126 THE MICROSCOPE. 



without a dissenting vote. So passed the election, harmoniously and 

 satisfactorily. 



Then came the reading of the following papers, the first two by 

 title: "The Basis of the Natural Classification of Plants by Orders, 

 Genera and Species Found in the Features of TheirSeeds," by J. I. 

 Brownell, of Mansfield, Pa. "The Epidermis of the Cyclostomata " 

 and "A New Species of Fluke from the Muskrat," by Prof. A. H. 

 Tuttle, of Columbus. A paper on "Fresh Water Sponges," by 

 Henry Mills, Esq., of Buffalo, I need not tell you, was exceedingly 

 interesting, coming from such a universally recognized able source. 

 The discussion that followed was aimed principally at the system of 

 classification and was participated in mainly by Prof. Kellicott, 

 Messrs. Vorce and Mills, Dr. Lucy of the Elmira society, and Dr. 

 Fell of Buffalo. Dr. Blackham then read Ernst Gundlach's elabo- 

 rate paper on " Light and Illumination." It treated of many of the 

 difficulties that environed transparent illumination — how increased 

 powers give greater magnification to the exclusion of satisfactory 

 illumination and definition. This brought forth an exceedingly 

 interesting discussion, conducted on the one side by Drs. Curtis and 

 Mercer, who clung to the teachings and principles of Prof. Abbe, 

 while a host of other members assailed them. Finally, Dr. Gleason 

 brought the discussion to a timely close by offering one of 

 his characteristic propositions, as follows : " The question then 

 seems to be whether we see what we see; whether we don't 

 see what we see; or, whether we see what we don't see! This 

 closed the morning meeting. In the afternoon, at 2 o'clock, six 

 new members were admitted to membership. Prof. Gage suggested 

 that the public be not admitted to the soiree to be held to-morrow 

 night, until 8 o'cock, in order that exhibitors have the hour from 7 

 to 8 to inspect each other's exhibits. This was agreed to and the 

 decision publicly announced. Prof. Kellicott attempted to read his 

 paper on the "Polyzoa," by title, but the society knew too well the 

 value of his productions to let him off quite so easy. He was re- 

 quested, by vote, to read his paper in full, which he did later. 



Dr. A. M. Bleile, of Columbus, read a paper on the " Effects of 

 Division of the Vagi on the Heart," showing much careful study 

 and skillfulness in conducting his experiments. By means of 

 vivisections performed upon rabbits, it was found that when both 

 vagi are severed, the animal is sure to die either from traumatic 



