r THE MICROSCOPE. , vas) 
The value of copal gum in microscopy is so great that any 
suggestion which tends to make its use both practical and conveni- 
ent is worth considering ; and this is my apology for calling the 
attention of your readers to my somewhat crude methods. 
Marron, Ohio. 
HENRY MILLS. 
D. S. K 
HIS venerable and highly esteemed contributor to THE 
Microscopr, died after a brief illness February 7, 1889, in 
Chattanooga, Tenn., at the age of seventy-six. Mr. Mills was on 
his way to Florida, where he hoped to escape, as in previous years, 
the rigors of climate incident to his Northern home. 
He is best known to the readers of this journal by his work on 
the Fresh-Water Sponges. Twelve or more years since, he retired 
from business and spent much of his leisure thereafter in collecting 
and studying these forms. This search had been carried on, not 
only about his home, Buffalo, N. Y., but in Florida, Pennsylvania, 
Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin and Dakota. He was successful in greatly 
extending our knowledge of the distribution and habits of our 
species ; he also gave the first notice and description of several new 
and unique species or varieties. Mr. Mills was not a species-maker, 
and often withheld a long time a description from publication, or in 
several instances sent his material and suggestions to others for 
publication. Those of us who, knowing him intimately, know that 
his modesty was equal to his worth, can understand this. 
Success achieved in another direction, gave him the keenest 
pleasure and satisfaction, viz: that he had been able to assist others 
in getting a start in the study of nature with the microscope. In 
the progress of such he rejoiced as one may at the advancement of 
his own children. The writer of this note is one of many who has 
benefited by his advice, been inspired by his enthusiasm, led to 
respect him for his genuine manhood, and now revere his memory. 
‘Mr. Mills was one of the first to efficiently use the microscope in 
Buffalo. He was the first Curator of Microscopy, Buffalo Society of 
Natural Sciences (1872); one of the founders of the Buffalo 
Microscopical Club (1876), serving almost constantly on its Board of 
Managers, one year as President, and contributing largely to its 
proceedings; he was a member, joining in 1879, of the American 
Society of Microscopists. 
The subject of this sketch was an honored member of the 
Baptist Church, known and respected by all as a pure man and an 
honest man. 
