M. C. COOKE ON EARLY MEMORIES OF THE Q.M.C. 231 



This was the model of a Q.M.C. gossip night with three 

 members. At ten o'clock the microscopes were put away, and 

 then we discussed sandwiches, cigars, and liquid refreshment, 

 and many things besides, until elev^en o'clock. Amongst other 

 things to talk about was '' Science Gossip," both before and 

 after the first number, and doubtless these discussions had some 

 influence upon the fate and the developments of the journal in 

 question. 



It was on the 1st of May, 1865, that a proposal from Mr. 

 W. Gibson was published on page 116 of "Science Gossip" to 

 the following effect : — " It appears to me that some association 

 amongst the amateur microscopists of London is desirable, which 

 shall afford greater facilities for the communication of ideas and 

 the resolution of difficulties than the present Society affords, and 

 which, whilst in no respect hostile to the latter, shall give 

 amateurs the opportunity of assisting each other as members 

 of an amateur society, with less pretensions ; holding monthly 

 meetings in some central locality, at an annual charge sufficient 

 to cover the incidental expenses — say five shillings a year — on 

 the plan of the Society of Amateur Botanists. By the publication 

 of this letter the general feeling of the parties interested will be 

 ascertained, and by this future action determined. — W. Gibson." 

 To which the following editorial note was appended : — " N.B. 

 We insert our correspondent's communication, and would be glad 

 to hear from any microscopists desirous of co-operating with him 

 in carrying out his proposition." — Ed. " Science Gossip." 



Of course this letter occupied the attention of the trio at their 

 next meeting, and all of us resolved to make a strong effort for 

 the establishment of such a society as that proposed. One of the 

 three Avas already a Fellow of the Microscopical Society, and 

 there was never any feeling of antagonism amongst us to that 

 Society, but, as we believed, a strong presumption that the new 

 Society would benefit the old one, by helping the members over 

 the early difficulties of the student, and fitting him better to 

 appreciate the older Society. 



The reasons which appealed to us most strongly at this time 

 were, that there were a large number of young microscopists 

 arising in the Metropolis, who could not afford to pay the sub- 

 scription to the old Society, and, if they could do so, they would 

 not get what they most required — that is to say, sympathy and 



