The Microscope. Its History, Construction, and Application 15th ed.: Being a familiar introduction to the use of the instrument, and the study of microscopical scienceHogg, Jabez
History
The Microscope. Its History, Construction, and Application 15th ed.: Being a familiar introduction to the use of the instrument, and the study of microscopical science
Hogg, Jabez
Microscopy; Natural history
Interesting results will be obtained by combining two or more chemical
salts in the following manner. To a nearly saturated solution of
the sulphate of copper and sulphate of magnesia add a drop on the
glass-slide, and dry quickly. To effect this, heat the slide so as to
fuse the salts in its water of crystallisation, and there remains an
amorphous film on the hot glass. Put the slide aside and allow it to
cool slowly; it will gradually absorb a certain amount of moisture
from the air, and begin to throw out crystals. If now placed under the
microscope, numerous points will be seen to start out here and there.
The starting points may be produced at pleasure by touching the film
with a fine needle point, so as to admit of a slight amount of moisture
being absorbed by the mass of salt. Development is at once suspended by
applying gentle heat; cover the specimen with balsam and thin glass.
The balsam should completely cover the edges of the thin glass circle,
otherwise moisture will probably insinuate itself, and destroy the form
of the crystals.
Mr. Thomas succeeded in crystallising “the salts of the magnetic
metals” at very high temperatures, with very curious results. In Plate
VIII. are seen crystals of sulphate of iron and cobalt, No. 163; and
of nickel and potash, No. 165, obtained in the following manner:--Add
to a concentrated solution of iron a small quantity of sugar, to
prevent oxidation. Put a drop of the solution on a glass slide, and
drive out the water of crystallisation as quickly as possible by the
aid of a spirit lamp; then with a Bunsen’s burner bring the plate to a
high temperature. Immediately a remarkable change is seen to take place
in the form of the crystal, and if properly managed the “foliation”
represented in the plate will be fairly exhibited. The slide must not
be allowed to cool down too rapidly or the crystals will probably
absorb moisture from the atmosphere, and in so doing the crystals alter
their forms. Immerse them in balsam, and cover in the usual way before
quite cold.
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