Wallich, on Microscopic Objects. 
81 
On Microscopic Objects collected in India, ^r. 
By G. C. Wallich, M.D. 
(Bead April 20th, 1858.) 
Whilst availing myself of tlie opportunity so politeij 
afforded me^ to lay before you this evening the general out- 
line of a microscopic collection recently brought home by 
me from India^ I feel that some apology is due for the unsys- 
tematic manner in which I am compelled to submit my ob- 
servations and drawings to your notice. You will grant me 
your indulgence^ however^ I feel assured, when I state that I 
came up to town a few days ago, without the remotest idea 
that you would honour me with your attention on the present 
occasion. 
I would beg you^ therefore^ to view my communication 
and figures as mere rough notes, the valuable portion of 
which has yet to be eliminated ; and I would further ask you 
to bear in mind that my collection has been made under 
numerous difficulties^ either whilst rapidly marching through 
the Bengal Presidency, or on shipboard, in the absence of 
libraries or museums to consult^ and what is still more dis- 
heartening^ in the absence of even one fellow-labourer^ with 
whoiii to compare notes or interchange ideas. 
In the Bombay and Madras Presidencies^ I am aware that 
the subject of Microscopic Natural History has been sedu- 
lously cultivated by a few, and with highly valuable results. 
But in Bengal^ I fear, little or nothing has been done, not- 
withstanding the widely extended and varied field that there 
presents itself for researches of this kind. This is the more 
to be regretted, inasmuch as few portions of the globe, in all 
probability, hold out greater facilities for the study of all 
microscopic organisms; and both as regards temperature, 
moisture, rich soil and abundant water, Bengal offers especial 
opportunities for the investigation of their progressive deve- 
lopment and " Life History." 
You will hardly be astonished, however, when i state that 
encouragement towards this department of science has 
hitherto virtually been withheld, on the principle that all 
kinds of research, to be of value, must exhibit prima facie 
evidence of being likely to pay. The question is therefore 
