176 PROCEEDINGS OF SOUIETIES. 
to be outside the window; but with a binocular telescope it would 
appear in the same plane with the window. The telescope drew 
the object nearer the eyes, but did not increase the distance of 
the eyes apart. So an artist, directing the attention of a spectator 
to a picture, would ask him to look at it with one eye, because 
looking at it with both at once would show that it was a flat sur- 
face; and a similar effect would follow from the use of the bino- 
cular telescope. 
Mr. WENHAM could not agree with Mr. Beck in not being able 
to procure stereoscopic vision from the binocular telescope. He 
had used it in his travels on the Nile, in a country where it was 
difficult to measure distances, and there he bad certainly got the 
effect of distance. He (Mr. Wenham) had a telescope, made 
many years ago, in which, viewing the objects with both eyes, 
they did appear to be stereoscopic. It might be imaginary—in- 
deed, it ought to be—but the object certainly did appear to stand 
out. 
The PresipEnt, in concluding the discussion, proposed a vote 
of thanks to Mr. Wenham for his paper, which was duly carried. 
He could, from his own experience, speak of the fatigue caused by 
the continuous use of one eye only—not, however, to the eye at 
work, but to the closed one. Anything that could relieve that 
fatigue, and enable the observer to use the high powers of the 
microscope with more comfort, would be a great benefit. 
A paper by Mr. Beck was then read. 
The meeting was then made special. 
The SecRETARY, in moving a resolution approving of certain 
alterations in the laws of the Society, stated that certain modifi- 
cations would be necessary in anticipation of the Royal Charter 
of Incorporation, endeavours to obtain which were being made on 
behalf of the Society. This would also afford an opportunity for 
making a better arrangement of the clauses. In 1840 a law was 
passed, providing that past Presidents should be permanent 
members of the Council; but at the suggestion of the present 
President it was proposed that, while that rule should be acted on 
up to the year 1866, henceforward there should be four Vice- 
Presidents. He therefore moved—“ That in the clause relating 
to the constitution and government of the Society the words 
‘four Vice-Presidents’ be inserted immediately after the word 
‘ President.’ ”’ 
Mr. Cuartes Trier seconded the motion. 
The PrusmeEnT, in putting the motion to the meeting, explained 
that retiring Presidents would be eligible to serve as Vice-Presi- 
dents. 
The motion was unanimously carried. 
It was moved by the SzcrErary, seconded by Mr. Henry Lez, 
F.L.S., and carried unanimously—* That the laws, as revised by 
the Council, be the laws of the Society from the 9th May, 1866.” 
The PrestpENT announced that the draft of the Charter had 
been prepared, and that a Committee, consisting of himself, the 
