The Microscope. 271 



Prof. Simon H. Gage stated the results of bis inquiries from 

 various makers, both in this country and abroad, as to what they 

 meant by the so-called " Tube-length," and the thickness of cover- 

 glass for which unadjustable objectives are corrected. 



Prof. D. S. Kellicott followed with abstracts of two interesting 

 papers. In the first of these he defended his position in regard to 

 the Floscularia millsii, which had been thought by Mr. Gosse to be 

 the F. icJwrnia. In the second paper dealt with some new and rare 

 infusoria. Then came papers on Apochomatic objectives, by Ernst 

 Grundlach, read by Mr. Turner; observations on the efFect of power- 

 ful electric currents on the tissues of animals, by Geo. E. Fell. 



After the usual announcements the society adjourned to visit 

 the establishment of Mr. Jno. A. Brashear, where the method of 

 making telescope lenses, etc., was fully explained by the ever-ready 

 and gonial host. Prof. Very, at the observatory, explained the 

 methods of their astronomical work, and the instruments used in 

 accurate observation. 



In the evening President Rogers delivered the annual address, 

 which was listened to by a large and appreciative audience. 



Wednesday morning, Aug. 31, was devoted to the following 

 papers: Cements and Waxes, by W, H. Seaman; Diseased germs, 

 which was another illustration of the fact that bacteria cause disease, 

 by T. J. BuiTill: the Bacillus of Foot-rot in sheep, hj Mark Francis, 

 read by Dr. H. J. Detmers; Method of estimating the number of 

 Trichinae in meat, by S. H. Gage; Ending and relation of the muscu- 

 lar fibi'es in the muscles of minute animals, by Susanna S. Phelps 

 Gage. This important paper deserves especial mention for the care 

 and conscientious work which the author has put upon a subject long 

 overlooked. 



A very curious microscope, once the property of Limseus, was 

 described by C. C. Mellor. 



The following committee on nominations was elected : Dr. S. 

 M. Mosgrove, George H. Clapp, F. L. James, Dr. W. P. Manton, 

 Dr. George E. Fell, C. C. Mellor and Dr. W. J. Lewis. 



In the afternoon the society embarked on the pleasure steamer 

 Mayflower for a visit to Braddock, where are located the Edgar 

 Thompson steel works. At the dock an engine and three cars were 

 in waiting and the party rode along the ravines, through mountains 

 of slag and cinder, up into the middle of the great Bessemer plant. 

 Here they were met by several of Mr. Carnegie's lieutenants, who at 



