THE MICROSCOPE. 167 



in that form of renal chronic disease which ultimately results in the 

 wasting and shrinkage of the kidney. 



In renal hematuria much can be done, and readily, by investi- 

 gating the sediment, thus learning whether it is due to cystic de- 

 generation, cancer, ulceration, tuberculosis, or irritation from a 

 calculus, and each must be studied with the symptoms and physical 

 signs, but each has in the field of the microscope its peculiar char- 

 acteristics. In intermittent hematuria we find crystals of the 

 oxalate of lime. In cysts, if containing a parasite, the vesicles will 

 show its characteristic structures, but in ordinary cysts the micro- 

 scope is of no value as yet. In nephralgia, in its various conditions, 

 the microscope is of value in diagnosis, but here we may find the 

 feature which is the index to be wanting at times. In suppurative 

 nephritis there is blood and pus, and all the casts found are seen to 

 be covered with pus corpuscles. In pyelitis we may have the 

 crystallization of the nitrate of urea into irregular blades set at 

 angles, and some feather-like crystals. In abscess of the kidney, and 

 in perinephritis, the microscope is yet of doubtful value in making a 

 positive diagnosis, and will be until the science has made more pro- 

 gress. In simple albuminuria there is no exudation, hence no tube 

 casts can be detected in the urine, except occasionally after a long 

 search. 



In conclusion we would only say that in so wide a field much 

 is yet to be added, by diligent investigation, to what is already 

 known; and in the near future, much that is now speculation in 

 renal pathology will be clear and definite, and he who will make a 

 diagnosis will apply his eye to the microscope. 



"The Genus Microscopista."* — The annual address for 

 1882 to the Microscopical Society of Victoria was delivered in No- 

 vember last by the Vice-president, the Rev. J. J. Halley. 



After referring to the small number of members and the still 

 smaller number who contributed papers, the address continued as fol- 

 lows: "In such circumstances, perhaps, this annual address may pro- 

 perly take the form of what would in theology be called apologetic. 

 We must defend our position, and show the raison d'etre of our exist- 

 ence. Looking, then, at our society as we are accustomed to look 



'^Southern Science Record, ii (1SS2), pp. 285-9. 



