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necessity consist of the reaction of gravity, inertia, cohesion, 
elasticity, and adhesion of bodies, in their varied degrees of 
action, so that no simple measure of them as friction is 
likely to be discovered, and we thus see that friction is a 
compound term, pointing to the action of several retarding 
forces, and to comprehend the nature of these, we must 
analyse these natural forces as they are respectively called 
into action under the common hut vague term of friction. 
MICROSCOPICAL SECTION. 
Ordinary Meeting, Feb. 16, 1864. 
Joseph Sidebotham, Esq., President of the Section, in 
the chair. 
Mr. Brothers presented some very beautiful photographs 
from microscopic objects to the Section. 
Mr. Lynde mentioned that one of the members, Mr. 
Grindon, had promised to procure a supply of fresh cotton 
plants, in all stages of growth, beginning in June, and 
suggested that, as the time for their examination would be 
during the recess, a Committee should be appointed to 
examine the subject of the cotton fibre very carefully, and 
report thereon at the first meeting in the next Winter 
Session. 
