14- Proin'incnl Yorkshire Workers -Ilcnry Clifton Sorbv. 



called ' direct vision.' Then followed ieiij,'"th\' researches upon 

 various branches of enquiry in which colour plays a part — about 

 forty papers being- written on these subjects. In these the 

 colouring matters of human hair and of birds' feathers, the 

 pigments in birds' eg-g^s, and the numerous colouring matters 

 met with in almost every group of plants, were dealt with. 

 From these it was an easy step to the detection of blood stains, 

 work whicli has since proved exceeding-ly useful in connection 

 with criminal investigation. The microscopical examination of 

 sewage also followed, and, like most of Dr. Sorby's work, with 

 most useful results from an economical point of view. 



From 1879, and until his accident a few years ago, Dr. Sorby 

 lived about five months ot each year in his yacht the 'Glimpse.' 

 This naturally necessitated a change in his work. On board 

 the ' Glimpse ' investigations were carried on in connection with 

 the seas and estuaries, and their animal and plant and inorganic 

 contents. The results of some of these investigations have 

 appeared and are appearing in the Victoria County Histories 

 (Essex, Kent, and Suffolk). In addition to paying- attention to 

 meteorology, the colour of the sea and sky, and taking observa- 

 tions extending over several years on the temperature of seas 

 and estuaries and the amount of salt present in the water, he 

 collected and preserved various marine objects. The colouring 

 matters of these were studied, and extensive experiments made 

 as to the best methods of preserving both the organisms and 

 their colours. Details of these have already been contributed 

 to this Journal by Dr. Sorby.* More recently, attempts to shew 

 both marine animals and plants as transparent lantern slides 

 have met with great success. 



In the Thames, Dr. Sorby has spent much time studying the 

 changes which take place in connection with the sand-banks in 

 the estuary and other changes which take place. In connection 

 with the Royal Commission on the drainage, he in 1882 occupied 

 seven hours a day for 240 days in studying the Thames. 



Thus in matters geological, physiographical, biographical, 

 physiological, botanical, and hydrographical has Dr. Sorby 

 worked, and worked well. Hut these are b\' no means the only 

 subjects which have occupied his attention. His researches 

 relating- to the changes in the \ icinity of the Isle of Thanet 

 necessitated his ac(]uaintance with archa'ological niatti-rs. Hi- 



' 'Oil till' I'icscrvaliuii of Mariiir Animals.' ' XaUiialisl,' .\ov., 1903, 

 PP- 4.17-440- 



Nuliiralist, 



