A PLEA FOR THE MISCROSCOPE AS A TOY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5378, 22 June 1878, Page 2 (Supplement)

A PLEA FOR THE MISCROSCOPE AS A TOY.

(Science Oossip.)

We are often reminded that the microscope is no longer a toy, but a scientific instrument, and those who uso it for recreation only are not unfrequcntly hard hit, as mere wasters of time and descorators of a noble power. Now, while fully appreciating the scientific use of the miaorosoope, I would suggest a slight alteration in the above dictum, and say, it is not only a toy, but a scientific instrument. I would plead ifor it as a source of amusement. The President of the Quekett Club, in his recent address, reminds us of a remark in the first page of the Microscopic Journal of 1811, where it is said of microscopic research in those days, that it “ is for the most part an amusement rather than a profession”—it is an “ intellectual pastime, which is sure to terminate in beneficial results. General knowledge may be acquired by observation,” and this “ by industry and perseverance imperceptibly produces recondite science.” This is just the view I would take of microscopical employment. It is first an “ intellectual pastime.” Wearied in body and mind the man of business or literature seeks rest. Somofindjit in mere lounging in an easy chair, and joining in the family chit-chat; others iu listening to the music which a wife or daughter elicits from the pianoforte. There is nq objection to this ; but if the taste leads to the observation of nature in the sky, the earth, the sea, then a special interest is felt in whatever teuds to reveal the secrets of that existence by which we are surrounded. Some turn to tlio telescope, others to the microscope, not as moans of scientific research,hut as an “intellectual pastime.” Investigation requires powerful effort, both of mind and body. Few have this to expend nowadays on what does not bring grist to the mill. The mind wants recreation, as the appetite longs sometimes for a

change of diet and enjoys the dainty bit. The holiday keeper rushes into the-couutry, not to "study, but to enjoy its beauties. He visits the picture-gallery, not to become an artist, but to satisfy a taste. He goes to the British Museum or the Zoological Garden?, not to become a naturalist, but to enlarge his ideas. He cultivates a variety of sweet aud pretty flowers in his garden, not with the remotest intention of becoming acquainted with their orders and relationship, but purely* for the enjoyment to be derived from them. And why may a man not use his microscope in the same way? What wonders what beauties—does it reveal 1 W« 11 has it been said that the microscope is a door into another world. It* is so, and the man who uses it merely as such is amply rewarded. The door is opened and he is almost bewildered with the variety and beauty of what lie sees. His mind is enlarged, his views are corrected; his taste is charmed, his wonder exci’ed. The whole man is elevated, refreshed, aud invigorated. It is not only a pastime, but an “ intellectual pastime.” But, further, we are told it Is “ sure to terminate in beneficial results.” This “intellectual pastime,” then, does not as a rule stop there. It is not a lovely vision which vanishes away, but it is an avenue to a brighter and broader view. It induces the habit of observation, and surrounds even the least things with a halo of interest which they could never otherwise have possessed. Tiie smut on the ear of corn—the disease’of the leaf of the potato—the mould on the cheese—all are now full of interest. The most unpromising object often exhibits a most unexpected character, or reveals a longlooked for secret. And thus the mind is not only refreshed but stored with a new fact, which in its turn proves to be only the cradle oHanothcr ; so, step by step, the “ beneficial results ” are evolved. And great as those are in an educational and abstract point of view, they are by no means wanting in a practical, as the application of the microscope to physiological, histological, and commercial subjects abundantly proves. Let‘us begin, then, by play. If it ends here it is at least as-, innocent and pleasing as any other—let some of us begin by using our microscopes as toys, let others use them so sometimes, for the amusement of the uninitiated—it is “an intellectual pastime-which is sure to terminate in benefical results.” This toy, moreover, is not an expensive one, either to begin with, or to keep going. If you buy a gun there is the amuul license, and the constant supply of ammunition. If you buy a horse, the first outlay is nothing compared with the keeping of it. But when once you are provided with a microscope, there is no tax to pay, no food required. Let this be a plea for getting a fairly good instrument at first, capable of being added to as required. Even the magic-lantern so»m tires unless new slides, which are very costly, be continually added. Having, then, this t»y, we learn to find objects which cost us nothing, but, on the contrary, contribute largely to our pleasure and profit. It ha?, too, a great advantage over the telescope. You have not to wait for cloudless nights, nor to run the risk of colds and neuralgia. Every night is a microscopical night, and the long dark evenings of winter may be not only beguiled but improved.