246 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 
speakers or readers would afford profitable themes for discussion, 
and all would carry away with them for home use intellectual 
gleanings of no ordinary value; not merely the recollection of 
curious or suggestive objects, but hints at interpretation and teach- 
ings too precious to be soon forgotten.” 
Amongst other objects of interest not referred to in the 
above extracts was an ophthalmic microscope exhibited by Mr. 
Ernest Hart, and constructed in such a manner that he was en- 
abled to demonstrate by its aid the beautiful vascular structure 
of the eye of a living rabbit. A series of drawings also by Mr. 
Mummery, of Actinie and other marine animals, excited great 
admiration, on account of the accuracy with which minute points 
of structure were delineated, and their beautiful execution. 
BreminecHam Naturat History ASssocraTion. 
Microscorican SECTION. 
A Microscopical Section has just been added to the Birmingham 
Natural History Society, and promises to take an important rank 
among the educational institutions of that large town. The 
movement originated in a letter by Mr. Fiddian, which appeared 
in one of the Birmingham newspapers, advocating the formation 
of a Society devoted to microscopical research. The meetings are 
held in a large room at the Midland Institute on the second 
Tuesday in every month. 
April 12th.—The first paper was read by Mr. Fiddian, subject, 
“The History of the Microscope.” The varied forms of the in- 
strument were described in a progressive order from the earliest 
rude lenses of the ancients to the introduction of the modern 
achromatic combination; a full description of the latter being 
reserved for a future occasion. The paper was illustrated by well- 
executed diagrams, a number of old microscopes, and a remarkable 
collection of old and rare books on the microscope. 
May 10th.—A paper by Mr. T. Morris on ‘The Simple Micro- 
scope,” with practical illustrations of the method of mounting and 
using small spheres of glass, Canada balsam, water, and other 
transparent media. A collection of insects mounted in a new 
style for the microscope was exhibited; also one of Adams’s 
variable microscopes made in 1170. 
June 14th.—An exhibition of living infusoria and some of the 
larger aquatic animals. Among these the Volvor globator, and 
the circulation in the branchie of the larva of the newt, excited 
the greatest amount of attention. 
