Minutes of Proceedings. 
XXV 
Communications. 
"On the Electrostatic Deflection in a Cathode Eay-tube." By A. Ogg, 
F.R.S.S.Af. 
In the ordinary Thomson cathode ray-tube for determining the value of 
e/m for cathode rays we have to allow for the irregularity of the electrostatic 
field near the edges of the charged plates. It is interesting to find the 
electrostatic deflection when the rays are projected parallel to the plates, 
but at some distance from them. The author gives methods for making the 
calculation. 
"Note on a Disease in the Snoek (Thyrsites atun).'''' By J. D. F. 
Gilchrist, P.E.S.S.Af. 
The snoek, one of the most important Cape fishes from an economic point 
of view, is well known to be found frequently in a " pap " or soft condition. 
This is attributed by the fishermen to the fact that it has not been properly 
killed on capture, the consequence being that it struggles about in the 
bottom of the boat, and, in doing so, bruises the flesh to such an extent as 
to produce the condition mentioned. This condition may occur a few hours 
after the fish has been caught, and may quickly become so marked that the 
whole of the muscles, especially of the back, appear quite soft and liquid. 
The process is believed to be totally distinct from decay by putrefaction or 
by softening of the flesh by exposure to the heat of the sun, which also 
frequently occurs. As it was suspected that this condition might be brought 
about by the presence and rapid multiplication of some Protozoal parasite 
in the muscles, the diseased tissue was examined microscopically, and after 
staining with methylene-blue and other reagents the presence of very 
numerous spore-like bodies was detected. These were all arranged in groups 
of fours, and occasionally, on fixation by heat, long filaments were shot out 
from them, showing that they were Protozoa belonging to the group of 
Cnidosporidia, which are known to produce diseased conditions in the 
muscular and other tissue of fish. The groups of four bodies with 
filaments suggest the family of the Chloromyxidae with their four polar 
capsules, but there is reason for believing that they represent spores, not 
polar capsules, and if so they probably belong to a new form of the 
Microsporidia. 
" Mycological Notes. L" By Miss Ethel M. Doidgb. 
Ordinary Meeting. 
An Ordinary Meeting was held on Wednesday, August 21st, 1918, at 
8.15 p.m., in the Board Room of the South African Association, Church 
Square, Capetown. 
The President, Dr. J. D. F. Gilchrist, was in the Chair. 
