74 
The Presidents Address. 
This is a subject tliat engaged much of our attention 
during the year 1856^ and many very ingenious devices were 
brought under consideration, while a sub-committee of the 
Society reported upon them, and recommended the adoption 
of one of them. The great convenience of being able to note 
accurately the position of a very minute object in such a 
manner that it could not only be recorded, so as readily to 
find it again when wanted, but so that an independent ob- 
server at a distant place and with any microscope should be 
able to do this without difficulty, was admitted on all hands, 
and a very complete solution of all the conditions imposed 
was accomplished; but the paper of Mr. Maltwood^s not 
only gives another solution to the conditions then imposed, 
but also includes additional conditions, while still further 
simplifying the method of using the apparatus — which it is 
proposed to produce by the aid of photography. The only 
requisite addition to any microscope is a simple pin or stop, 
either fixed or moveable, on the upper stage-plate of the in- 
strument, in order to form a starting-point, against which the 
slide and also the finder" are to be brought in close contact. 
The microscopic latitude and longitude being ascertainable 
by mere inspection, the figures denoting them being seen 
through the microscope. I see no difficulties in the way of 
producing these finders, but what can be overcome with a 
moderate amount of care, and I trust that we may soon be 
working with the new tools proposed. 
At one of our meetings a new form of student's microscope 
was exhibited by the designer, one of our late presidents, Mr. 
Jackson, to whom we are indebted for so many microscopic 
luxuries ; and this form of instrument has been adopted by 
one of our makers, Mr. Ladd, of Chancery Lane. 
At another meeting we were favoured by our respected 
treasurer, Mr. Ward, with some interesting remarks upon 
mosses, illustrated by many preserved specimens. This was 
with a view to stimulate others of our members to undertake 
investigations in a branch of botanical science where much 
original information is yet to be gleaned. I trust that the 
hints thrown out may not be amongst those that fell by the 
wayside or in stony places. 
At our last meeting I had the pleasure of introducing to 
your notice a very simple and inexpensive lamp, that I am 
of opinion is admirably adapted for the use of microscopists ; 
many of these lamps will, I believe, be on the table this 
evening, and thus an opportunity will be afforded of testing 
their qualifications. 
The advantageous points consist in the following, viz. — 
