PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY. 269 



would give as perfect a definition as possible in the centre, and the two 

 conditions were mathematically inconsistent. It might, however, be 

 worth while for the purpose before them to make lenses with a flat 

 photographic field, even at the expense of the definition in the centre. 

 If a lens so constructed should get into the hands of some uninstructed 

 person, the reputation of the maker would be likely to suffer, and this, 

 perhaps, had something to do with the reluctance of opticians to produce 

 them. 



Mr. Carpenter said he could only re-echo the very cordial remarks of 

 Mr. Beck. 



Mr. Vezey hoped that the absence of remarks on the part of the 

 Fellows present would not be taken as indicating that the very 

 interesting demonstration given by Mr. Stead had not been thoroughly 

 appreciated. He was sure that they had not only been greatly interested, 

 but had been specially pleased at the opportunity afforded of seeing the 

 very beautiful specimens exhibited in a manner which was rendered 

 possible by the fact of the Society having the use of an instrument 

 capable of showing them so perfectly. 



Mr. Stead said he would like to mention that he had asked and had 

 responses from all the prominent metallographers in England and 

 abroad, who had sent him a series of lantern photographs with which, 

 had time permitted, he could have continued the subject. He was 

 afraid, however, that if he had started on that, he should have gone on 

 until midnight. He hoped that at some future time he might have an 

 opportunity of showing these to the Society, as he thought they ought 

 to see something of the kind of work which was being done. In every 

 works of any importance microscopic examination of iron and steel was 

 being introduced, and he felt sure that in all such places the Microscope 

 had come to stay. 



The President was sure all would be pleased to find that Mr. Stead 

 had held out to them the hope of one day hearing the continuation of 

 this very interesting subject, and of seeing what he had not, for want 

 of time, been able to show them that evening. 



A hearty vote of thanks was then accorded to Mr. Stead for his 

 communication. 



Mr. Stead said it had given him very great pleasure to bring this 

 subject before them, and he might add that his remarks on Phosphorus 

 in Iron, and the specimens shown, had not been made public before. 



New Fellows. — The following were elected Ordinary Fellows : — 

 Dr. David Anderson-Berry, John Wm. Bridge, and Rev. Arthur Stanley 

 Hoole. 



The following Objects, etc., were exhibited : — ■ 

 Mr. Conrad Beck : — An Optical Bench and large Camera ; a Metal- 

 lurgical Microscope with improved focussing arrangement ; another 

 model, for examining large specimens ; Sorby-Beck Reflector ; Beck 

 Prism Illuminator, Vertical Illuminator, and Monochromatic Trough. 

 Mr. D. Finlayson : — The Ashe-Finlayson " Comparascope." 

 Dr. Hebb : — Photograph of Pleurosigma angulatum, taken by Mr. 

 Merlin. 



Mr. J. E. Stead : — In illustration of his Demonstration : Machines 

 for cutting and polishing specimens of metals, made by Messrs. Carling 



