48 
The Presidenfs Address. 
podial threads, which were put forth through pores in the 
shell wall, of less than -j-Q^^-Q^th. of an inch in diameter/^ 
Dr. Carpenter exhibited some beautiful specimens of the 
Eozoon at the last soiree of this Society, and which he after- 
wards presented to the Society ; and though his results have 
been controverted in some quarters, they have been fully 
accepted by naturalists best acquainted with the micro- 
scopic structure of the family to which the Eozoon has 
been assigned. 
In a paper read last month at the Meeting of the Geological 
Society, Dr. Carpenter stated that he had recently detected 
Eozoon in a specimen of ophicalcite from Cesha Lipa in 
Bohemia, in a specimen of gneiss from near Moldau, and in a 
specimen of serpentinous limestone sent to Sir C. Lyell by 
Dr. Giimbel, of Bavaria, all these being parts of the great 
formation of fundamental ■'^ gneiss, which is considered by 
Sir Roderick Murchison as the equivalent of the Laurentian 
rocks of Canada. 
There can be little doubt that a rich field of research is 
now opened to those who w^ill undertake the examination of 
rocks of various ages, which present the appearance of 
analogous structure ; as it is, the microscope has been the 
means of demonstrating the existence of animal life at a very 
ancient geological date ; and in the words of Sir W. Logan 
we are carried back to a period so far remote that the 
appearance of the so-called Primordial Fauna may be con- 
sidered a comparatively modern event." 
Such are some of the objects of microscopical scientific 
research over and above its practical utilities, and are its 
claims upon our services. 
Let me now say a few words upon my second proposition, 
viz., that combined efforts are necessary to its full develop- 
ment. 
Microscopical science advances by observation, by the 
accumulation of facts, by patient research, by improvements 
in the object-glass, its mode of illumination, &c. Now, here 
the co-operation of observers scattered over the world is 
necessary, and these should include all classes, for so universal 
are the objects scattered which we wish to study, that a large 
co-operation is indispensable ; so that results may be based 
upon the comparison and discussion of a wide range of obser- 
vation. Co-operation and friendly rivalry are also needed 
with opticians, both in this and in other countries, so that the 
microscope may be as perfect as possible. 
Turning now to our transactions of last year, we find no 
less than four papers by Dr. R. K . Greville " On New and 
