THE MICROSCOPE, aq 
minute particles of coal dust imbedded in a laudaceous mass, which 
gives the fungus a good setting. 
“There is usually an agglomeration of delicate threads, either 
joined or not, which are somewhat analogous to the roots of higher 
plants. These threads permeate the tissues attacked by the fungi, 
forming whitened patches. Aspergillus, when in the ear, has a ten- 
dency to seek the deepest parts of the fundus of the canal. It is 
found on the drum-head, on its outer layer, and in the walls of the 
inner third of the canal. It may exist in the middle ear, if there 
be a rupture of the membrane. 
“Fungi can be present in the ear without the least perception 
to one’s self. Often, however, there is at first an itching and burn- 
ing deep in the ear, with a sensation of fullness. To these earlier 
symptoms are soon added pain, buzzing and hardness of hearing, 
and at last a watery discharge. The pain is sometimes very great. 
The buzzing and difficulty of hearing come partly from the pressure 
against the drum-head, and partly the irritation which the growing 
parasite brings on. The action of aspergillus is so violent as to 
sometimes cause perforation of the drum-head. The fungus adheres 
to the drum-head and to the walls of the canal with such tenacity 
that often more than one powerful syringing is necessary to 
dislodge it. 
“Warm oil, so frequently placed in the ear, is very favorable to 
the lodgment and full development of the fungus, particularly when 
united with the diseased condition for which the oil was thought to 
be the remedy. It is a strange fact that this aspergillus is far 
oftener found in the ears of the well-to-do than those of poor people.” 
Another paper, illustrated by charts and microscopic slides, was 
read by Dr. D. H. Hengst, on “ Tube Casts.”’ 
Following the reading of these two valuable communications, 
the usual exhibit of slides, etc., took place. Mr. Walker shows the 
wing of the diamond beetle, and a parasite of the house-fly ; Prof. 
Gordon Ogden, a glass-sponge (Venus’ Flower Basket) taken from 
the bed of the Indian ocean ; Prof. Jackman, scrapings from a stone 
wall, against which a steam jet is constantly playing, and cyclosis, 
which showed common rotifers to be present. Mr. W. J. Prentice 
showed, under polarized light, crystals of guanidine. * Other slides 
were exhibited by Messrs. Meller and Logan. 
A 6-10 power microscope for use in examination of the ear has 
been devised by Dr. Czapski of Jena. 
* A description of this substance will appear in the February issue of this journal. 
