228 THE Microscope. 
the advantage of two and a half years study in Germany, he was 
fully conversant with Koch’s methods and while the bacillus is of 
the character of a spirillium and difficult to detect by the micro- 
scope alone, the true way to determine species of bacteria is by 
pure cultures. At any rate the doctor believes if this organism is 
only kept out of America we shall have no cholera. 
Jas. E. Whitney, of Rochester, gave his method of preparing 
wax mounts; claiming that by thoroughly coating the wax cell 
with cement and allowing it to dry well before using, the sweating 
avoided. Mr. Whitney passed around a number of elegant spec- 
imens of his work. In the discussion Prof. Rogers stated that he 
had several times thought he had overcome the sweating but had 
always failed, and any successful method would be very welcome. 
This was a nice and easy method of cell making. Prof. W. H. 
Seaman, of Washington, D. C., explained that the sweating was 
caused by the volatile portion of the wax, and as long as the ce- 
ment prevented decomposition it would be good, but in time it 
would fail. He would suggest paraffine as a good substitute. 
‘“Some New Instruments for mounting,” by Dr. F. L. James, 
of St. Louis, consisted of an ingenious combination of a mounting 
box with a glass top and a mirror set at an angle below to properly 
illuminate the mount examined through a lens held ona wire with 
universal joint. Second, “ A Cover Glass Holder” composed of a 
spiral spring bent round a cork on a foot, thus securely holding the 
cleansed cover glasses ready for use. 
Dr. F. 8. Newcomer, of Indianapolis, then described, in a most 
interesting manner, his methods of arranging diatoms, kindly re- 
plying to all inquirers, which were many, as all who had seen, or 
better still, were possessors of specimens of his beautiful slides, 
were anxious to learn his secrets of arranging. The doctor replied 
that there was no royal road of success, but that it required pa- 
tience, cleanliness and perseverance: the trio which are so neces- 
sary in all successful microscopical work. Dr. John Sloan, of New 
Albany, Ind., also detailed his experience in arranging diatoms. 
The Society then adjourned and some thirty-five members ac- 
acepted the invitation to participate in “The Dredging Expedition,” 
under the management of Professors Kellicot and T. B. Stowell. 
A steam yacht was secured and the start made for a very pleas- 
ant ride on the lake, enlivened by the presence of a number of our 
