at a lofs forobjefts to examine
by them, that after diverting their friends fome few times with
what they find in the Aiders, which generally accompany the inftrument,
or perhaps two or three common objeCts, the micro--
fcope is laid afide as o f little further value : whereas no inftrument
has yet appeared in the world capable of affording fo conftan
various, and fatisfaftory an entertainment to thfr mind. T
complaint will, 1 hope, be obviated by thefe eflays, m which Ihave
endeavoured to make the ufe o f the microfcope eafy, point out
an immenfc variety o f objefts, and direft the obferver how
prepare them for examination.
The fubieft treated o f in this chapter naturally divides itfelf
into three heads-. 1. concerning the neeeffary ■ M u g
adjuftment o f the microfcope; the 2nd, treating o P P
quamity o f the light, and beft method of adapting it to the ob-
jefts under examination; the 3d, ftewing how to prepare and
preferve the various objeas, that their nature, organization, and
texture, may be properly underftood.
O f
» Baker’s Microfcope made Eafy, p- 5*>