1885.] NEW-YORK MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY. 59 



The objects shown here this evening do not exactly represent 

 the work of the Society. That is shown by the papers read dur- 

 ing the year, and by the discussions at our regular meetings. 



This Society is organized for the purpose of increasing our 

 knowledge on every subject in the investigation of which a 

 microscope can be used. Our knowledge is limited. We have, 

 as individuals, and collectively, obtained but a glimpse of this 

 great universe ; and in that part of the universe revealed by the 

 microscope, we have nearly everything yet to learn. 



Slowly, year after year, the microscope has improved. Year 

 after year, a little has been added to the general stock of knowl- 

 edge, each acquisition only showing us how vast is the unknown 

 yet to become known. We have, however, the beginning. In 

 each direction a little has been accomplished, and it is for com- 

 bined effort and work that our Society has been formed. I am 

 proud of the work that has been done during the past year. 

 Many new facts have been learned ; many interesting discussions 

 about known facts have taken place, and many papers have been 

 read that are worthy of preservation Also excellent exhibitions 

 of objects under the microscope have been given at every meet- 

 ing. In short, our Society has been a " success " in every way, 

 and we would desire our friends to enjoy it with us. 



In the pursuit of Microscopy there is a keen enjoyment — an 

 enjoyment, of which the ignorant can form no conception — an 

 enjoyment that goes through life to the end. 



