The Presidenfs Address. 
49 
Eare Diatoms these papers are in continuation of those 
previously presented to the Society, and are numbered XV_, 
XVI, XVII, and XVIII. These are all accompanied with 
exquisite drawings, clear descriptions,, and are the results of 
much careful investigation. 
Dr. Maddox has communicated a paper On Photomicro- 
graphy."*^ It is well known to the members of this Society 
that for some years attempts have been made to add the 
application of photography to microscopy, for the delineation 
of microscopic objects. 
Indeed, several papers on this subject have engaged your 
attention at various meetings. 
As far back as April, 1853, in the Journal of this Society, 
was published a beautiful photographic illustration of micro- 
scopic objects. In the January number for 1855 Mr. Wen- 
ham wrote on the same subject, and showed how to make the 
actinic and visual foci coincident, and here and there during 
succeeding years we find a few scattered individuals endea- 
vouring to rekindle the flame and keep alive this interesting 
art. Still it was not until Dr, Maddox, feeling fully persuaded 
that its application has advantages both of scientific and art 
value, and in the firm belief that it will ultimately materially 
assist the microscopist, determined to test its capabilities by 
the delineation of objects the most diverse in structure, colour, 
and size, and so tested more fully its range and applicability. 
He described his apparatus and the method he has adopted to 
overcome many difficulties ; and Mr. How, of Foster Lane, 
exhibited on a screen nearly 100 of Dr. Maddox^s results ; 
these showed many minute organisms, with beautiful mark- 
ings. 
It is chiefly to the effbrts of Mr. Highley and Mr. How we 
are indebted for bringing before the public the results of the 
labours of Dr. Maddox and others in this field of inquiry, and 
it is gratifying to know that at soirees and other places 
these illustrations have attracted a good deal of attention ; 
and it is still more gratifying to know, that at exhibitions 
where their merits have been more carefully tested, they. 
have been considered so well executed as to command the 
award of medals ; one has been awarded to Dr. Maddox from 
the London Photographic Society, and a second also to Dr. 
Maddox, from the recent International Exhibition, Dublin ; 
thus showing an appreciation which will furnish me some 
excuse, were any required, for directing attention to the past, 
present, and future of this branch of Microscopy. Unfor- 
tunately in this branch, so far as I know, there have been but 
few labourers in this country. 
