The Microscope – Volume 66, Third Quarter 2018
IN THIS ISSUE
On the cover
Two vintage holiday postcards from McCrone ResearchInstitute. Top: In this double exposure, John G. Delly combined a crossed-polars photomicrograph of a fuchsin-stained, radial longitudinal thin section from a Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga taxifolia) with a photograph of a bough from the same tree. Bottom: Walter C. McCrone proves a crystal, at least monosodium glutamate, can also express a Christmas sentiment. Clearly, the accent is on “Happy Holidays.” See Ghosts of Christmas Past: The Unique Photomicrography on McCrone Holiday Cards, page 113.
Editorial | Toujours Gai … and Happy Holidays
Gary J. LaughlinThe Microscope 66:3, p. ii, 2018https://doi.org/10.59082/NNSI8316
Excerpt: Ready or not, ’tis the season. It must have been only a short time, maybe a few months, after Walter C. McCrone became an independent consultant on April 1, 1956 (no foolin’) and married Lucy Beman in 1957, that he and Lucy created their first McCrone Xmas Card, viz. Xtals (crystals).
On Symmetry
John C. Russ
The Microscope 66:3, pp. 99–112, 2018https://doi.org/10.59082/SGOQ1934
Abstract: Symmetry, in the sense of repetitive spatial arrangements, takes many specific forms that we encounter routinely, usually recognize visually, and have some difficulty in quantifying. As there are many types of symmetry, some of them partial or imperfect,so there are many measurement approaches. Some of these consider only the outline or boundary of an object, others include the interior structure, some apply to an entire image, while others operate on individual objects. Examples of the various classes of symmetry and several methods for analysis are presented.
Abstract: Symmetry, in the sense of repetitive spatial arrangements, takes many specific forms that we encounter routinely, usually recognize visually, and have some difficulty in quantifying. As there are many types of symmetry, some of them partial or imperfect,so there are many measurement approaches. Some of these consider only the outline or boundary of an object, others include the interior structure, some apply to an entire image, while others operate on individual objects. Examples of the various classes of symmetry and several methods for analysis are presented.
Ghosts of Christmas Past: The Unique Photomicrography on McCrone Holiday Cards
Sebastian B. SparengaThe Microscope 66:3, pp.113–115, 2018
https://doi.org/10.59082/SJJM5817
Abstract: What captures the holiday spirit better than microscopy? For more than 60 years, postcards featuring holiday and winter themes have been an annual tradition at McCrone Research Institute. Our microscopists have used various microscopical methods (e.g. Rheinberg illumination, fusion, fluorescence, and Abbe diffraction) and sampling techniques on different substances and materials to create unique festive motifs that you won’t find on the store greeting card rack. Beyond spreading good cheer, the cards represent microscopists’ knowledge of innovative imaging techniques and an attempt to cultivate ideas for future photomicrographical applications. This small selection of McCrone holiday images includes captions adapted from the descriptions found on the back of each card. More cards will be available for viewing in a photo gallery at www.mccroneinstitute.org. I would like to thank my McCrone colleagues Gary Laughlin and DeanGolemis for their help with this article.
Critical Focus | The Life Force That Breaks All the Rules
Brian J. Ford
The Microscope 66:3, pp.117–127, 2018https://doi.org/10.59082/OZOE3869
Excerpt: Only one substance is necessary for all life. It isn’t oxygen. Indeed, to a great many microorganisms, oxygen is highly toxic. These anaerobes, including the bacteria that cause gangrene and many that live around volcanic vents at the bottom of the sea, grow only where oxygen is absent. These are counterintuitive forms of life, and they show that, for many organisms, oxygen is a poison. Is it food that we need to live? Organisms need food to grow, sure, but not to live; many creatures survive for prolonged periods without consuming food. Snakes, spiders, frogs, and toads can go for more than a year without feeding. The European salamander Proteus anguinus can go for 10 years between meals, and even crocodiles and lungfish can both survive for 3 or 4 years without feeding. I once met a solitary Bedouin herdsman named Idris in the deserts of Saudi Arabia, who had never eaten anything in his life, though he consumed copious amounts of camel’s milk. So no, eating food isn’t vital for survival either.
Inter/Micro 2018—International Microscopy Conference
Gary J. Laughlin
The Microscope 66:3, pp.129–143, 2018
https://doi.org/10.59082/MWEH9568
Abstract: The 70th annual Inter/Micro international microscopy conference, held at McCrone Research Institute in Chicago on June 11–15, hosted leading microscopists and researchers from around the world, including Canada, Germany, Israel, Taiwan, U.K., and the U.S.
Afterimage | Super Fly
Martin Kocanda — Rapid City Police Department, South DakotaThe Microscope 66:3, p. 144, 2018
A photomacrograph of a house fly; darkfield illumination. Winner of the Inter/Micro 2018 Photomicrography Competition (see page 130).
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