PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 167 
The questions deposited in the Question-box, comprising a 
variety of subjects, were read and discussed. 
Fourteen members were elected. 
January 4th, 1867. 
The first soirée of this Society was given in the noble library 
and hall of University College, the use of which was liberally 
granted for the occasion by the Council of the College. Notwith- 
standing the very severe frost, there was a numerous attendance 
of members and their friends. About 120 microscopes and ob- 
jects were exhibited by the members and the well-known makers, 
although the objects of interest were not entirely confined to mi- 
croscopes only. Numerous diagrams were suspended on the walls, 
amongst which may be noted a curious collection of paintings of 
floral subjects, the work of native Indian artists; also a series of 
beautifully executed diagrams, kindly lent for the occasion by 
Her Majesty’s Board of Inland Revenue. The Graphotyping 
Company displayed various specimens of their process of engray- 
ing. Mr. King exhibited salmon-hatching, and some parasites 
found on the gills of the adult salmon. Mr. James How afforded 
much amusement by exhibiting the induction-coil in connection with 
Giessler’s tubes. Not the least interesting object in the rooms 
was the microscope constructed by Professor Quekett at the age 
of sixteen years, “ made up of materials furnished by a common 
roasting jack, a lady’s old-fashioned parasol, and pieces of brass 
purchased at a neighbouring marine-store dealer’s, and hammered 
out by himself.” This was lent by Mr. Stone, of the College of 
Surgeons. There were also many interesting diagrams lent by the 
Council of the Royal College of Surgeons and by Dr. Carpenter. 
January 25th, 1867. 
Artuur E. Dunnam, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair. 
A paper was read by Mr. N. Burgess, “ On the Cuticle of 
Plants, and the best means of Separating and Mounting it.” Hay- 
ing given considerable attention to this subject, his experience 
had taught him that the best method to effect separation was by 
maceration for a few weeks, after which he floated the cuticles on 
to a glass slide and put them away until required. A discussion 
followed, in which Mr. Slade recommended the use of nitric acid. 
A discussion likewise took place relative to the source whence the 
hairs are obtained commonly called “ hair of larva of Dermestes.” 
Ten members were elected. 
