- 
806 THE AMERICAN MONTHLY [Nov 
As regards the action of heat upon the toxic products of 
different bacteria, it has been found that some, like the 
toxin of tetanus, are decomposed and rendered harmless 
after a short exposure to a comparatively low tempera- 
ture; whilst others, like the toxine of anthrax, are only 
weakened and not destroyed at the temperature of boil- 
ing water. 
MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETIES. 
RoyaL MicroscoPicaL SocreTy.— 
October 6, C. Baker exhibited a portable microscope on 
the model of the “Diagnostic” originally designed for 
Major Ronald Ross’s investigation of malaria. It was 
made of magnalium, an alloy of manganese and alumi- 
nium, and weighs but 140z. He also exhibited a micros- 
cope intended for the examination of fractures and etch- 
ed surfaces of metals. It is provided with vertical illu- 
minator, rack-and-pinion focussing adjustment and level- 
ing-screws to the mechanical stage, now usual in this class 
of instrument. Messrs. R. and J. Beck exhibited a port- 
able model of their London microscope, which wasa very 
substantial iustrament, and was, by the introduction of 
several ingenious devices, made to pack with the appara- 
tus into a leather case 2zin. by 4in. by 94in. Messrs. 
Beck also exhibited a centrifuge, made to run at high speed 
by an electric current. The president brought to the meet- 
ing some specimens of the mycetozoa, and gave a brief ac- 
count of the life-history of this group of organisms. The 
specimens belonged to a recently-described species, and 
had been named Badhamia folucola, and he had brought 
some leaves and grass on which were spores for distribu- 
tion. Mr. ©. L. Curties, exhibited a number of mounted 
specimens of marine zoological objects, accompanied by 
very full andinteresting descriptions. The president gave 
a resume of a paper by Miss A. Lorrain Smith, “On Fungi 
