The Microscope. 291 



— is one who profits by the experience of others; the foolish who 

 gains by his own experience only. Is this Society in danger, or is 

 it likely to drift into that unhappy state of forgetting, " That in 

 proportion as the optical principles of the microscope are understood, 

 and the theory of microscopical vision is made plain, the value of 

 the instrument over every region to which it can be applied, and in 

 all the varied hands that use it, is increased without definable 

 limits?" The records will show, I think, to any enquirer, that the 

 chief reason for the Society's being has been remembered thus far in 

 its history, and the wise councilors and guides which it fortunately 

 possesses, give confidence that it will not in the future depart from 

 its safe traditions. The Society has discussed and published numer- 

 ous papers on the theory and construction of the microscope, new 

 forms, improved methods and devices; it has taken measures, 

 equalled by no other society, to secure a standard of micrometry; it 

 has sought to secure uniformity of tube diameter, improvement in 

 eye-pieces, in the society-screw, etc. Again, besides the papers on 

 microscopy, at every meeting there have been free exhibitions of 

 instruments of the latest forms made at home and abroad, and 

 annually, beginning with the Chicago meeting in 1883, there has 

 been, in addition, a thoroughly organized, practical session or sessions, 

 at which many difficult operations have been explained and demon- 

 strated by those fully competent to teach. The Society, then, surely 

 has not fallen into the grave error of neglecting microscopy for the 

 discussion of the results of microscopical research. And may it ever 

 be kept in mind by those who direct its energies, that the improve- 

 ments of the " prince of instruments of investigation " and the tech- 

 nics of its applications are the chief aim, work and destiny of this 

 still young and progressive organization. 



But how justify my choice of a theme for this evening ? First, 

 by the usage of the most renowned microscopical society, the Royal 

 Society of London, the proceedings of which are largely concerned 

 with natural history; second, the custom of this Society, which has 

 grown up in accordance with the wishes and advantages of its mem- 

 bers; and third, it seems to me there are good and sufficient reasons 

 why this Society should continue to receive and publish, for the 

 present, at least, the results of microscopical investigation by its 

 members, in whatever field. " Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall 

 know them.'' Methods and means are judged by established results, 

 tested by comparisons and discussions; such conclusions are verities, 

 the flesh and blood that clothe and beautify and nourish the skeleton, 

 which, in return, gives form, stability and efficiency to the whole. 



