A great many times we would like to examine a seed, an insect or the fiber of a piece of wood but have no magnifier handy. A very good microscope may be made out of the bulb of a broken thermometer. Empty out the mercury, which is easily done by holding the bulb with the stem down over a lamp or candle. A spirit lamp is the best, as it makes no smoke and gives a steady heat. Warm the bulb slowly and the mercury will be expelled and may be caught in a tea cup. Do not heat too fast, or the pressure of the mercury vapor may burst the glass bulb, cautions the Woodworkers' Review. To fill the bulb with water warm it and immerse the end of the tube in the water. Then allow it to cool and the pressure of the air will force the water into the bulb. Then boil the water gently, holding the bulb with the stem up; this will drive out all the air, and by turning the stem or tube down and placing the end in water the bulb will be completely filled. It is surprising how much can be seen by means of such a simple apparatus.