346 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



whicLi has a typical appearance. The study of pond-life finds an 

 important application in the analysis of natural waters, the source 

 of supply often being indicated by the deposit. The access of 

 surface water to a well may be indicated by the presence of 

 water fleas, detritus of vegetation, diatoms or nematode worms, 

 and sewage contamination by a distinct type of bacterial deposit. 

 Polarised light may also be useful, as in detecting the substitution 

 of Phytolacca leaves for Belladonna, which both contain crystals, 

 although of very different forms. The identification of chicory in 

 coffee is another well-known example of microscopical analysis, 

 and distinguishing between the different forms of sulphur in 

 ointment and medicines. A knowledge of the microscopical 

 appearance of fibres is of great importance. The presence of agar- 

 agar in jam is revealed by finding diatoms and sponge spicules. 

 Several other examples were given, and Mr. Wallis concluded 

 by saying that the food and drug analyst in particular needs a 

 good knowledge of microscopical technique, and there are no 

 methods of work and no sphere of microscopical knowledge that 

 he can afford to neglect. 



The meeting closed with a hearty vote of thanks to the authors 

 of the papers. 



At the 566th Ordinary Meeting of the Club, held on January 10th, 

 1922, the President, Dr. A. B. Rendle, M.A., F.R.S., in the chair, 

 the minutes of the meeting held on December 13th, 1921, were 

 read and confirmed. 



Messrs. Edwin Crosk, Eobert Henry Marriott, Kenneth Blake, 

 Charles H. Jones, B. Langley Judd, Samuel T. Denning, Herbert 

 Potter, B. Montagu Heyman, J. Drummond Pryde McLatchie, 

 M.D., and Misses Madge Kaye and Vivien Norman were balloted 

 for and duly elected members of the Club. Five nominations were 

 read for the first time. 



The Hon Secretary, called upon by the President, said that he 

 had recently visited Mr. Nelson, and found him in very good health 

 and hard at work. Mr. Nelson wished the Club a very prosperous 

 year. The list of nominations by the committee of officers for the 

 coming year was read, and an auditor to act for the members 

 appointed. The Hon. Secretary announced that an Exchange 

 Book kindly provided by Mr. Akehurst was now in the hands of the 

 Club. The Hon. Secretary exhibited an Ediswan " Fullolite " 



