physiology, from 1801-1858, first at Bonn and then at 

 Berlin, and Schwann's attention to the cell was directed 

 by this eminent professor, who began life as a shoe -maker. 



To the Zoologist the microscope is indispensable, and 

 in this branch of study held an honoured place from its 

 earliest origin, fathered by such men as Leeuwenhoek and 

 Galileo. 



In this branch our Society has lately achieved a notable, 

 success, and Mr. Pierce's book is not unknown to Ento- 

 mologists on the continent and elsewhere. 



To the Geologist the microscope reveals (in the words 

 of Hogg) " That our large coal-beds are the ruins of a 

 gigantic vegetation, and the vast lime-stone rocks, which' 

 are so abundant on the earth's surface, are the catacombs' 

 of myriads of animal tribes." 



The engineer can teach us something, too, and points 

 with no uncertain finger to the flaw where careless work-, 

 manship forged the faulty metal. A slice of steel and his 

 microscope shows the reason why a bridge collapsed, or 

 a ship broke loose from its moorings. 



In medico-legal investigations the fate of a human 

 being may tremble in the balance whilst the microscope 

 tenders its unshakable evidence. Is the stain on the 

 prisoner's coat blood? Yes ! A little glacial acetic acid 

 mixed with the sodden cloth crystallizes under the micro- 

 scope, and the 'dark hsemin needles defy 'dispute. Here is a 

 spot where the blood is still wet. A little smear on the 

 glass slide. Stain it, and look. Is it human blood? 

 No! The corpuscles have nuclei. Not guilty. The 

 prisoner is acquitted, a stain on his coat, but none on his 

 character. 



And what can 1 say of the calling to which I have 

 apprenticed myself? The study of medicine. 



