The Ethnological Society, Dec. 13.—Mr. S. Laing exhibited an interesting collection of human remains, stone implements, and other articles which had recently been obtained in some extensive excavations which he has been carrying on at Caithness, and which are believed to date from a very remote period in the history of man. Mr. Laing gave an account of his explorations and described the various articles which had been found, and a lively discussion followed, in which Professor Huxley, Dr. Thurnham, and others took part.
Microscopical Society of London, December 14, 1864.—Various presents were announced, amongst which was Mr. Bridgeman's mahogany rotating-table, a simple and ingenious contrivance, whereby several persons may use the same microscope without leaving their seats. It consists of a stout board, sufficiently large to hold a microscope and lamp, a heavy pivot of iron is fixed beneath at one end, and at the two corners of the opposite end two casters at such an angle as to cause the board to rotate freely. It is very steady, and offers considerable advantages to those who are indisposed to incur the expense of an ordinary rotating-table.
Notice having been given of a subject for discussion, viz., "The most advantageous means of illuminating objects under the microscope," the president explained at considerable length his experience in the matter, and confined himself more particularly to—1, sources of light; 2, condensed or uncondensed light; 3, histiological subjects; and 4, minute structures, diatoms, &c. Having tried gas, napthalized gas, camphine, and the other volatile oils, he considered Belmontine to possess a greater amount of those properties so very desirable for microscopic work, than any of the others he had named, as it gives a white light, burns steadily, and does not readily carbonize. He likewise generally approved of oblique rays. One member strongly advocated direct rays, whilst another referred to the frequent advantage of diffused light. Mr. Shadbolt disapproved of the Belmontine of the present day, but spoke favourably of "Diamond Crystal oil." Mr. Glaisher stated he had used gas and camphine, but both had been set aside in favour of "Carbonile," a recent invention, which after a three months' trial, he thought superior to anything he had hitherto used. Mr. Tomkins exhibited a small working model of the necessary arrangement for obtaining this light, by passing ordinary coal gas over the "carbonile" contained in a vessel constructed for the purpose. The effect was magical, and the light dazzling, the flame being solid and white compared to the common gas flame, which in comparison was pale, thin, and vapoury. It was stated that it gives three times the ordinary light by an equal consumption of gas; consequently those who are content with their present amount of light can, by means of "carbonile," obtain it at one-third the cost for gas. Mr. Slack was announced to read a paper on the "Vinegar Plant" at the next meeting.
Society of Amateur Botanists (London).—The Second Annual Meeting of this Society was held at 192, Piccadilly, on Wednesday evening, Dec. 21st, when the President delivered an Address embodying a Report of the Society's Proceedings during the past year. He stated that the excursions on Saturday afternoons had taken place during the favourable weather, with more or less success. The annual excursion, to which a special day was devoted, was this year taken to Darenth Wood, in Kent. The interchange of specimens had hitherto been confined nearly exclusively to members, but it was hoped, at no very distant period, to extend it to other societies having similar objects. Papers had been read with tolerable regularity, and some of these had been deemed of sufficient importance and interest to be solicited for publication in the Journal of Botany, in which two or three had appeared. The Library and Herbarium were gradually increasing in extent and usefulness. The aggregate number of members was reported to be forty-seven, of whom fifteen had been elected during the year. The Treasurer presented a balance-sheet, showing a balance of upwards of £5 in favour of the Society, which, considering the very low rate of annual subscription, was admitted to be highly satisfactory. After the usual complimentary resolutions of thanks to the Officers, they were unanimously re-elected for the ensuing year, and a Council of four members was constituted to conduct the business of the Society, so as to leave the entire evenings of meeting, for the future, free for the consideration of the subjects brought forward by members in their papers.
Manchester Field Naturalists' Society.—The Report of the Committee for the year 1863 proves this Society to be in a flourishing condition. The aggregate number of members is 537; there is cash in the bank, property which it has been considered advisable to insure for £300, and evidence of good work done. The Saturday afternoon excursions have been well attended, and the winter soirées completely successful. These facts seem to prove the truth of the assertion at the commencement of the report, "of a daily-extending interest in the city and its neighbourhood, with respect to pursuits and studies such as the Field Naturalists' Society was mainly instituted to promote." One work which this Society has accomplished will commend itself to botanists all over the country. It is the registration and publication of a list of all the mosses found in the neighbourhood of Manchester, which list is appended to the Report. Mr. G. E. Hunt, who was the presiding genius of this work, has conferred a boon on Bryologists, and set an example which other local societies would do well to imitate.
Morley Naturalists' Society.—A society of naturalists has been formed, with every prospect of success, at the Star and Birch Inn, Morley. The meetings are held fortnightly. Mr. Daniel Slack has been elected president, and the Society numbers twelve members.
Dr. Hunter's Early Work.—On his arrival in London, Mr. Thomas, in company with Mr. Nicol, called on Dr. Hunter; they found him dressing. "Well, young gentleman," said Hunter, when the first ceremonies of introduction were over, "so you are come to town to be a surgeon; and how long do you intend to stay?" "One year," was the reply. "Then," said he, "I'll tell you what, that won't do. I've been here a great many years, have worked hard, too, and yet I don't know the principals of the art!" After some further conversation, Mr. T. was directed to call again in an hour, which he did, and accompanied Hunter to the hospital, where he said to him, after the business was over, "Come to me to-morrow morning, young gentleman, and I will put you further in the way of things; come early in the morning, as soon after four as you can." It was summer: Mr. Thomas kept the appointment, and found Hunter, at that early hour, busily engaged is dissecting beetles.—Hunter's Memoirs.
