In my two previous handbooks, the “Common Objects” of the Sea-shore and Country, I could but slightly glance at the minute beings which swarm in every locality, or at the wonderful structures which are discovered by the Microscope within or upon the creatures therein described. Since that time a general demand has arisen for an elementary handbook upon the Microscope and its practical appliance to the study of nature, and in order to supply that want this little volume has been produced.

I must warn the reader that he is not to expect a work that will figure and describe every object which may be found on the sea-shore or in the fields, but merely one by which he will be enabled to guide himself in microscopical research, and avoid the loss of time and patience which is almost invariably the lot of the novice in these interesting studies. Upwards of four hundred objects have been figured, including many representatives of the animal, vegetable, and, mineral kingdoms, and among them the reader will find types sufficient for his early guidance.

Neither must he expect that any drawings can fully render the lovely structures which are revealed by the microscope. Their form can be given faithfully enough, and their colour can be indicated; but no pen, pencil, or brush, however skilfully wielded, can reproduce the soft, glowing radiance, the delicate pearly translucency, or the flashing effulgence of living and ever-changing light with which God wills to imbue even the smallest of His creatures, whose very existence has been hidden for countless ages from the inquisitive research of man, and whose wondrous beauty astonishes and delights the eye, and fills the heart with awe and adoration.

Owing to the many claims on my time, I left the selection of the objects to Mr. Tuffen West, who employed the greater part of a year in collecting specimens for the express purpose, and whose well-known fidelity and wide experience are the best guarantees that can be offered to the public. To him I also owe many thanks for his kind revision of the proof-sheets. My thanks are also due to Messrs. G. and H. Brady, who lent many beautiful objects, and to Messrs. Baker, the well-known opticians of Holborn, who liberally placed their whole stock of slides and instruments at my disposal.