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PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY. 
LIBRARY. 
During the year 93 volumes have been borrowed from the Library 
by Fellows of the Society, in addition to 19 volumes that have been 
obtained from Lewis’s Library for their use. 
Donations to the Library have been received from — The British 
Optical Instrument Manufacturers, Mr. Paul Chevalier, Messrs. J. and 
A. Churchill, The Clarendon Press, Professor De Toni, Mr. S. H. Gage, 
Dr. H. Langeron, Messrs. Longmans, Green & Co., Messrs. Maclehouse, 
Jackson & Co., The Librairie Octave Doin, Dr. E. Penard, Mr. C. D. 
Soar, and Professor W. W. Watts, F.R.S. 
A careful examination of the Society’s Library has been made by 
the Honorary Librarian, and he has made certain recommendations 
which the Council have now under consideration with a view of increas- 
ing the usefulness of the Library and rendering it more easily available 
for the Fellows. 
The special thanks of the Society are due to Mr. Martin Duncan 
for his services. 
INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS. 
The Honorary Curator reports as follows : — 
During the past year two Microscopes have been presented to the 
Society’s Collection by Mr. C. D. Soar, one a Wilson Screw Barrel type, 
and one the property of the Physician to H.R.H. the Prince Consort. 
The latter is similar, to the Tank Microscope of Ross manufacture, 
circa 1840. 
Progress has been made in the compilation of the Catalogue of the 
Society’s Instruments, and the part dealing with those in use up to the 
year 1750, together with the bibliography of the period, has now been 
completed. Photographs for purposes of illustration are now being 
made, and it is hoped to publish the same during the coming year. 
The Society’s Collection of Microscopes and Accessories is one of 
the most complete in existence, and illustrates the mechanical and 
optical development of the instrument. 
It is regrettable that, instead of being permanently displayed, these 
instruments are crowded together in show cases which do not allow 
adequate facilities for examination. A scheme is being considered to 
remedy these conditions. It is felt that a study of what has been done 
in the past would stimulate those interested in the mechanical construc- 
tion of the instrument and lead to further advances in the future. 
The Council feels that the best thauks of the Society are due to the 
Curator, Mr. W. E. Watson Baker, and to Mr. C. F. Hill in preparing 
the Catalogue referred to above. 
THE SLIDE CABINET. 
Steps have been taken under the direction of the Curator, Mr. E. J. 
Sheppard, to have a card -index prepared of the Slides in the Society’s 
possession, with a view to rendering them available for the use of 
