tric light, although the latter is possibly the more brilliant of the two. The construction of the solar microscope differs but little from the instrument already described, and may be readily understood from the foregoing figure. The large mirror is placed outside the window of the room in which the microscope stands, so that the solar rays are reflected upon the surface of a series of convergent lenses, and from thence on to another mirror, from which it is again reflected through the microscope. As the position of the sun is constantly changing, it is necessary to connect the outside mirror with a train of clockwork. It may be mentioned that an instrument of this kind, for reflecting the sun's rays, is called a heliostat.
The student will, no doubt, at once perceive that if we concentrate the light of the sun upon an object, we shall also concentrate the heat, and either melt or consume it. A screen is therefore used in such cases, which will allow the light to pass while holding back the rays of heat. A solution of alum is found to answer the purpose admirably.
