For most absorption-bands, particularly if faint, the prism should be used in the first position, in which it gives the least dispersion; when greater dispersion is required, so as to separate some particular lines more widely, or to show the spectra of the metals, or Fräunhofer’s lines in the solar spectrum, then the prism must be used as in Fig. 193_a_. This answers well for liquids or transparent objects, but it is, of course, not applicable to opaque objects. To combine both purposes, some form of direct vision-prisms that maybe applied to the body of the microscope is required. Fig. 194 represents an arrangement of direct vision-prisms, invented by Herschel. The line R R′ shows the path of a ray of light through the prisms, where it would be seen that the emergent ray R′ is parallel and coincident with the incident ray R. [Illustration: Fig. 194.] [Illustration: Fig. 194_a_.] Another very compact combination is shown in Fig. 194_a_. Any number of these prisms (P P P) may be used, according to the amount of dispersion required. They are mounted in a similar way to a Nicol’s prism, and are applied directly over the eye-piece of the microscope. The slit S S is placed in the focus of the first glass (F) if a negative, or below the second glass if a positive eye-piece be employed. One edge of the slit is movable, and, in using the instrument, the slit is first opened wide, so that a clear view of the object is obtained. The part of the object of which the spectrum is to be examined is then made to coincide with the fixed edge of the slit, and the movable edge is screwed up, until a brilliant coloured spectrum is produced. The absorption-bands will then be readily found by slightly altering the focus. This contrivance answers perfectly for opaque objects, without any preparation; and, when desirable, the same prism can be placed below the stage, and a micrometer used in the eye-piece of the microscope, thus avoiding a multiplicity of apparatus. [Illustration: Fig. 195.--The Sorby-Browning Micro-spectroscopic Eye-piece.] A later and better form of instrument is the Sorby-Browning eye-piece (Fig. 195), shown in section (Fig. 196) ready for inserting into the body-tube of the microscope, the prism of which is contained in a small tube, removable at pleasure. Below the prism is an achromatic eye-piece, having an adjustable slit between the two lenses, the upper lens being furnished with a screw motion to focus the slit. A side slit, capable of adjustment, admits, when required, a second beam of light from any object whose spectrum it is desired to compare with that of the object placed on the stage of the microscope. This second beam of light strikes against a very small prism, suitably placed inside the apparatus, and is reflected up through the compound prism, forming a spectrum in the same field with that obtained from the object on the stage.