28 THE MICROSCOPICAL NEWS. 
tures per Camera require no instructions as regards the mechanical 
art. 
‘ Although in the above instructions the maker mentions his own 
Ferrous Oxalate Developer for these plates, he does not wish to 
intimate that no other mode of development will do. The plates 
may be developed by many of the Pyrogallic methods, and also the 
Ferrous Oxalate from the mixed solutions of Protosulphate of Iron 
and Potassium Oxalate, examples of which he here tabulates. He, 
however, begs to state that he considers the most pleasing colour 
that produced by his own special Ferrous Oxalate Developer. 
Owing to the varying density of negatives, it is impossible to give 
the exact time for exposure. That given above is found to be right 
for a negative of medium density. A very simple plan, and one 
which often saves time, by allowing the worker to remain in the 
dark room, is to expose the plate by burning a wax vesta or com- 
mon match over the negative, care, of course, being taken to have 
all sensitive plates protected during the operation. 
TuE Royat Society.—Professor Huxley’s election as president 
of the Royal Society was confirmed at the last annual meeting. 
In his address Professor Huxley reviewed the society’s work 
during the past year, and made touching references to the eminent 
men who have passed away. Referring to his election as president 
he said, ‘“‘ To a man like myself, who neither possesses, nor seeks, 
any other distinction than that of having done his best to advance 
knowledge, and to uphold the dignity and the authority of science 
against all comers, the presidency of this society is the highest 
dignity which he can attain, whatever else may befall him. But, 
as men of science, you know better than I can tell you, that there 
are things of more worth than distinction. Iam within measurable 
distance of the end of my career; and I have looked forward to 
the time when I should be able to escape from the distractions 
and perturbations of the multitudinous affairs in which I have been 
so long entangled, to that student life from which the Fates have 
driven me, but to which I trust they may, for a little space, permit 
me toreturn. So that Iam sure you will neither misunderstand 
me, nor mislike my directness of speech, when I say that, if it 
please you to believe that the interests of science, and of the Royal 
Society will be advanced by maintaining me in the very distin- 
guished position which I at present occupy, I will do my best to 
justify your confidence ; but if, as may well be, you think that some 
other Fellow of the Society will serve these interests better, I shall, 
with a light heart, transfer to him the honourable burden, which I 
have already borne long enough to know its weight.” 
