64 
ANNUAL REPORT. 
microscopical slides has been presented to the Society by 
Mr. William Morley, as a memorial of his late brother, 
Mr. John Morley, who was for so many years the active 
honorary secretary of the Society. 
An important question that has been recently occupying 
the attention of the council is a proposal for amalgamation of 
this Society with the Birmingham Philosophical Society. 
This has been discussed by a joint committee of the two 
Societies, and is still under the consideration of the respec¬ 
tive councils. 
Microscopical Section (. Ex-officio: President, Prof. W. 
Hillliouse, M.A., F.L.S. ; Secretary, W. H. Wilkinson).— 
During the year nine meetings of the section have been 
held, with an average attendance of fifteen; and the 
following communications have been made :— 
March 1st.—Measurement of magnifying power of microscopic 
objectives, with exhibition of his new ^in. objective: W. P. 
Marshall, M.l.C.E. 
April otli.—Colour-reaction, its use to the microscopist and to the 
biologist, with experiments: W. H. Wilkinson. 
May 3rd.—The anatomy of rotifers, illustrated by living specimens 
and coloured drawings : T. Bolton, F.R.M.S. 
June 7th.—Devitrification of volcanic glasses, with specimens and 
sections: T. H. Waller, B.A., B.Sc. 
November 1st.—Photo-micrography, with practical illustrations : 
J. Edmonds. 
Mr. W. P. Marshall showed his new ¥ V n * objective at 
two meetings of the section, showing how to work with 
powers of such high magnification, and affording the members 
the opportunity of seeing any of their own specimens under 
higher powers than are usually accessible ; Mr. W. B. 
Grove exhibited fungi preserved by the process of 
Mr. English, by plaster of Paris, and a preservative solution ; 
Mr. T. Bolton exhibited a number of specimens of minute 
fresh-water life, especially rotifers, many of which were rare, 
and some new to science ; Mr. Horace Pearce exhibited a 
collection of rocks from the Lake district; and Mr. W. H. 
Wilkinson, a number of lichens and plants. 
Biological Section (President, R. W. Chase ; Secretary, 
W. P. Marshall).—During the year eleven meetings of the 
section were held, with an average attendance of seventeen 
members, and the following papers have been read at the 
meetings :— 
February 8th.—South American and European mosses, with micro¬ 
preparations : J. E. Bagnall, A.L.S. 
March 8th. — Micro-fungi, illustrated by coloured lantern slides: 
Bev. H. Friend, F.L.S. 
April 15th.—Phosphorescence in the animal kingdom: A. B. 
Badger. 
