NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS. 
351 
and eight beautifully-executed coloured plates of natural objects by Tuffen West; and 
the whole sold for the marvellously small sum of seven shillings and sixpence, we trust 
we have said enough to recommend it to our readers as a familiar and valuable introduc¬ 
tion to the use of the microscope, and the study of microscopical science. 
©lutuarg* 
THE LATE JOHN MAWSON. 
It is with a feeling of sincere regret, and of sympathy with those plunged into grief 
by their sudden bereavement, that we note the death, under more than usually distress¬ 
ing circumstances, of one long connected with the Pharmaceutical Society,—Mr. Mawson, 
of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. 
The melancholy accident with nitro-glycerine, which has brought sorrow to so many 
homes in Newcastle, will be fresh in the minds of our readers from the lengthened 
accounts which appeared hut a few days ago in the newspapers. Our late confrere was 
applied to for assistance and advice in the removal of a large quantity of this dangerous 
material (originally intended for mining purposes), which had been found warehoused in 
the very centre of the town, and it was whilst superintending its destruction that an 
explosion took place, inflicting bodily injuries so frightful that death was but a release 
from suffering. 
Mr. Mawson was best known amongst pharmaceutists in connection with his extensive 
business in photographic chemicals and scientific apparatus. Of recent years, being 
relieved from close attention to these branches of trade, he had been concerned in the 
manufacture of some of the heavier chemicals largely produced in the district. His in¬ 
creased leisure had. of late, been devoted to municipal services and philanthropic objects, 
and in November last he was elected to the office of Sheriff of Newcastle. 
His name will always be associated in the minds of those who knew him with kind¬ 
ness and simplicity of demeanour, honesty of purpose, and readiness to help in good 
works. 
TO CORRESPONDENTS. 
Persons having seceded from the Society may be restored to their former status on 
payment of arrears of subscription and the registration fee of the current year. 
Those who were Associates before the 1st of July, 1842, are privileged (as Founders 
of the Society) to become Members without examination. 
Full price will be given for the following numbers of the Journal: January, April, and 
October. 1866; January, 1867. 
The General Index to the first fifteen volumes of the Pharmaceutical Journal may 
be had of the Secretary, price 2s. 8d. post free. 
The Catalogue of the Library may also be had of the Secretary, price Is. If?, post 
free. 
We regret to find that our friend Mr. Mackay, of Edinburgh, has sustained a serious 
loss by the destruction of part of his business premises, 114, George Street, by fire, 
which broke out on Saturday evening, December 21. The fire, which cannot be ac¬ 
counted for, broke out on the flat below the rear portion of the shop, and was discovered 
by the porter, who found a small cask of turpentine in a blaze, and this ignited several 
barrels of olive and other oils. Fortunately the fire was confined to this part of the 
premises. The property was insured, but the damage is estimated at between £3000 
and £4000. 
Use of Bisulphite of Lime .—A correspondent at Crediton inquires, whether bisulphite 
of lime may be used for preventing the decomposition of animal substances without 
interfering with existing patent rights, and he alludes especial!v to a patent recently 
taken by Medlock and Bailey. The use of sulphurous acid and sulphites for preserving 
animal and vegetable substances has been made the subject of several patents at different 
periods, and as nearly all of these patents have expired, the processes described in them 
have become public property. The use of bisulphite of lime, both in solution and also 
