120 
REPORTS OF SOCIETIES. 
May, 1890 . 
irregular intervals by a wave appearing to pass along the 
otherwise apparently still row of cilia. You will also notice 
occasionally a curious curling in of the tips of one or more 
cilia. This action is not an optical illusion—I have seen it 
with continuous light when the cilia have been moving 
slowly, and can testify that single cilia are capable of 
being stimulated and made to contract either at the root or 
at the tip, so as to bend over or curl round an object near 
them. The two actions are quite distinct, and indicate to 
my thinking a greater complexity of structure and function 
than is commonly ascribed to these organs. 
Many of the Yorticellse have also a single cilium or 
flagellum in the mouth, serving as a tongue, to secure or 
reject the particles brought within reach by the other cilia. 
This cilium usually vibrates at a different rate, and is not so 
regular in its movements. 
In conclusion, I would say that there is evidently a wide 
field for research in this direction, and one which promises 
to extend our views in regard to the minute anatomy of the 
simpler forms of life. Since I first attempted it, seventeen 
years ago, there has only been, so far as I know, one paper 
written on the subject, the reference to which, however, I 
have lost. The apparatus necessary is, as I have shown, 
both simple and easy to make, and I hope it may be employed 
with good results by members of this society who may have 
more leisure than myself. 
Imports of Storiettes. 
BIRMINGHAM NATURAL HISTORY AND MICROSCOPICAL 
SOCIETY.— Microscopical Section. —Meeting, April 1st. Mr. J. 
Levick in the chair. Mr. W. H. Wilkinson exhibited a rare lichen, 
Platysma juniperinuvi, having a bright yellow thallus, brown fruit, and 
black spermogones; it was gathered 4,000ft. above sea level, on 
Galdhopiggen, Norway. Mr. J. Edmonds gave an instructive and 
interesting paper on “ Optics of the Microscope,” illustrated by 
drawings and lantern photographs. He traced the history and con¬ 
struction of the microscope from the “pin-hole in cardboard” and 
simple lens, through its different stages of development up to its 
present perfection, with its fine achromatic lenses and numerous 
addenda for adjustment and illumination. He then gave a series of 
micro-photographs which he had taken direct from the objects them¬ 
selves, illustrating the advantages of the various combinations of 
lenses; and Mr. C. Pumphrey gave the lime-light illustrations. A 
hearty vote of thanks was passed to both gentlemen for their valuable 
services.— Geological Section. April loth. Mr. Waller, B.A., B.Sc., 
in the chair. Mr. Horace Pearce, of Stourbridge, read a paper on 
“Personal Observations of Glacial Action among British Mountains.” 
The paper was illustrated by hand specimens of rocks from various 
glaciated districts. A cordial vote of thanks was given to Mr. Pearce. 
