1887.] MICROSCOPICAL JOURNAL. 235 
microscope, and found to bear out well the descriptions in the paper. The study of 
the specimens led to an interesting discussion of the subject. 
Among the donations to the society’s material were two specimens of diatomaceous 
earth from William Irelan, Jr., State Mineralogist. One was impregnated with asphalt, 
and was from the mouth of Dos Pueblos creek, near Naples, in Santa Barbara county, 
and the other was from Shasta county. The specimens were referred to Mr. Riedy 
and Dr. Riehl for examination and report. 
EDWARD J. WIckKsSON, Rec. Secy. 
——_Oo—_——_. 
CARDIFF NATURALISTS’ SOCIETY. 
October 20, a biological and microscopical section was formed with C. T. Vachell, 
M. D., as president, and Prof. W. N. Parker as hon. sec. Papers by these officers 
were read, setting forth the objects to be attained by the section. 
NOTICES OF BOOKS. 
Practical Microscopy.—By Maurice N. Miller, M.D. New York. William Wood & 
Peon 1007. (pp. 217 ; figs. 126). 
We have here a hand-book of practical instruction for the college laboratory, or the 
study of the amateur. It will be of special value to members of the medical profession 
who are not already skilled in the use of the microscope. The author gives the method 
_ of examining various organs of the body. The scheme, or plan of the structure, is first 
described, often by the aid of diagrams, after which the mode of preparing the section 
is indicated, and, under practical demonstration, every histological detail is tabulated in 
proper order. The drawings assist very much in the recognition of such elements in 
the field of the microscope. These are photo-engravings of the author’s own pen draw- 
ings. 
Only so much technique has been introduced as has been considered absolutely nec- 
essary. The processes for the preparation and exhibition of tissues are simple, and can 
be executed by any amateur. Among the organs to be demonstrated are the skin, 
teeth, stomach, lung, liver, kidney, ovary, pancreas, lymphatics, spleen, brain, spinal 
cord, and the nervous system. In each case the student is given a list of things which 
he is to observe, the power to use, and all other needed directions. For example, we 
select one of the shortest lessons, that upon the lung of a pig :— 
‘With a very sharp razor, cut half-inch cubes from pig’s lung. Select portions free 
from large bronchi, with the pleura on one side at least, and harden with strong alcohol. 
Human lung, as fresh as possible, may be treated in the same manner. The epithelium 
of the alveoli shows best in the young lung. Pieces of foetal lung are easily hardened, 
and should be studied with reference to medico-legal work. Lung must be made very 
hard or thin sections cannot be cut. If the ordinary 95 % alcohol does not harden 
sufficiently, the process may be completed by transferring the tissue for 24 hours to 
absolute alcohol. The celloidin infiltrating process is well adapted to this structure. 
‘Stain human lung sections with borax-carmine, and pig’s with hematoxylin and 
eosin. Mount in dammar. (Figure 75 shows the section of a pig’s lung enlarged 60 
diameters). 
‘Things to be observed in this demonstration :— 
‘1. The large scalloped openings, transversely divided infundibula. 
‘2. The divided alveoli, so sectioned as to cut off both bottom and top, and show no 
epithelial lining, except at inner edge of periphery. 
‘3. The alveoli divided so as to show a cup-shaped bottom or top. 
‘4. The alveoli so cut as to leave most of bottom or top, showing an opening in the 
centre where the sac has been sliced off.’ 
The volume has a good index, and the publisher has taken the liberty to pad it with 
62 pages of his advertisements, which are so numerous that he has added an index to 
authors whose works he has for sale. 
Cottage Portfolio. By D.S. Hopkins, architect. Lithographed plates containing 12 
designs of low-cost houses, with 43 illustrations and explanations. New York. 
1886. 
Weare much pleased with the neatness and care with which this book of designs has 
been gotten out. Mr. Hopkins has written an explanation to accompany each plate ; 
first stating the desirable, features of the house, then the material from which it is to 
