THE president's ADDRESS. 241 



a higher or more authoritative scientific positiou than could pro- 

 perly appertain to it. 



Allow me to read to you some extracts from the original Pros- 

 pectus of the Club : — 



" This Club has been established for the purpose of affording to 

 Microscopists, in and around the Metropolis, opportunities for 

 meeting and exchanging ideas without that diffidence and con- 

 straint which an amateur naturally feels when discussing scientific 

 subjects in the presence of professional men." 



" The want of such a Club as the present has long been felt, 

 wherein Microscopists and students with kindred tastes might meet 

 at stated periods to hold cheerful converse with each other, ex- 

 exhibit and exchange specimens, read papers on topics of interest, 

 discuss doubtful points, compare notes of progress, and gossip 

 over those special subjects in which they are more or less interested; 

 where, in fact, each member would be solicited to bring his own 

 individual experience, be it ever so small, and cast it into the 

 treasury for the general good. Such are some of the objects which 

 the present Club seeks to attain." 



How far these objects have been attained, and are still kept in 

 view, you, Gentlemen, know by your own experience. 



The Prospectus further sets forth that it is hoped that " occa- 

 sional Field Excursions, at proper seasons, may be organised, for 

 the collection of living specimens ;" " that a library of such books 

 of reference as will be most useful to enquiring students may be 

 acquired;" and that "trusting to the proverbial liberality of 

 Microscopists, a Comprehensive Cabinet of Objects " may be got 

 together. 



Then comes the modest but appropriate conclusion, — " by these 

 and similar means the Quekett Microscopical Club seeks to merit 

 the support of all earnest men who may be devoted to such pur- 

 suits, and, by fostering and encouraging a love for microscopical 

 studies, to deserve the approval of men of science and members of 

 more learned societies." 



Now it seems to me that the worthy objects thus set forth are 

 being worthily carried out. Moreover, I believe that by adherence 

 to these objects and by steady persistence in the course thus in- 

 dicated, the present success of the Club may not only be main- 

 tained, but may be assuredly increased in the future. Already many 

 societies have sprung up in imitation of this ; and everywhere, 



