90 THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. 



3rd. Tlie microscope is useful in protecting us against commercial 

 frauds. Most of you are acquainted with Dr. Hassall's book on 

 the adulteration of food ; and from it you will have learned how 

 effective an instrument is the microscope in the detection of adultera- 

 tions. A friend of mine, who is known to be a most indefatigable 

 microscopist in the locality where he has resided for twenty years, 

 called on his grocer for some article of domestic use — arrowroot, I 

 think — and was astonished by being told by the tradesman that he 

 had none to sell. He remarked, in surprise, that he had seen some 

 weighed a few minutes previously. " True," said the grocer, " but 

 I can't give you that — you are too handy with the microscope ! " 

 Not only in articles of food, but in clothing also is this protection 

 afforded by the microscope. Some few years since one of our mem- 

 bers, Mr. Suffolk, was engaged in a long series of experiments and 

 examinations with the microscope and polariscope on the structure 

 of flax, hemp, jute, cotton, and similar fibres. As a consequence, 

 he was subsequently appealed to on more than one occasion to 

 determine the character and extent of mixtures found in woven 

 fabrics. Although this is an operation of great delicacy, when 

 applied to fibres so similar in structure as jute and hemp, it is 

 comparatively easy to detect the admixture of cotton with hemp, or 

 of jute with silk. 



4th. The microscope may be useful in the detection of concealed 

 dangers to health. Some time since great consternation prevailed 

 on the subject of trichinosis. All the evidence then adduced con- 

 cerning the trichina encysted in diseased pork was founded on 

 microscopical discovery. Instances might be multiplied, of course, 

 of what has been done and what may be done to render the micro- 

 scope valuable in commerce and in every-day life ; but I shall rest 

 satisfied with having suggested thoughts which may be pursued at 

 leisure. I fear that some of the elder members of our fraternity 

 may consider my remarks somewhat elementary ; but it is my duty, 

 as President of a Club like ours, to bear in mind that there are 

 constantly joining our ranks recruits, to whom the microscope is 

 new, and who have a right to expect guidance and assistance. That 

 such incidents as I have mentioned could have occurred is sufficient 

 proof that our Club, and other kindred Societies, may do good 

 service by impressing upon public opinion the practical utility 

 of the instrument from the use of which we derive so much intel- 

 lectual enjoyment. In some quarters practical men are desirous of 



