196 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES, 
interesting paper “On the Minute Anatomy of Bone.” The 
paper entered fully into the uses, chemical constituents, physical 
properties, structure, and development and growth of bone, and 
was illustrated by numerous well-executed diagrams, and by 
microscopical preparations. 
May 9th.—Mr. Parkes read a paper “On the Respiratory 
System of Insects, and its direct relation to their Nervous, Nutri- 
tive, and Muscular Functions.”” The structure of the air-channels 
was explained, and especial attention bestowed on the spiracles or 
breathing pores. The distribution of the air-tubes was elabo- 
rately shown. The paper was illustrated by a great number of 
microscopical preparations, many of them of extreme interest, by 
the incomparable Bourgogne. 
June 13th.—Dr. Norris read a paper “On the Physiology and 
Minute Anatomy of Nervous Tissue.” The paper was illustrated 
by diagrams and microscopical preparations. 
Sept. 5th._—Dr. C. J. Bracey read a very elaborate and interest- 
ing paper “On the Comparative Anatomy of the Organ of 
Hearing.” The paper was profusely illustrated by diagrams and 
specimens. 
Oct. 10th—Mr. F. Davis read a paper “On the Earth- 
worm.” ‘The paper dealt chiefly with the alimentary and circu- 
culating systems, the reproductive system being reserved for a 
second paper. The paper was illustrated by diagrams. 
Dec. 12th—Mr. Thomas Fiddian read a paper “ On Starch, 
Raphides, Chlorophylle, and Silica.” In introducing the subject 
Mr. Fiddian observed that his object in choosing it was not be- 
cause he thought he could say much that was new, but in the 
hope of inducing those members who are botanists, but not micro- 
scopists, to study microscopy, a most useful handmaid to botany, 
as it often happens that without her aid botany is powerless in her 
endeavours to make herself intelligible to the student. The paper 
was illustrated by a lithographed diagram, a copy of which was 
kindly presented to each member present. , 
1866, Jan. 16th.— Mr. H. Webb read a highly practical and 
interesting paper “On Blights.” It was most profusely illus- 
trated by diagrams, specimens, and microscopical preparations, 
and was followed by a most animated discussion on the potato 
blight,in which Messrs. Fiddian, Scott, Pumphrey, and Dr. W. 
Hinds, took part. 
Feb, 13th.—Mr. F. Fowke read a short but able and interesting 
paper on the “ Microscope in connection with the Natural 
Sciences.” It was most profusely illustrated with diagrams and 
microscopical objects and preparations. 
March 13th.—Dr. James Hinds read an able paper, illustrated 
by diagrams and many beautiful injected microscopic sections, 
“On the Comparative Anatomy of the Kidney.” Some discus- 
sion followed. 
May 8th.—Mr. F. Davis read a paper “ On the Common Earth- 
worm.’ It was the second of a series on the same subject, was 
