Microscopic Worlds

Abstract

Microcosmos is an unabashed celebration of the beauty of microscopic structures. Arranged in six chapters (microorganisms, botanics, human body, zoology, minerals, and technology), each page presents a half-page color microscopic image with a short descriptive paragraph and magnification. A short foreword describing SEM technology precedes the photographs. The majority of the pictures are false-color scanning electron micrographs, with a few TEM and light microscope images found throughout. Specimens range widely, including phytoplankton, lichen, plant xylem, pollen, HeLa cells, bone, kidney stone crystals, nerve cells, spider eyes, gecko foot hairs, vitamin C crystals, wound dressing, filter paper, nylon, toilet paper, microchips, snowflakes…and many others. Most of the images are appealing to downright gorgeous, such as colorful bacteria like a scattering of confetti across the tongue, the lovely Fibonacci sequence of cauliflower heads, and a stunning just-opening bud of a daisy flower. Images are occasionally disconcerting (cancer cells, mating flukes, or mite tails projecting coyly from eyelash hair follicles) – but even these are beautiful in structure and detail.The problems with this book are relatively minor, but significant in terms of care with scientific detail. The brief introduction would be enhanced with a more detailed description of SEM technique. Oddly, scientific names are provided but are neither underlined nor italicized. The “botanicals” section contains Aspergillus fungus, mushrooms, lichens, and, oddly, chocolate ice cream. Occasionally the descriptive paragraphs lack clarity. Magnifications are arranged without pattern (an image at 47× is followed by one at 21,000×, then one at 192×), which could be confusing to the reader in developing an understanding of relative size.However, these few faults are easily offset by the beauty of the images within the overall pleasing presentation of the book. Any student – or teacher – will enjoy leafing through this book, and many of the images could be useful enhancements to discussion of structural adaptations (for example, leaf cross sections at different magnifications show cellular structure with elegance and clarity). This is a book to treasure and enjoy, allowing the reader to glimpse into the microscopic beauty and wonders of natural and unnatural structures and structural adaptations.