1888.] MICROSCOPICAL JOURNAL. 155 



QUERIES. 



The following questions are from a subscriber in Brockton, Mass., and are answered 

 by a friend in Battle Creek, Mich. : — 



First; — What is the American Postal Microscopical Club ? This is an organization 

 composed of ladies and gentlemen, professional and non-professional, interested in 

 the use of the microscope, and scattered, for the most part, throughout the eastern half 

 of the United States, with headquarters at Troy, N. Y. Boxes containing slides are 

 started out from headquarters, sent to various circuits (consisting usually of six members), 

 passing from individual to individual, and by the last one in each circuit forwarded to 

 the first one of the next circuit, or returned to headquarters, according to instructions 

 contained in the ' maihng slip,' which is attached to the note book of each box. Each 

 member of the club is entitled to three days' use of each box of slides. These boxes 

 (excepting Cole's Studies) generally contain six slides, contributed by members of the 

 club, each donating one or more per year, which shall be of interest to the larger por- 

 tion of the club, ordinary slides not being desirable. Cole's Studies consist of only 

 two slides in each box, with an illustrated descriptive pamphlet. Accompanying each 

 box is a 'Note Book,' in which each slide is more or less fully described, giving the 

 common and scientific names of the object, method of preparation, manner of mount- 

 ing, and often containing notes by the contributor, or by others through whose hands 

 the box has passed, upon the special points of interest in the slides. Many of these 

 notes or memoranda are very interesting and instructive. In some cases pencil, ink or 

 water-color sketches have been embodied in these notes, and in some instances micro- 

 photographs, all of which add much to the interest. 



Second : — Who can join? Any active student or user of the microscope who is willing 

 to abide by the few necessary rules of the club, providing he is reasonably conveni- 

 ently located relatively to some already established circuit in which there is a vacancy, 

 or near a sufficient number of others desirous of becoming members, so that a full cir- 

 cuit might be formed. 



Third : — How? By writing to the resident manager. Dr. R. H. Ward, Troy, N. Y., 

 for the necessary application blank, which requires the applicant to be recommended 

 by one or two members of the club. The membership fee is one dollar, and the annual 

 dues the same. 



Fourth : — Who are the officers ? The following names of the principal officers are 

 taken from the annual report for 1888: — President, Rev. Samuel Lockwood, Freehold, 

 N. J. ; Secretary, Rev. A. B. Hervey, Taunton, Mass.; Assistant Secretary, Henry B. 

 Ward, Troy, N. Y. ; Treasurer, Joseph McKay, Troy, N. Y. ; Managers, Dr. R. H. 

 Ward (resident), Troy, N. Y., and C. M. Vorce, Cleveland, Ohio.— D. 



NOTES. 



A Microscopical Laboratory. — The St. Louis College of Pharmacy, with Prof H. M. 

 Whelpley in charge of microscopy, offers exceptional advantages to all who wish to 

 engage in microscopical work. A laboratory has been liberally fitted up, fully equipped 

 with microscopes, microtomes, microscopical accessories, and mounting materials, so 

 that all the various methods of preparing and mounting substances can be properly 

 taught. No such opportunity to learn this fascinating and important branch of study 

 has ever before been offered in the West, and the classes have always been enthusiastic 

 in their appreciation of the advantages they have enjoyed. 



Classes are formed at the beginning of the session, and as each class is limited to 

 twelve students, second, third, and fourth classes are formed as the number of students 

 may demand. Each course of instruction consists of ten lessons of two hours each. 

 Classes meet in the evening. 



The first course of lessons embraces the following subjects: — Review of the princi- 

 ples of optics as applied to microscopical technology ; structure and use of microscope 

 and accessories ; use of mounting appliances, materials, solutions, reagents, etc. ; pre- 

 paring sections, grinding, cutting, bleaching, staining, etc. ; making the various styles 

 of dry, transparent, and opaque mounts ; mounting in balsam and in glycerine jelly, 

 and special media ; mounting in fluids ; drawing and measuring objects ; determining 

 magnifying power of simple and compound microscopes, etc. 



, We cannot overestimate the importance of pharmacists making use of an opportunity 

 of acquiring proficiency in this branch of study, which is a fundamental requisite for 



