Marvels of pond-life; or, A year's microscopic recreations among the polyps, infusoria, rotifers, water-bears and polyzoa

Marvels of pond-life – is a second edition of this work, published in 1871 and written by Henry James Slack. He was an English journalist, activist and science writer. Marvels of pond-life - is a short book that is a popular introduction to microscopic studies based on ponds that were mostly built pretty soon. The general experience of all microscopists confirms Dr. Goring's assertion that the most interesting objects are living things of sufficient size to be easily understood at moderate magnification. Consequently, in no way can the subjects of this description be obtained so easily as if from time to time they devoted an hour to inspecting the small ponds, accessible from almost any situation. After a preliminary chapter, which is designed to help the young microscopist in some technical issues that could not be conveniently entered into the text, the observations are divided into chapters corresponding to twelve calendar months. This arrangement was suggested in the author's diary for 1860, and although it by no means follows that the months in which certain creatures were discovered will be the months in which they are easiest to find in other years. It was considered useful to give a real account of the real period of microscopic work, and also that the plan would facilitate a departure from the dry manner of a technical treatise. The index will allow anyone to use the book for reference purposes, and it will be noted that the first chapter that introduces any member of the group of creatures is the one that gives a general description of the class. The illustrations are taken from the drawings made by the author's wife from real objects, with the exception of a few cases in which authority is recognized. The sketches were made especially for beginners, and the rule was not to introduce any details that could not be seen in one focus, and the simplest means were used: more complex images, although they are most valuable for advanced students, are confusing at the beginning.