BIRMINGHAM NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. 
149 
amount of new matter diffused through its pages, very much 
surpasses anything before attempted. It is, in fact, a library in 
itself, and treats not only of everything which the possessor of a 
microscope can require for the intelligent management of his 
instrument and accessories, but contains an immense amount of 
information on every class of object, organic and inorganic, which 
may, from time to time, come under his observation. A new 
feature is the chapter on the history and evolution of the micro¬ 
scope, and it is interesting to trace the gradual development of all 
those necessary requirements which have resulted in bringing the 
modern first-class microscope so near perfection as an instrument 
of research. 
We cannot too highly praise the patience and painstaking of 
the early microscopists, when we call to mind the very imperfect 
means with which they had to do their work ; and if they did 
occasionally put a wrong interpretation on what they saw, or 
thought they saw, we can very well understand the difficulties with 
which they had to contend. Even with more perfect means at our 
command, all that is seen in the microscope is not real, and much 
difference of opinion exists even among skilful observers as to the 
nature of that which is seen. 
am afraid that you will think that I have said too much on 
the subject of microscopical matters, to the neglect of the other 
work which has been done, and which is, by far, the most impor¬ 
tant of the Society’s efforts. The only answer I can make is, 
that I have not sufficient special knowledge to warrant me in 
criticising the work of those who, by their ability and persever¬ 
ance in their respective branches, have done so much to raise our 
Society to the high position it now holds. 
I have long been aware of the valuable work which is being 
done by all the Sections, and of the cheerful and ready assistance 
which the older and more experienced members are always willing 
to extend to those who require their aid ; and this ready help is, I 
am sure, much appreciated and acknowledged by the younger 
members. One of the most useful functions of a Society like ours 
is to give encouragement to intending students, and to assist them 
July, 1893. 
