326 president's address. 



In conclusion, I would refer to three circumstances in the life of 

 John Quekett, which may be regarded as typical of the tone and 

 objects of the Club which bears his name. 



(1) Whilst he was still a youth he constructed a microscope, 

 which was made up of materials furnished by a common roasting- 

 jack, a lady's old-fashioned parasol, and pieces of brass purchased 

 at a neighbouring marine-store dealer's, and hammered out by him- 

 self. With this rough instrument he made several important dis- 

 coveries. 



(2) During his after-life, by patient and intelligent investigation, 

 he accumulated a series of microscopical preparations, mounted by 

 himself, which were considered so valuable that they were purchased 

 by the Royal College of Surgeons, and form more than the nucleus 

 of the collection of that Institution. 



(3) One of his last pleasurable acts was to arrange a party for 

 " Music and Microscopes," as he phrased it. The party did not 

 take place, for, when the day appointed for it arrived, he was too ill 

 to receive his friends, and soon afterwards died. 



I venture to draw from these incidents a lesson for ourselves. (1) 

 Let our younger members be hopeful and self-helpful. If they cannot 

 afford costly instruments, let them work contentedly with less expen- 

 sive ones, and especially let them acquire the habit and the skill to 

 make for themselves any simple apparatus they may require. (2) 

 Let it be remembered that a series of microscopic objects, mounted 

 by a man for himself, merely as an intellectual pastime, perhaps, 

 may lead him to become a real student of science, and will assuredly 

 do so if he prepares them in illustration of his favourite subject, 

 and in conformity with a predetermined plan. (3) Let me insist 

 that a man may be an ardent student, a laborious and painstaking 

 worker, and even a great master in science, without being pedantic 

 or morose ; and that, as John Quekett, at the close of his distin- 

 guished career, proposed as a pleasant melange, " Music and Micro- 

 scopes," so we, as members of the Quekett Club, shall be rendered 

 none the less vigorous or successful in the pursuit of knowledge by 

 the genial interchange of social amenities, and the enjoyment of 

 friendly intercourse. 



By bearing these things in mind, and acting on them — by follow- 

 ing the example of Dr. Bowerbank in the frank and unreserved com- 

 munication of any information we possess — by passing on to young 

 beginners the kindness that we have received from our seniors — and 



