The Presidenfs Address. 27 
In 1853 the total number of members was 207 
1864 „ 228 
„ 1856 
1858 
„ 1860 
„ 1862 
241 
267 
285 
317 
We now have 337 members contributing to our funds, 
many of them contributing also to our ''Transactions/ and, 
still more, regularly attending our meetings, and taking part 
in the proceedings. This increase is not accidental, it is con- 
tinuous and regular, and may be fairly referred to the opera- 
tion of a cause connected with the constitution and character 
of the Society. 
Happily there are no obituary notices ; at least, I am not 
aware of the death of any member during the year. 
I am pleased at being able to speak favorably of the pro- 
gress made in the improvement of our collection of objects, 
so long an opprobrium to us. 
In 1858 the cabinet contained only . 351 slides. 
J, 1860 the number had increased to 663 „ 
„ 1862 the number was .... 882 „ 
And now, by presentations during the year, and some pur- 
chases Avhich, for the first time, the Council have been able to 
make from the Society^s funds, the number is raised to 1100. 
I am also now able to tell you that the Council have de- 
termined to appropriate a portion of the balance at their 
command to improving the microscopes of the Society. A 
committee has been appointed to examine the instruments, 
objectives, &c., to settle what is most urgently required, and 
to advise the Council as to the best mode of procedure. The 
deficiencies at present are confessedly very great, but we 
hope soon to have sets of objectives of the best construction, 
with the latest improvements, of the eminent makers of the 
respective instruments, so that the glasses accompanying 
them may again be, what they originally were, the best attain- 
able, and examples of what the science and skill of our leading 
opticians enable them to accomplish. 
And now I have much pleasure in communicating to you a 
most generous act of Mr. Ross. When spoken to on this 
subject, he spontaneously, liberally ofi'ered to present to the 
Society one of his best microscopes, with objectives and ap- 
paratus complete, to replace the old but excellent instrument 
made for the Society in 1841 by the late Mr. A. Uoss, his 
father. I am authorised to state that an instrument for this 
purpose is now in hand, and, when completed, will be pre- 
sented to the Society. 
