HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY. 5 



thought, was conferred (as well beseemed) the dignity of first 

 President to the Society ? The name of the other, Alfred Allen ! 

 whom we are all proud to welcome this evening, still so ably filling 

 the arduous and responsible post for which he then volunteered — 

 that of Honorary Secretary. 



" The design of the Society is specially to afford, to dwellers 

 in remote parts of the country, by means of postal facilities, the 

 advantages derivable from interchange of thought on such subjects 

 of common interest as may be elucidated by the microscope. This 

 is to be done by passing slides from one member to another in regu- 

 lated course. And how vast a field lies before us ! There is not 

 a subject you can approach at the present day, be it mineral, 

 vegetable, or animal, but it has its microscopic side, needing the 

 application of this magic tube to elucidate all its bearings. Years 

 ago, Professor Owen, speaking of Geology, said that the student 

 of this science, to be successful, must possess a knowledge of 

 Chemistry ; of Meteorology and Mineralogy ; of Botany, Zoology, 

 and General Physics : — in effect, must have a good acquaintance 

 with the general circle of the Sciences. What a task indeed ! 

 And now must be placed in this enumeration, all the knowledge 

 which has been gained by the microscope in each of these various 

 departments. 



" That a considerable measure of success has attended our 

 efforts will not be denied. The continued increase in our numbers 

 testifies in one way to the fact ; showing clearly that by the estab- 

 lishment of this Society, a want which many had felt is being 

 supplied. Were it desirable it would be an easy matter greatly to 

 add to those numbers. But though it is freely admitted there 

 would be some gains to be reaped from such a course, I confess 

 'to having grave doubts as to mere numbers being an unalloyed 

 advantage to us. A small, compact army of well-disciplined 

 soldiers is both more easily handled, and capable of more execution, 

 than one whose very size introduces an element of weakness : it 

 then becomes unwieldly in its strength. The difficulties of 

 working through the post with large numbers of members appear 

 to me to be very great. 



" Should it be deemed desirable to limit our numbers in order 

 to increase our effectiveness, the question presents itself for solution, 

 — Who are those we should most seek to attract ? 



" Workers in isolated spots should have our first consideration. 

 It was for their benefit especially that the Society was formed ; it 

 is on such that the arrival of a Box of our Slides, with its accom- 

 panying Book of Notes and Drawings, confers the greatest boon. 

 None but those who have experienced it, can fully realise the state 

 of stagnation into which even an active mind may sink, with no 



