Monthly Microscopical Journal, for March last, will be found such a notice included in the address of the President of the Royal Microscopical Society, referring to the death of a Fellow, Mr. John Williams, who was also Assistant Secretary of the Royal Astronomical Society. He said:
"He constructed more than one microscope out of odds and ends, which be put together with much skill and ingenuity. His most elaborate microscope was made with cardboard tubes and brass-screw adjustments. This instrument, when supplied with objectives by Ross and others, contrasted favorably, in point of utility, with constructions of a more costly character."
The perusal of this notice, followed by a communication to the effect that in some of the London scientific schools the students are required (when practicable) to make all the apparatus they use, has prompted me to describe a microscope made by myself about six years ago, and which is now but little the worse for wear.
So far as the stand is concerned, it can be easily made at home, at a trifling cost. The materials are of a humble character, but the optical arrangements are full-sized, and of the highest quality. Within the limits of its use this instrument will exhibit objects with much perfection. By a reference to the cuts, it will be observed that many of the parts are cylindrical, and may be turned on any ordinary lathe in a few minutes.
To make a microscope such as I shall now describe, requires little mechanical skill. If my directions are followed, and strict attention given to the drawings, no difficulty will be encountered, but neatness and precision are of course essential First provide a wood rod about 15 inches long, and of the circumference of Fig. 3.
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| Fig. 3. | Fig. 4. | |
Then take some paper of firm texture, and wind it around the rod three or four times according to its thickness, applying mucilage all the time; immediately withdraw the paper casing, and place on one side to dry. This should form a perfectly true and firm tube. When dry, replace it on the rod, and with a sharp knife cut off from each end sufficient to leave the remainder 7½ inches long.
The other parts are of wood. I suggest mahogany as the most appropriate, and susceptible of the best finish; but any well-seasoned, hard wood will do.
