THE ROYAL MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY. 
19 
cesses.” Dr. Beale divides the matter contained in living bodies into three 
classes—germinal matter, formed material and pabulum. The first only he 
considers alive or possessed of vital properties. The formed material he regards 
as no longer living, and the pabulum consists of appropriate matter derived 
from food and capable of being acted upon by the germinal matter and con¬ 
verted into its own substance. The subject deserves the deepest attention. 
(Glaisher.) 
The mode of publication of the Journal and Transactions is in a transitional 
state. The growiug importance of the Society and the increasing demand for 
records of its Transactions have led the Council to reconsider existing arrange¬ 
ments. It is thought inconsistent with the dignity of a Royal- Society that its 
proceedings should exclusively appear in a periodical over which neither the 
President nor Officers have control, in consequence of which in October next a 
new series under totally different management will be commenced. It is in 
contemplation annually to award one gold or two silver medals for original re¬ 
search, papers of high merit, or new inventions. 
Four hundred and fifty-two Fellows constituted the last ascertained numerical 
strength of the Society—the acting Treasurer for the past two years, Mr. W. 
H. luce, F.L.S., reported more than £1000 in consols, and £168 waiting in¬ 
vestment, all extra expenses paid and the balance amounting to £230 in excess 
of liabilities. 
That the affairs of the Society, financially and numerically are in so excellent 
a position is due to the untiring and well directed energy of Mr. William Henry 
luce who to my deep regret is only a namesake of my own : both as officer and 
private member he has devoted himself to the prosperity of the Society and he 
may be warmly congratulated on his success.* 
“ The Microscope ” (said Dr. Chalmers) “ has redeemed the insignificance of 
the earth, for it tells that in the leaves of every forest, and in the flowers of 
every garden, and in the waters of every rivulet there are worlds teeming with 
life and numberless as are the glories of the Firmament.” 
“The time is past ” (said Owen, 1841) “ when the utility or the dignity of 
such pursuits can be affected by a sneer at the littleness of their objects, as they 
seem little in the eyes of the indifferent and ignorant. The telescope teaches 
us that our world is but an atom ; and none know better than microscopical 
observers, that every atom is a world.” 
No man can work with the Microscope in cold blood, not even when engaged 
in ordinary investigations ; but let a diatom ensnare him and he may relinquish 
hope. For this strange instrument holds the key which unlocks the secrets of 
external Nature and is hence the common gain of all inquirers after physical 
truth. 
Nor need we wonder at the fascination when we consider what the Micro¬ 
scope with its visual analysis can reveal: by its aid the brisk manufacturer may 
learn how to increase the profit of his till, while the profoundest philosopher 
may lose himself in the loftiest speculations ; and if with this new eye we may 
see marvels in the so-called commonest objects, what must be the delight of him 
who leaving the earth beneath explores the mysteries of the waters under. 
* Annual collections of accounts of the Microscopical Society during the following years: — 
February, 1862, to January 27, 1863, receipts per cash book 
February, 1863, to February, 1864 „ „ 
February, 1864, to January, 1865 „ ,, 
January, 1866, to February 12, 1866 „ „ 
February, 1866, to February 12, 1867 „ „ 
February, 1867, to February 11. 1868 ,, „ 
£. s. d. 
403 2 10 
333 2 5 
305 18 8 
343 8 4 
611 6 O 
970 17 5 
C 2 
