Abstract: A miniaturized biological assembly provides a miniature capillary environment in which a liquid medium containing microscopic-size particulate material can be placed for study under a microscope. The assembly includes components which do not wet relative to the liquid medium. A sample chamber and second chamber are disposed adjacent one another to allow a selective exchange of material, such as nutrients, between the two chambers. The assembly provides an environment that can contain the liquid medium and material for a period of time sufficient to enable observation while preventing deterioration of the medium and material.