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the definition was clear and as deep as in an inch or inch-and-a- 
half. It was of 85° aperture, had a good working distance, was coned 
down to admit the pencil of light for bull’s-eye or any other illumina- 
tion, with a very large Lieberkuhn for opaque objects. There was 
also the patent reflex illuminator, for getting opaque illumination, 
with very high powers, which did its work remarkably well. Mr. 
Wenham, as an amateur, had done more than anyone else for the 
microscope ; he had devised the binocular and given it to the world. 
While directing some improvements in the series of objectives of 
Messrs. Ross he had hit upon the form they have patented. These 
experiments have cost them a large sum, but Mr. Wenham had no 
pecuniary interest in the patent. 
Mr. Wonfor inquired whether the higher objectives worked 
readily through ordinary covers. 
Mr. Hennah replied that they did. He would exhibit a P. ancju- 
latum with a comparatively thick cover. 
Votes of thanks were then given to Messrs. Hennah and Wenham. 
The meeting then became a conversazione, when Messrs. Hennah, 
Glaisyer, and Wonfor exhibited various objects with the new objec- 
tives. Their performance was pronounced admirable. The T Vth and 
y Lth showed P. angulatum, and other diatoms equally well, with Podura 
scales, and ultimate fibre from the pig, while the 2 -inch gave beautiful 
definition and as great a depth as most 1-inch objectives. Later in 
the evening Mr. Hennah strained up the 2 -inch with the highest eye- 
piece, and showed P. forraosum marvellously. 
Some very interesting objects w r ere also exhibited by Messrs. 
F. E. Sawyer, W. H. Smith, and Shillingford ; and Mr. Wonfor during 
the evening showed identical forms of foraminifera from chalk 
from the interior of a flint nodule picked up on the Downs and 
from Atlantic chalk. 
Reading Microscopical Society.* 
October 9th 1872. — Dr. Shettle presided ; Captain Lang being 
unavoidably absent. 
Mr. Tatem laid before the Society “ Notes on new Acarelli,” 
accompanied by drawings and balsam-mounted specimens of Acarellus 
pulicis and Acarellus viuscae ; both being transitional forms which 
would doubtless have developed into perfect Acari. 
Mr. Austin exhibited mycelium and spores of Peronospora in- 
festans, with sections of sound and diseased potatoes, and of Dodder, 
showing the manner of its parasitic attachment to plants. 
Mr. Tatem exhibited mounts of Trombidium and entire insects. 
* Reported by Mr. B. J. Austin, 107, Oxford Road, Reading. 
