Through a pocket lens

"Through a Pocket Lens" by Henry Scherren is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The book aims to educate readers on the usage of simple optical instruments, such as pocket lenses and dissecting microscopes, to observe and study natural specimens, particularly focusing on various types of arthropods. Scherren emphasizes that significant discoveries can be made with basic tools, making the exploration of nature accessible to beginners and enthusiasts alike. The opening of the work introduces the context and purpose of the book, highlighting the importance of simple methods in natural observation. Scherren references notable figures like Charles Darwin to underscore the effectiveness of using basic equipment over complex instruments. He lays groundwork for practical observation by detailing various tools that can be easily obtained or even homemade, preparing the reader for subsequent discussions on specific types of insects and methods of observation that will follow in later chapters. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Henry James Wilson Scherren, usually known as Henry Scherren or in encyclopaedia articles as H. Sc. was the author of various books on natural history for adults and children, with notable illustrations including some in colour, and a contributor to the Encyclopædia Britannica on natural history topics. He was a fellow of the Zoological Society of London, of which he wrote a magnificent but inaccurate history.