NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 
515 
rise to a discussion on parasitic disease; in November, Dr. 
Richardson read a paper on “Improved method of applying the 
micro-spectroscopic test for blood stains,” demonstrating its 
application to a spot of blood only of an inch in diameter; 
and our present December gathering is marked by the valuable 
article of Dr. Carl Seiler on “Microscopic Photography with 
High powers,” to which we have just listened with so much 
interest. 
The greatest triumph of the year was of course the Annual 
Exhibition of microscopes, microscopic specimens, and apparatus, 
which was given in the Hall of the Academy on the 4th of Octo¬ 
ber last. Under the chairmanship of Dr. J. L. LeConte, this dis¬ 
play was eminently successful, and, being witnessed and appre¬ 
ciated by a large audience of ladies and gentlemen, has doubtless 
in some measure contributed to raise our parent Academy in 
popular estimation. Indeed, I think that the obvious illustrations 
under our microscopes at these Exhibitions, of every da} 7 uses to 
which science is applied, constitute valuable means'of convincing 
the community at large that our labors, our objects, and our aims 
in the study of the natural sciences, are practical and utilitarian; 
instead of being, as too many still believe, chiefly theoretical and 
speculative. 
All of which is respectfully submitted. 
Jos. Gr. Richardson, Recorder. 
REPORT OF THE RECORDER OF THE 
CONCHOLOGICAL SECTION. 
The Recorder of the Conchological Section reports that during 
the year ending Dec. 21st, a number of donations to the museum 
have been received, all of which have been labelled and arranged. 
For list of these see the Report of the Curators of the Academy 
of Natural Sciences. The marine shells of the Swift Collection, 
which had been placed with Dr. 0. A.. L. Morch, of Copenhagen, 
for identification, have also been received, but, as there was no 
room for them in the cases, they have not been unpacked. All 
the alcoholic specimens of mollusks have been relabelled. 
For numerous additions to the Library see report of the Libra¬ 
rian of the Academy. 
