Wadsworth.] 
194 
[May 18 , 
The following candidates for Associate Membership were also 
elected: Messrs. W. O. Grover, S. H. Rhodes, James R. Barss, 
M.D., D. P. Penhallow ; Mrs. H. P. Nichols and Miss Mary H. 
Hinckley. 
Dr. H. P. Bowditch described the character of the distribution 
of the papillae on the hands and feet, showing with the lantern a 
number of pictures in illustration. Dr. Bowditch showed the 
possible legal importance of studying these papillae, as their 
marks might be used for signatures with absolute certainty 
of identification. As far as yet observed no regularity in their 
character leading to race or family classifications has been dis- 
covered. 
Dr. C. S. Minot showed with the lantern a number of mounted 
embryo chicks in the earliest stages. 
The thanks of the Society were voted to Mr. S. H. Woodbridge 
and Professor C. R. Cross for the management and use of the 
lantern. 
General Meeting. May 18, 1881. 
The President, Mr. S. H. Scudder, in the chair. Twenty- 
nine persons present. 
The following papers were read : 
A MICROSCOPIC STUDY OF THE CUMBERLAND IRON ORE 
OF RHODE ISLAND. 
BY M. E. WADSWORTH. 
[abstract.] 
It appears from a pamphlet published by the Rhode Island Soci- 
ety for the Encouragement of Domestic Industry, in 1869, that 
the Cumberland iron ore was worked as early as 1703, for the pur- 
