jSilEchTiH ^oyal Microscopical Society. 153 
pseudomorphic effects are desired those whicli ordinarily belong to 
the right eye go to the left and vice versa. I have already had the 
pleasure of announcing that Mr. Heisch has sent one of these micro- 
scopes as a present to the Society, so that the Fellows will have the 
opportunity of examining this instrument at their leisure. 
Mr. Beck has lately exhibited a new rotating stage, applied to 
his first-class microscopes, in which the chief pecuharity consists 
in the facility with which the pinion by which the slow motion is 
effected can be thrown out of gear, and a quick hand-motion per- 
mitted in its stead. 
Some time ago Mr. Collins exhibited with his lamp a metallic 
chimney devised by Mr. Fiddian. This chimney had a white lining, 
and only allowed the light to escape in one direction, through a 
round hole covered with glass. Mr. Fiddian has since adapted 
this chimney to a very elaborate lamp constructed by Mr. Koss. 
In the year 1867 I brought before you the very pleasing fact 
that Mr. Leaf, of Old Change, had founded a Microscopic Society, 
under the title of the " Old Change Microscopical Society." Since 
then this Society has steadily pursued its good work, and it is im- 
possible to say how much good will accrue to microscopical science 
through training so many intelligent young men, accustomed to 
business habits, to close observation of natural objects. 
In the first year of my Presidency a Microscopical Society was 
founded, under the Presidency of Dr. Lankester, with the title of 
the "Quekett Club." This Society has progressed most satisfac- 
torily, and is progressing to increasing usefulness, under the Presi- 
dency of Mr. Durham. 
The growing importance of microscopic research and the in- 
creasing demands for microscopic investigations cause us to feel 
glad at any addition to the number of good microscopists, and 
great mutual benefit must- follow from the harmonious working 
together of the Fellows of this Society with the Members of the 
Quekett Club and those of the Old Change and other societies; 
and I look forward to a closer relationship between the members of 
these several societies. 
At the last year's anniversary our numerical strength was 452. 
During the year the number of elections have been 21, We have 
lost 7 by death, 7 by resignation, and 7 expelled, Our present 
numbers are therefore 452 ; of these 93 are compounders. Thus 
the Society is flourishing ; but its annual income is too near to the 
necessary annual expenditure, and all disbursements will require 
a careful consideration of the Council, so that our prosperity may 
continue. 
In conclusion, it is now my duty shortly to resign this chair in 
favour of a gentleman well acquainted with the mechanical and 
optical powers of the microscope, and so well known in the world of 
