53 
MICROSCOPICAL SECTION. 
February 18 th, 1861. 
Letters were read from Captain Andersen, R.M.S. 
“ Canada,” and from Dr. Wallich, respecting the pamphlet 
on “ Life in the Deep Seas.” 
Mr. Sidebotham described his experience in mounting 
desmidise, and the difficulty he found in discovering a 
suitable medium for their preservation. He had tried syrup, 
Goadby’s fluid, and a number of other chemical preparations, 
but the specimens, in course of time, were spoiled from one 
cause or other ; the fluid which has best withstood the effects 
of time is simple distilled water ; the cells being made of gold 
size and Japan black. Mr. Sidebotham exhibited desmidise, 
mounted in distilled water, in the years 1842 to 1846, in 
which the chlorophyll is comparatively little altered. 
Professor Williamson observed that Dr. Carpenter had 
mounted starfishes in glycerine, and had found the colours 
were well preserved. He himself had used a mixture of 
glycerine and distilled water for volvox, and had found it to 
answer well. 
Mr. Sidebotham also exhibited specimens of Diatomaceae, 
mounted in 1844. The specimens (Isthmia enervis, Bid- 
dulphia, & c.) were obtained fresh, immersed in spirits of 
wine to absorb the water, and mounted in balsam ; the green 
colour of the cell contents is yet perfectly preserved. 
Professor Williamson exhibited some scales of fish, pre- 
pared by Dr. Kolliker, of Warzburg, containing remarkable 
examples of fusiform lacunae. He also pointed out how these 
and other similar discoveries, to which he referred, confirmed 
