38 
Journal of the 
In accordance with these views, we find another man is led to 
investigate the character of the saliva in supposed cases of poison¬ 
ing ; and this toxic inquiry does not confine itself to the investiga¬ 
tion of a criminal intent, but also as to the toxic influence brought 
out in the system of an individual as the result of the use of 
remedies—such as the action of arsenic, lead — besides possibly 
that of the alkaloids, as aconitine, morphia, and very likely a 
number of other agents at present unthought of and uncared for 
by us, as investigators. 
The spectroscope in microscopy has not, to my mind, made 
much advance ; and one reason for this may perhaps be found in 
an unwillingness of some to work ploddingly on without a clear 
idea that any good and useful result will be the reward of their 
labours. This I fear is a deterring cause with many, and partakes 
much of that pecuniary wisdom which some men give vent to 
when they say “will it pay]” will it put money into my pocket ] 
Letting alone such to their own ideas, I would remind those who 
are willing to work, and that without immediate reward, that the 
wise man has said —“ in all labour there is profit,” and taking this 
stand we may be assured that work steadily carried on will bring 
its own reward. Besides this, there is an additional spur, and a 
very legitimate one, for each of us to accept, and it is this, that 
even without the reward which every one may legitimately covet 
and hope to obtain, he has this satisfaction, that he is, if he deals 
fairly with himself, training his mind as well as his eyes and 
hands, and thus more or less effectually improving his status ; and 
when he has done this, he has insensibly aided others to do the like. 
There is another subject wilieh is connected with microscopy, or 
study ’with the microscope, to which I desire to direct attention, 
and this is photography with the microscope. This will yield results 
which will become useful in furnishing exact records or repre¬ 
sentations of many objects which require publication and dissemi¬ 
nation. But its employment involves additional skill and 
knowledge in order to be applied. One at least amongst our 
number is inclined in this direction. I allude to our friend and 
colleague Mr. Barnard, who I hope will by his efforts give an 
impetus to this method of advancing scientific inquiiy in our 
midst. 
