

NOTES AND QUERIES. 127 


NOTES. AND OUEREES, 
Opituary Noticre.—Sir Charles Wyville Thomson, late Pro- 
fessor of Natural History in the Edinburgh University, died at his 
residence, near Linlithgow, a few weeks since, from an attack of 
paralysis. Sir Wyville will be remembered as the director of the 
civilian staff engaged in the Challenger Expedition. 
APPOINTMENT AND RESIGNATION.—The Queen approved of the 
appointment of Mr. E. Ray Lankester, M.A., F.R.S., to the Chair 
of Natural History in the University of Edinburgh, in the room of 
the late Sir Wyville Thomson, LL.D., but he resigned a few days 
after the appointment. One of the causes of resignation is that he 
is disinclined to stay in Edinburgh for nine or ten months in the 
year ; but it is stated that the chief reason is that in his commis- 
sion of appointment is a clause to the effect that he takes the post 
subject to changes which may be made by the forthcoming execu- 
tive commission. He also finds that the laboratories are not 
suitable to the work of a zoologist. 
DeatH oF Mr. CHarites Darwin.—Mr. Charles Darwin, the 
naturalist and philosopher, breathed his last on Wednesday after- 
noon, April roth, at his residence, Down House, Down, near 
Farnborough, Kent, at the age of 73. He had been suffering for 
some little time past from weakness of the heart, but has continued 
to do a slight amount of experimental work up to the last. He 
was taken ill on the night of Tuesday last, when he had an attack 
of pain in the chest with faintness and nausea. ‘The latter lasted 
with more or less intermission during Wednesday, and culminated 
in his death, which took place at about four o’clock on Wednesday 
afternoon. 

PHOTO-MICROGRAPHY.—Mr. M. H. Stiles will read a paper on 
May 3rd before the members of the Doncaster Microscopical 
Society, on “ Photography, as applied to the Microscope.” 
PREPARING FORAMINIFERA FROM SHORE-SAND.—The various 
operations may be summed up thus :— 
1. Well wash in fresh water to remove salt. 
2. Dry perfectly and allow to cool. 
3. Sift. (Sieve No. 50 or 60.) 
4. Float the fine material in cold fresh water. 
5. Dry the floatings. 
Perhaps it may also be needful to— 
6. Boil the floatings in iguor potasse P.B. 
7. Wash away every trace of potash. 
8. Dry thoroughly. 
