248 THE MIcROscoPeE. 
called forth an interesting discussion, and the matter will receive 
further investigation. 
The remainder of the evening was occupied by Dr. Ferrer 
with an exposition of the nature of various microscopic molds, 
most of which belong to the family Hyphomycetes. He said that 
while formerly the molds were regarded as nothing more serious 
than annoying invaders of the jams and jellies of thrifty house- 
keepers, it was now recognized that they frequently exerted a bane- 
ful influence upon some living plants and living animals. The 
destruction caused in the vine by Oidiwm Tuckeri, in the potato by 
Peronospora infestans and in the silk worm by Botrytis Bassiana, 
were cited as instances. The active part played by many molds 
in some diseases of the skin and mucous membranes in the human 
subject were also alluded to. After referring to the work done in 
the last few years by eminent investigators in this field of research, 
and describing some of their methods of research, Dr. Ferrer 
closed by exhibiting a large number of cultures of various molds, 
both innocuous and pathogenic, growing upon boiled potato, agar- 
agar and other media. Some of those fruits were shown under the 
microscope, and their characteristics explained by the aid of black- 
board diagrams. 
A. H. BREcKENFELD, Recording Secretary. 
EDITORIAL. 
THE MICROSCOPE AND ITS FUTURE. 
HE great metallic element of iron, has already largely en- 
joyed its appointed future, for the age of iron, we are told, is 
soon to give place to one of a metal still grander in its capacity for 
the varied uses of men. 
The “ Age of Steam” has also numbered a marvellous list of 
achievements since first harnessed to practical use. The steamer 
has conquered the ocean and its vast distances; the locomotive has 
opened the dark and rugged wilderness ; carried the life and genius 
of civilization into the very heart of slumbering nations, and af- 
filiated peoples, who otherwise must have remained hostile strangers 
for centuries :—and still the noble conquest goes grandly on. 
That subtle and marvellous power of electricity, so recently 
made captive by the genius of man, is working wonders the world 
