The microscopist : a manual of microscopy and compendium of the microscopic science : micro-minerology, micro-chemistry, biology, histology, and pathological histology / by J.H. Wythe.

  • Wythe, J. H. (Joseph Henry), 1822-1901.
Date:
1877
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The microscopist : a manual of microscopy and compendium of the microscopic science : micro-minerology, micro-chemistry, biology, histology, and pathological histology / by J.H. Wythe. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine, Harvard Medical School.

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    of the effects of various physical and chemical agencies, a steady hand, and a quick-discerning eye. Above all, microscop}' requires a cultured mind, capable of readily detecting sources of fallacy, and such a love of truth as enables a man to free himself from all preconceived no- tions of structure and from all bias in favor of particular theories and analogies. What result is it possible to draw from the observations of those who boil, roast, macerate, putrefy, triturate, and otherwise injure delicate tissues, except for the purpose of isolating special structures or learning the effects of such agencies ? Yet many of the phenomena resulting from such measures have been de- scribed as primary, and theories of development have been proposed on the basis of such imperfect knowledge. Borelli (1608-1656) is considered to be the first who applied the microscope to the examination of animal structure. Malpighi (1661) first witnessed the actual cir- culation of tlie blood, which demonstrated the truth of Harvey's reasoning. He also made many accurate obser- vations in minute anatomy. Lewenhoeck, Swammerdam, Lyonet, Lieberkuhn, Hewson, and others, labored also in this department. AVhen we remember that these early laborers u.-ed only simple microscopes, generally of their own construction, we must admire their patient industry, skilful manipulation, and accurate judgment. In these respects they are models to all microscopists. Within the last quarter of a century microscopic ob- servers may be numbered by thousands, and some have attained an eminent reputation. At the present day, in German}', England, France, and the United States, the most careful and elaborate investigations are being made, older observations are repeated and corrected, new discov- eries are rapidly announced, and the most hidden recesses of nature are being explored. It is proposed in this treatise to give such a resume of microscopy as shall enable the student in any department