THE Journal of the Quekett Microscopical Club. No. 16. October 1871. “Microscopic Work and Conjectural Science,” being the address of the President (Lionel S. Beale, M. B., F. R. S.), for the year 1871. This address is chiefly occupied in combating the method, presumed to have been adopted, of depreciating one kind of scientific investigation in order to elevate another, and attacks without ceremony those who would elevate physical science to the disparagement of microscopical observation.—“On the Examination of the Surface Markings of Diatoms by the Oxy-calcium Light,” by N. E. Green. The writer of this paper details his examination of such diatoms as Isthmia, Biddulphia, Triceratium, Pleurosigma, &c., as opaque objects by high powers, as one-sixth Ross and one-twelfth Gundlach, through the agency of the oxy-calcium light. The conclusion at which he has arrived is, that the markings on all the above, except Pleurosigma, resemble “craters,” the surface “being studded with rows of small shallow craters, the sharp edges of which projected slightly above, while the centres seemed to be below the surface.” In Pleurosigma a different structure of the surface was observed. “The lime light brought out most distinctly the bead-like character of its markings; they stood out in bold relief like rows of Indian corn.”— The inaugural Address of the South London Microscopical, and Natural History Club, by R. Braithwaite, M.D., F.L.S., is principally devoted to suggestions on the vast field for observation at the disposal of the microscopist.—“On Nucleated Sporidia,” by M. C. Cooke, M.A. After describing the general structure which prevails in the genus Peziza of As-comycetous Fungi, the writer details his method of mounting sections for the microscope in pure glycerine. The nucleated sporidia, so prevalent in this genus, are affirmed to be so affected by this method that in a short time all traces of the nuclei are lost, and the object of the paper is to indicate the doubtful value of nucleated sporidia in specific characters. The true nature of such nuclei and their uses, are said to be obscure.