Microcards are like microfilm in that the text of the book or article is reduced to a very small size (unreadable with the naked eye). Unlike microfilm, though, the microcard is opaque and you cannot use a microfilm reader to view it. You can use the low vision workstation in the Information Arcade to enlarge the text on the microcard and then you will be able to read it (although you may still need your reading glasses!). We do not have the ability to print or save the text from this workstation, however.
Regarding that specific title (and many other older texts), you may want to check for digitized copies online. That specific title that you mentioned is actually available from www.archive.org via the Library of Congress and can be viewed online, downloaded as a PDF, or saved to your Kindle! Here is the direct link: http://www.archive.org/details/disturnellsameri00distu
