The need for instruments which can be used for the manipulation of microscopically small objects has led to the invention of several micromanipulators. The more refined of these are research tools, the high cost of which matches their precision and mitigates against their general use, particularly by undergraduate students. With more attention being paid to genetics and the study of microcolony development in bacteria and unicellular algae, a greater interest has developed in the separation of single cells from microcolonies and in the selection of microcolonies themselves to prevent over- growth by a more dominant population. This has increased the need for a simple form of micromanipulator and microforge. The author possesses the hydraulically operated de Fonbrun micromanipulator and microforge and also a Zeiss Jena micromanipulator. Both of these are excellent instruments but their design, apart from cost, makes difficult the handling of tools within the confines of the normal Petri dish. A new type of micromanipulator and microforge has therefore been designed which makes use of the optical systems normally available in the modern laboratory. Patent rights have been applied for in most leading countries.