M. C. COOKE OX EARLY MEMORIES OF THE Q.M.C. 237 



One is led into personal reminiscences in constructing tins 

 narrative, which need scarcely be repressed after so long an 

 interval, and in view of the fact that the majority are no longer 

 with us. One reflection, which is made patent by the above 

 short history, is, that although the formal proposal came from an 

 outsider, the practical inception and development of the idea 

 of a popular microscopical Club rested with the little group of 

 Piccadilly friends associated with the first Treasurer ; and 

 Messrs. Hardwicke, Ketteringham, Bywater, Cooke, and Kuffle 

 were all, more or less, connected with the Piccadilly house, the 

 last named being the engraver of the woodcuts which adorned 

 the pages of " Science Gossip." Mr. Marks also acted at times 

 as editor's substitute, or honorary editor, during my holidays 

 or absence from town. Mr. S. Highley was a business friend or 

 acquaintance of Mr. Hardwicke, and all who knew him will 

 recognise how very microscopical was his influence, and operation, 

 in the development of the new idea. 



Two new and staunch adherents were acquired from outside 

 sympathisers in the persons of Mr. H. P. Hailes and Mr. E. 

 Jacques, and the constant presence of both at all the meetings 

 of the Club for about a quarter of a century, until death removed 

 the one, is too well known to the older members to need further 

 allusion. 



I cannot refrain from some notice of one most indefatigable 

 member of the original twelve, who was not one of the Piccadilly 

 brotherhood, although well known at the Piccadilly house, and 

 a very active member of the little Society of Amateur Botanists. 

 This was our old friend Mr. W. W. Peeves. His willing aid and 

 advice in all the social functions of the Club, especially in the 

 excursions, was always freely given and duly appreciated. In 

 his own quiet way he was for many many years an earnest 

 worker in the interest of the Club. Those who knew him 

 intimately well remember with pleasure his quiet, genial manner, 

 and the pertinacity with which he worked for the development 

 of the social element of the Club, whether in connection with 

 the periodical excursions, the little dinners, the gossip nights, or 

 the long forgotten soirees at University College. 



Perhaps I have written enough to indicate the surroundings 

 and circumstances which combined in the origination of the 

 Quekett Microscopical Club, with which I was as familiar as any 



