THE Microscope. 229 
tory. That each attempt proved more and more disastrous is 
easily learned by a perusal of the appendix of Prof. Smith’s 
work on “* How to See with the Microscope.” This “ shining 
light ” endeavored to get a body of scientific men to declare that 
“ angular aperture” was just according to a certain definition. 
And when this body of men undertook to show this “ shining 
light ” thatif they should all resolve that angular aperture was 
just so-and-so, it would not necessarily make it so, said ‘ light ” 
suddenly disappeared. This ‘‘ ight” has never been seen at a 
meeting of the American Society since that day, and has never 
emitted a single ray to help it. From that day the American 
Society has had unparalleled growth and prosperity. We next 
see this great ight throwing out all its power to aid in building 
up the Section of Microscopy at the meetings of the American 
Association for the Advancement of Science. For three years 
it glowed and burned; for three years the Section of Micros- 
copy grew weaker and weaker. There could be but one result, 
and at Philadelphia the section expired, to the great joy of all 
men, save one. 
But what has become of the light? In New York? No. 
Shall we go to Boston? No. Perhapsin London? No. Will 
the friends of microscopy write us, “in a familiar and collo- 
quial style,” and tell us where, in their opinion, we may next 
hope to catch a beam from this great light. 
WHAT OUR “FRIENDS” SAY. 
We copy the following from an editorial in the September 
number of the American Monthly Microscopical Journal. 
Speaking of the Rochester meeting the editor says: 
“The papers read were certainly of some interest, but they were 
not, as a whole, characterized by very profound treatment of the sub- 
jects, and it is to be hoped that the next annual volume of Proceedings 
will not be regarded as representing the results of American micro- 
scopical investigation and discovery during the past year. The Society 
undoubtedly has a place to fill, and as an association of amateurs, 
which it essentially is, it may exert an influence which will lead to 
truly scientific research with the microscope in the many paths open 
to the observer. 
‘““ The Society has our best wishes, and will have in the future, as 
