1887.] MICROSCOPICAL JOURNAL. 57 
SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. 
The fifteenth annual meeting of the San Francisco Microscopical Society was held at 
its rooms, No. 120 Sutter street, Feb. 9, 1887, the president, Dr. Mouser, in the chair. 
Mounted slides were presented by Mr. Howard and Mr. Breckenfeld, showing the 
general character of the diatomaceous deposits, samples of which had been received 
from the State Mining Bureau at the preceding meeting with a request for a report. 
The slides showed diatoms of the following genera: Asterolampra, Coscinodiscus, Ac- 
tinocyclus, Navicule, Arachnotdiscus, Grammatophora, and Triceratium, together with 
some Polycistina, and many sponge spicule. Although a marine deposit, and contain- 
ing many of the forms of the celebrated original Santa Monica fragment, the new find 
did not equal the original in many respects, especially as regards the diversity of con- 
tained organisms. In the original, more than one hundred perfectly distinct species 
have been determined. Many interesting facts were related regarding this unique 
fragment, which did not weigh over two pounds, and was found on the beach near 
Santa Monica, in March, 1876. Many attempts have been made to discover the de- 
posit from which this ‘ocean waif’ must have become detached, but its location still 
remains a mystery. 
The retiring president, Dr. S. M. Mouser, read an address in which he referred to 
the increase in membership of the society during the past year, and said ‘from every 
quarter we hear of renewed interest in microscopical matters, and find our own society 
keeping pace with the times.’ He referred to the visits of many distinguished micro- 
scopists during the year. ‘In our earlier days,’ he said, ‘the microscope was, in our 
hands, more of a toy with which to pass a few pleasant hours than an instrument of 
real value in all matters requiring minute examination in scientific investigation, but 
now it has become an absolute necessity in not only the hands of professional men, 
but to those who pursue almost all branches of industry. Any attempt to enumerate 
the purposes to which it is now of every-day application would consume too much of 
your time, and only tell you what you already know. It is gratifying that you have 
early recognized its value, and not allowed yourselves to relapse into indifference or 
neglect, but have been constantly on the alert for new fields of labor in which its appli- 
cation will aid you.’ 
Meetings were reported to have been well attended, very enjoyable and beneficial, 
and have contributed to the advancement of microscopy generally. More than the 
usual number of matters of importance came before the society, and every member 
manifested deep interest in the proceedings. 
‘A number of valuable papers have been read and illustrated in a manner that would 
do credit to any society. So much has been done that it would hardly be possible to 
enter into detail, though I cannot refrain from mentioning a most exhaustive paper by 
one of our members, which graced the first pages of the American Monthly Micro- 
scopical Journal for December, 1886, and I have no doubt will afford great pleasure to 
all who are interested in the subject. In mentioning this I do not mean to disparage 
the splendid work done by many other members, a detailed account of which would 
be too long for the present occasion.’ 
The annual exhibition was greatly enjoyed, and probably excelled in all of its ap- 
pointments any previous effort of the society. The annual receptions are much appre- 
ciated by guests, Valuable donations were received during the year, notably among 
them the splendid collection of diatoms from Wm. Norris, who had, with great pains, 
been years in accumulating them. 
The retiring president had no suggestion to make as to the future, ‘other than that 
you pursue the course you have already adopted, of patient and industrial labor, each 
member laying out for himself the work best suited to his taste, or the facilities at his 
command. By this co-operation we bring into the common store an amount of knowl- 
edge that could not be acquired by any one working single-handed.’ 
In conclusion, he thanked the members of the society for uniform courtesy and kind- 
ness. 
The reports of the secretary and treasurer were read, showing a gratifying condition 
of affairs, financially, and in every other respect. 
On motion, a vote of thanks to the retiring officers was passed, and the president’s 
report was ordered spread on the minutes. 
The balloting for officers to serve during the ensuing year resulted as follows: 
President, E. J. Wickson ; Vice-President, Dr. Henry Ferrer; Recording Secretary, A. 
H. Breckenfeld (re-elected); Corresponding Secretary, Dr. C. P. Bates; Treasurer, F’. 
L. Howard, 
A. H. BRECKENFELD, (ec. Secr. 
