Letter to theEditor: On Saturday, May 29, I wanted to use the microfilm reader in our library, but was disappointed to find a notice on the door saying the library would be closed the 29th, 30th, and 3lst-the Decoration Day holiday. Upon returning to our laboratory i t occurred to me that a microiilm reader might be improvised from apparatus on hand. Fifteen minutes' experimentation, and microfilms were being read. The following description might be of help to others who have not access to a microfilm reader when it is sorely needed:
********** Place a projection apparatus a suitable distance from a screen consisting of white cardboard or paper. (With our Balopticon this was about 2.5 to 3.0 meters.) It will
not do to use even the fine modern "glass" screens, as the surface is too rough. Remove the slide-bolder, and in its place put two pieces of glass plate 4 X 5 in., such as ordinary dry plates from which the emulsion has been removed, held together by two rubber bands arranged horizontally. Between the plates thread the microfilm. Wedge the plates in position with a cork or two. Focus as usual. Keep the film air cooled.
********** While not as convenient as a standard form microfilm reader, the above "ersatz" apparatus works well. W. C. EBAUGH DENISON UNIY~RSITY GF~NVILLE. OHIO
