104 THE PRESIDENTS ADDRESS. 



indeed ought, to regard Microscopy, neither as merely an Art nor 

 as wholly a Science, yet a happy compound of both — just as you 

 would regard an object seen by the binocular microscope. As re- 

 gards its future and place, it is clear, I think, that a middle course 

 is possible, and that it may thus be defined in terms which have been 

 suggested to me by our Secretary. " It should be clearly under- 

 stood that a Microscopical Society's principal aim should be to take 

 into consideration the wants of the various branches of Science with 

 regard to minute research. Its members should aim to be experts, 

 ready to assist in any delicate work that may be required ; to devise 

 new instruments and methods of manipulation, and to improve old ones. 

 This would be the Art portion of the work ; and it is evident that 

 all branches of science are interested in its development and improve- 

 ment. With regard to the Science portion, such a Society has a 

 claim upon all researches into which the use of the microscope, or of 

 special processes connected with it, enter ; such researches eventually 

 taking their proper place in relation to Natural Science generally. 

 For instance, the paper on Cavities in Crystals, recently read before 

 the Royal Microscopical Society, is primarily a mici-oscopical one, 

 but will eventually find a place both in Geology and Chemistry." 



Gentlemen, I am afraid that your patience must now be well nigh 

 exhausted. I will therefore conclude with what is a most sincere 

 expression of gratitude. I have now had the great honour of pre- 

 siding over this Club for two long and yet short years. I found it 

 prosperous, and I am thankful to be able to say that I leave it not 

 less so. I am therefore encouraged to think that my shortcomings 

 of which — and I speak most honestly — I am but too conscious 

 have not impeded its progress. I have to acknowledge with hearty 

 thanks the genuine courtesy and kindness with which I have ever 

 been met both in my official and in my private capacity ; and most 

 of all do I rejoice in the harmony which prevails amongst us. I 

 leave this chair with a large amount of undefined regret, certainly, 

 but that consists entirely in the consciousness that I intended to do 

 so much, but have really done so little. I do not know that it is 

 possible for my successor to compensate for all this, but of this I 

 feel sure, that if it be possible, he is just the man to do it, but I 

 cannot speak of him as he deserves in his presence. 



Gentlemen, I now bid you officially farewell, but am happy to be 

 able to assure you of my unabated interest in this Club, with all of 

 its, to me, most happy associations. 



