CURRENT ISSUE: Micscape Magazine, exploring the miniature world for enthusiasts of amateur microscopy

In focus: Notes by David Walker, Micscape Editor.
Dr Brian Bracegirdle RIP - My colleague Mol Smith and I are very sad to learn of the passing away of Dr Bracegirdle aged 82 on Dec. 16th 2015 and offer our sympathies to his wife and family. His contributions to macroscopy, microscopy, related photographic techniques and the history of microscopy were immense and many of his books on these topics have become classics. He will be greatly missed but his invaluable printed legacy will continue for both present and future microscopists to enjoy. I wasn't fortunate to know Dr Bracegirdle, but the personal tribute I can offer, is that of the modern microscopy books in my brother Ian and my extensive collection, Dr Bracegirdle's are by far the most well thumbed. Link to Daily Telegraph Announcements dated Jan. 11th 2016.

Savona Books (UK) - Many microscopists have long benefited from the professional, efficient and friendly services of Bill Krause at Savona Books who specialised in microscopy and related topics. Bill notes on his website that he was in business for 'nearly forty years'. He has now retired and the bookshop has closed. My colleague Mol Smith and I both offer Bill and family our very best wishes in his retirement.

Little Imp CDs free online courtesy of Steve Gill - The contents of 66 CDs formerly sold by Savona Books and meticulously compiled by Steve Gill are now free online and hosted here on Microscopy-UK. A wide selection of public domain books and microscope makers' catalogues are offered, many of which are hard to source elsewhere. Many thanks for Steve's generosity.

Stefano Barone's website - Stefano shares his interests including the sale of his own prepared and arranged slides of diatoms, radiolaria and forams. On his regularly updated 'Microworlds' blog he also showcases and discusses the typical examples of the slides that he has prepared.

Nikon Small World in Motion Competition 2015 - first place awarded to Wim van Egmond - Congratulations to our regular contributor Wim who won with his well seen and striking footage of a 'Trachelius ciliate feeding on a Campanella ciliate'.

The New Yorker article 'Through the Looking Glass. Can a cheap, portable microscope revolutionize global health?' written by Carolyn Kormann, dated Dec. 21st 2015. Describes the single lens paper Foldscope microscope and the work of its project leader Manu Prakash. With thanks to David Goldstein and Richard Howey who both let us know of this article.

Washington Post 'Startling new finding: 600 million years ago, a biological mishap changed everything.' written by Sarah Kaplan dated Jan. 11th 2016. With thanks to David Goldstein who let us know of this article.

We are delighted to receive contributions small or large from microscopy enthusiasts whether a novice or expert. If you have an image, tip or article, why not share it, this magazine is what you make it!