30 
MICROSCOPICAL SECTION. 
November 17 th, 1862. 
J. G. Lynde, F.G.S., M. Inst. C.E., in the Chair. 
Capt. Randall, late of the barque “ Brazil,” forwarded 
eight soundings, taken on the north coast of the Brazils. 
Mr. Thos. Heelts presented a specimen of the Echeneis 
Remora, or sucking fish. 
Mr. J. Parky presented a number of cells and rings in 
cardboard ; they were very smooth and sharply cut, without 
the bur usually produced by punching out cells. Mr. Parry 
explained they were cut in a lathe, twenty to thirty together, 
the outside cuttings only presenting an appreciable bur. 
Dr. Roberts called attention to the aid that might be 
received in the examination of the structure of animal and 
vegetable tissue by the use of colouring materials. Magenta 
is peculiarly adapted for this purpose, in consequence of its 
solubility in simple water and its inert chemical character. 
The nuclear structures of animal cells are deeply tinted by 
magenta, and by its use tbe nuclei of the pale blood 
corpuscles, of pus globules, of the renal and hepatic cells, 
and of all epithelial structures, are brought out in great 
beauty, tinted of a bright carbuncle red. The red blood discs 
are tinted of a faint rose colour, and a darker red speck, not 
hitherto noticed, is to be observed on the periphery of the 
corpuscle; it undergoes some changes when treated with 
tannin and subsequently with caustic potash, but this point 
is still under investigation. 
Dr. Roberts exhibited drawings and mounted specimens to 
illustrate his views. 
Mr. John Leigh, M.R.G'.S., exhibited a case of micro- 
scopical dissecting instruments, by Messrs. Wood, of Man- 
chester, which were highly approved of for completeness and 
finish. 
Mr. Thos. H. Nevill exhibited, with dark ground 
illumination, some fine specimens of Conochilus volvox. 
