1879. ] Microscopy. 337 
17° E. long). It is contemplated to send a 
ions for the navigation of the Upper Congo. 
San Salvador ditt is much more healthy than the coast, and 
the country is very productive. The people are described as very 
quiet. 
MICROSCOPY .'* 
On A STANDARD FOR MIcROMETRY.2—When the subject of a 
standard for micrometry came before this society at the sugges- 
tion of the late National Microscopical Congress, we found our- 
selves unable to vote satisfactorily upon it; not for want of any 
efinite desire in respect to it, but because it seemed evident that 
a mere affirmative or negative answer to the proposals of the con- 
gress would not accomplish any desired result. For a few indi- 
viduals or societies to commit themselves positively either for or 
against the proposals might even render valuable progress on this 
important subject more difficult, The differences of opinion were so 
strong and so reasonable, and the other interests involved were so 
diverse and wide spread, as to call for a thorough conference 
before adopting any definite policy. We therefore proposed a 
national committee to investigate the subject, confer with persons 
wishing to be heard or likely to give valuable information in 
respect to it, and place the data thus obtained at the service of all 
parties interested. As yet we have heard of no opposition to the 
appointment of the proposed committee. The whole spirit of the 
world’s science at the present day calls for the highest possible 
precision in determining questions of the form and size of objects. 
It is well known that such precision has not yet been attained in 
micrometry ; and it is difficult to believe that any one who 
desires -to give a respectful hearing. to the wishes of his fellow 
students, could seriously object to submitting this manifestly im- 
should certainly be willing that all opinions and preferences be 
heard before making our final decision. 
s to the course which should be adopted by the committee, 
or recommended to the country, there is, however, the greatest 
room for reasonable differences of opinion. And the same 
reasons which make a committee necessary, should require us to 
submit our views with candor and plainness, but without demand- 
ing or expecting that they shall be adopted as a whole. A fair 
hearing and a respectful consideration is all that can be asked by 
any one in such a case. And for the same reasons, any action 
is department is edited by Dr. R. H. WARD, Troy, N. Y 
aiet at the Microscopical Section of the Troy Scientific ‘Association, Decem- 
_ ber 2, 1878, by R. H. Ward, PMD. 
