W.E.A.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 203, 28 July 1937, Page 5

W.E.A.

LECTURE BY MR J. H. MASON. Members of the Feilding W.E.A. met last evening, when the speaker was Mr J. H. Mason, who spoke on “The Microscope.” There was a good attendance presided over by Mr A. J. Humphreys. Dealing with his subject, Mr Mason Showed how of all the modern scientific instruments the microscope was the chief one. In fact, it was really the key by which research workers were enabled to unlock the door revealing tlie hidden mysteries of Nature and science. Modern industry was largely dependent on the microscope, qs were also those studying disease and the detection of crime.

After describing the principles involved in a simple lens, the speaker traced the history of the microscope. In 700 B.C. the earliest known lens—the Ninevah crystal—was used either as a burning glass or more probably as an ornament. In 1276 Rodger Bacon, a Franciscan monk, wrote a treatise on the principles of compound lenses and was put in prison for his trouble. About 1299, the first reference to spectacles was made, and in 1590 Hans Jassen, a Dutch spectacle maker, made the first compound lenses. In 1843, Sellique started using achromatic principles in the manufacture of lenses. From 1873 to 1881 a German mathematician, Professor Abbe, working on the principles of light, demonstrated the characteristics required in glass used for the manufacture of lenses.

Continuing, Mr Mason discussed the principles of light, after which the use of the microscope as a means of recreation was dealt with, mention being made of the more common objects met with and studied. By the aid of picture lantern slides many of the uses to which the microscope is devoted were described by the speaker, who was accorded a vote" of thanks for his address. It was announced that Mr Mason would give a further address next week when he would explain the working of the microscope and the principles involved in the higher magnification.