PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 143 



Scientific Evening. 



On the 24tli January the Eoyal Microscopical Society held a 

 scientific evening for the exhibition of objects and aj^paratus of novelty 

 or remarkable interest, and for friendly conversation thereujion. To 

 avoid crowding no general invitations were issued, and the gathering, 

 of about 200, was almost entirely composed of Fellows, with a few 

 visitors of scientific eminence. 



From the subjoined list of objects and articles exhibited it will be 

 seen that the suggestions of the Council were effectually carried out 

 by the zeal and kindness of Fellows and their friends, and it was 

 observed with much satisfaction that many Fellows residing in various 

 parts of the country came from long distances to be present on the 

 occasion. 



This opportunity for quiet observation and interchange of ideas 

 upon important topics was thoroughly ajjpreciated by those jjresent, 

 and it is the intention of the Council, as stated in the Annual Address, 

 to hold similar evenings at convenient intervals, of which due notice 

 will be given. 



The Society was indebted to Mr. How and Messrs. Howe and 

 Thornthwaite for the loan of excellent lamj^s. 



The Society exhibited a specimen of Mr. Stanistreet's micro-ruling 

 on glass, the lines y^'g ^th of an inch apart, and a beautiful specimen 

 of cupric suljAate with colloid silica prepared by H. J. Slack, Esq. 



Mr. C. D. Ahrens : Petal of geranium, shown under a |-inch 

 objective, with a new kind of erecting binocular microscope. 



Messrs. Beck: A unique specimen of cinnabar, with crystals of 

 cinnabarite ; and a Podura scale under their new J^y-inch objective. 



Dr. L. S. Beale : Ultimate nerve networks and plexuses of pale 

 compound fibres with their nuclei distributed to the unstrij)ed 

 muscular fibres of the frog's bladder, mounted March, 1863. 



Dr. Bruce : White blood corpuscles, theii' passage through the 

 capillaries and their amoeboid state. 



Mr. John Browning : Acarus Crossii, kindly lent by W. G. Lett- 

 some, Esq. The spectrum of metallic indium with his Universal 

 Automatic Spectroscope, and seeds of Gerardia communis with 

 Mr. Stejjhenson's binocular microscope. 



Dr. Carruthers : Traquairia, a newly-discovered fossil Radiolarian 

 from the Coal-measures, supposed to be the first Eadiolarian found 

 below the Chalk. 



Mr. Thomas Curteis : Parasite of elephant. 



Dr. W. J. Gray : Section of finger with nail in situ. 



Mr. Edward George : Fructification of Hepaticae. The spores 

 and elaters of Scapania undulata, &c. 



Mr. F. W. Gay : The very pretty little Nudibranchiate mollusk 

 from the Victoria Docks, Emhletonia Grayii. 



M. A. de Souza Guimaraens : Cysticercus from a rabbit. 



Mr. James How : Two microscopes and his new lamp. 



Dr. George Johnson : Hypertrophied muscular walls of arteries 

 (chronic Bright's disease). 



