PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 143 



objects advantageously illuminated by this method. A single- 

 coloured disc may be also used to advantage with white light from 

 the bull's-eye lens. Details of structure are observable by means of 

 this instrument, which the author observed are inconspicuous with- 

 out its aid, and thinks that its efficacy in connexion with such a 

 variety of purposes cannot fail to I'ender it of value to the scientific 

 observer. 



The reading of the paper gave much satisfaction to the members 

 of the section, and it was resolved to communicate the same to the 

 Society, with a recommendation that it should be printed in extenso 

 in its Memoirs. 



The Secretary read a paper, " On Preparing Objects found in 

 Sjundings." 



Having suggested the means of obtaining soundings from com- 

 manders of vessels, by distributing envelopes for their preservation 

 and transmission, the next point to be ascertained is the simplest 

 and most effectual method of separating the objects sought, from 

 tlie tallow in which they are usually imbedded and brought up 

 from the depths of the ocean. 



Mr. Dancer's paper on this subject, read at the November meet- 

 ing of this section, describes an excellent method of so doing, bj 

 melting tlie tallow in hot water ; skimming it off when cold, and 

 repeated washings with hot water and ammonia ; but it appeared 

 desirable, if possible, to discover a simpler plan, and one which 

 should secure the preservation of the smaller organisms, which are 

 so liable to be lost amongst the tallow and in the repeated wash- 

 ings. It occurred to me that the melted tallow could be passed 

 through filtering-paper ; and this I effected by means of a jet of 

 steam from a common kettle, furnished with the necessary tubes, 

 soldered into a tin lid, for ingress of water and egress of steam, 

 with distilled water into the filter, in which was placed the mass of 

 tallow with its contents ; the tallow was immediately melted, and 

 rapidly passed through the paper, leaving, however, a small residue, 

 which, even with the assistance of alkalies, could not be entirely 

 removed ; traces of grease or soapy matter obstinately adhering to 

 the particles, and preventing free separation from each other. 



To obtain a better solvent, I consulted one of the members of 

 our Council, whose practical chemical knowledge and inventive 

 genius are perhaps unequalled, and he at once suggested the plan I 

 now describe ; which, for novelty, simplicity, and effect, will, no 

 doubt, prove to be all that can be desired. Time and experience 

 are, however, required to test the fact ; only one operation on Friday 

 last bavins' been effected. 



'O 



Mr. John Dale, "On a Process for Tallow Soundings." — It is 

 now well known that one of the products obtained from the 

 naphtha of coal tar is a volatile, oily substance, termed benzole (or 

 by French chemists, benzine), whose boiling point, when pure, is 

 about 180° Fahr., and is a perfect solvent for fatty substances. In 



