148 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 
board, containing seven divisions for seven different objects; it is 
very suitable for Foraminiferee, Diatomacee, &c., and may con- 
tain seven species, to economise space in cabinets and facilitate 
exhibition. The perforations are about a quarter of an inch in 
diameter, and made with a saddler’s hand-punch; the dise is 
then covered with black varnish, and secured to the glass slide. 
Mr. J. B. Dancer exhibited new cells for opaque objects of 
various sizes; they are made of a composition, and cast in a 
mould. 
Mr. J. G. Dale exhihited, with the polariscope, crystallized films 
of picrate of aniline and of santonine; they were rich in colour, 
and some of the forms are believed to be new. 
SoutHamMpton Microscorican Socrery. 
The second annual soirée of the Southampton Microscopical 
Society was held in the new Hartley Institution, on the evening 
of Thursday, December 11th. The members meet once a month, 
when a paper is read, illustrated by specimens, and once annually 
the society makes a public demonstration in this way of its year’s 
work, in order to increase the taste for’ microscopical science in 
the town and neighbourhood. This gives an opportunity also for 
bringing together on the common ground of science many who do 
not generally mix together: socially—the gentry of the town, the 
magistrates, the town council, the professional and commercial 
classes, meet together in a large evening party. The new Hartley 
Institution is a noble building, and its library, class rooms, 
museum, and theatre, brilliantly lighted and filled with a well- 
dressed.crowd, the tables covered with a large number of excellent 
microscopes, surrounded by ladies full of curiosity and interest, 
was a gay and lively sight. About 1200 visitors were present 
during the evening, which seemed to be much enjoyed by all. 
The following is the programme of the evening’s proceed- 
Ings : 63 
Messrs. Smith and Beck exhibited several binocular micro- 
scopes, their beautiful transparent injections, especially one of 
the brain, being a source of great attraction. 
Mr. 8. Highley also exhibited specimens of his microscope, and 
a selection of photographic views of microscopic natural history 
and other subjects by the oxyhydrogen lantern, which he is now 
engaged in bringing out for educational purposes. Some of the 
views were from photographic negatives by Dr. Maddox, of South- 
ainpton. 
The address was delivered by the President, Dr. Bullar. 
He began by expressing the pleasure the members felt at 
seeing their friends again at their second annual soirée, the 
object of which was, not to teach microscopical science, but to 
excite the curiosity of those who have no knowledge of it, and 
