Anal. Chem. 1984, 56, 69 R-83 R
Chemical Microscopy Gary A. Kentgen McCrone Research Institute, 2508 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60616 Mikroskopion (A16) is an irregularly published serial now available in four languages (English, French, German, and Spanish), Number 38, now current, features articles on photomacrography and micrography, a new generation of surgical operating microscopes, and applications of stereomicroscopes and macroscopes to problems in industry. As a result of a merger Micron (A17) is now a very new journal first appearing in its new format in the fall of 1983 (Vol. 14, No. 3). It is the result of a combination of the old Micron and Microscopica Acta, now no longer in existence. B1. Articles of General Interest. The popularity and importance of light microscopy are indicated by the amazing success of a new course in the “Techniques of Microscopy” offered by Michigan TechnologicalUniversity, Houghton, MI. Erbish (B11)provided a rationale for this course, an outline of course development, and a detailed description of course content; biological and nonbiological applications are emphasized equally. Educational benefits are identified and discussed, not the least of which was the salutory effect on enrollment statistics. Beginning with Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek,microscopy has always been a scientific haven for the serious ameteur, sharin this characteristic with astronomy. Myers and Duggan (SI27 discussed their experiences in setting up a microscopy course for young people. The scene was Siena Heights College, Adrian, MI. The authors outline the philosophy and objectives of the course with allusions to prior work and precedent. They discuss planning, scheduling, recruitment of students, and teaching methods. Resources for contacting potential instructors are mentioned and a summary of course evaluations from both the students’ and instructors’ point of view was given. One of the most fascinating modes of communication of the principles of chemical microscopy is that of case histories. Seemingly miraculous solutions to crucial, time-wasting, and expensive industrial problems is the forte of Coates (B13) who presents case histories from high technology at the Polaroid Corp. Ford (B14-B16) scored a mighty coup with his discovery of intact specimens prepared by Van Leeuwenhoek himself. Nine small packets containing dried alga, diatoms, water fleas, and thin sections (
