318 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 
The cause that the author suggested for the failure of the dye on 
some occasions was the imperfect action of the oxalic acid ; for while 
it was necessary to fix the indigo blue, it effectually destroyed the 
carmine by either precipitating it or turning it into a straw colour. 
He did not consider the process as yet perfected, but hoped that by 
finding some other reagent than oxalic acid, that would possess its 
good without its deleterious properties, a more uniform and certain 
result might in all cases be ensured. 
From what he had seen, he thought that there was every promise 
of obtaining important and instructive results from this new dye; as, 
when successful in its action, it was a true physiological stain and not 
merely a general one. 
He also recommended, as a general dye, the use of the blue boracic 
solution of indigo carmine by itself; it stained rapidly, was sufficiently 
well fixed by the oxalic acid pr ocess, and was a colour most agreeable 
to work with. He had employed it as an injection, but though it ran 
well along the vessels, it was very difficult to fix in them, as it rapidly 
transuded and stained the surrounding tissues. 
Mr. Crook had tried the double dye, but not sufficiently extensively 
to speak positively as to its action. 
Mr. Needham, though he thought a double dye, in one fluid, most 
valuable, had been disappointed in double dyes generally. Picro- 
carmine was not constant in its action. 
Mr. Ward spoke of double staining with two aniline dyes, especially 
for vegetable substances. He had found the colour permanent if the 
specimen were immersed in benzine after being in oil of cloves. 
Fibroma of hard Palate—Mr. White showed a specimen of this 
tumour under the microscope. He also exhibited a cast showing the 
tumour in situ. It was about the size of a pea, and grew from the hard 
palate just behind the incisor teeth. He especially remarked upon 
its unusual situation. 
Tumour of Conjunctiva (?small-celled sarcoma).—The President 
related a case, illustrated by drawings and specimens, of a tumour of 
the conjunctiva. It occurred in a patient over sixty years of age, and 
first appeared at the edge of the cornea, which structure it involved 
later on. Though removed several times, it still recurred, and even 
appeared again on the stump of the optic nerve after enucleation of 
the globe. 
QuEKETT MicroscopicaL Cuus. 
Ordinary Meeting, March 23, 1877.—Dr. John Matthews, F.R.MS., 
Vice-President, in the chair. 
Three new members were elected, four gentlemen were proposed for 
membership, and numerous donations were announced and acknow- 
ledged. 
“A letter relating to the “‘ Blyborough Tick” was read ; and in reply 
to inquiries from the writer, Dr. M. C. Cooke mentioned that most of 
the creatures of that family possessed six legs only in their early 
stages, but afterwards had eight ; and he named several works to which 
reference might be made for further information. 
Mr. W. H. Gilburt read a paper “On the absence of Stomata from 
