152 THE AMERICAN MONTHLY [June, 



i3Sth Meetings Ma?-, /j, 'pz. — The feasibility of incorporating 

 the society was discussed. The society appropriated $15 for 

 purchase of slides. Dr. Blanchard presented some wood 

 sections ready for mounting which were distributed among those 

 present. Dr. J. M. Lamb read a paper on the Demonstration of 

 Some Histological Subjects. 



Jj6t/i Mertitig., April j, 'q2. — Two new members were 

 elected. Dr. Blanchard read a paper entitled '' Specimens 

 from Cuscuta." He illustrated it with slides. 



/J/l/i Meeti?ig., April jg, 'g2. — Dr. vSeaman made some re- 

 marks on micrometric rulings. A bull's-eye condenser was 

 ordered. 



San Francisco, Cal. — Wm. E. Loy, Sec'y. 



March 16, i8g2. — President Breckenfeld announced as the 

 principal feature of the evening a paper entitled, •'• Some of the 

 Practical Bearings of Bacteriology in Its Relation to Hygiene," 

 and it was illustrated with numerous cultures, preparations, and 

 apparatus. 



Mr. Breckenfeld exhibited a beautiful and interesting fresh- 

 water polyzoan, a species of T^ret/e r/c <?//«, discovered in Mountain 

 Lake by George O. Mitchell. 



The St. Louis Club of Microscopists. 



May 5th, i8g2.—M.Q\. at Dr. H. M. Whelpley's rooms by invi- 

 tation ; ten members present. The treasurer's report showed all 

 dues paid up and the society to be in fine financial condition. Dr. 

 Whelpley exhibited and explained a microscope made a century 

 ago by Spencer. The workmanship was excellent and the defining 

 power good. Curator reported the receipt of a valuable slide 

 from Mr. J. E. Huber, Peoria, 111. Dr. H. M. Whelpley is to 

 be married to Miss Spannacle, of St. Louis, about the 29th of 

 June. 



NOTICES OF BOOKS. 



The Prevalent Epidemic of Quackery. By Geo. M. Gould, 

 M. D. Medical News Co., Phila. Pp. 24. 



This is a very spirited little pamphlet, and contains an address 

 delivered at Buflalo University May 3, 1S92. The following 

 paragraphs are characteristic : 



" Convinced that people need simple instruction honestly put 

 before them, I wish to have a little pamphlet prepared to show 

 up the ridiculous pretensions of modern homcropathic practice. 

 I offer a prize of $100 for the best essay on the subject." 



"What a disgrace that patent-medicine syndicates can draw 

 many millions every year from the people, with a governmental 

 tax of only 25 per cent, upon their mixtures, while the same peo- 

 ple must pay a tax of 60 per cent, upon microscopes and one of 

 49^ cents a pound, and 60 per cent, besides, on woolen clothing." 



