Doncaster Microscopical Society
The fourth ordinary meeting of the above society was held on Wednesday evening last, Rev. W. R. Weston (vice-president) in the chair
Fourteen members and visitors were present.
Two nominations for membership were made.
The Chainman announced that two donations of slides for the society’s cabinet had been received, one consisting of 140 objects from Mrs. Lister, the other of 6 objects from Mr. J. M. Kirk. The best thanks of the meeting were accorded to the donors.
Mr. Walker, M.R.C.S. then read a paper “On the structure of organs of locomotion in man.”
After directing attention to the very important part performed by bone in the formation of the framework of the human body, he mentioned the varieties of bone employed in the construction of this framework. The outer shell of bone is hard and dense like ivory, and the inner portion light and spongy.
It consists of an organic substance (gelatine) and inorganic matter (chiefly phosphate and carbonate of lime). By treating bone with dilute hydrochloric acid, the inorganic matter may be removed, leaving a soft pliable substance which remains the original shape; if however, it be boiled in water the gelatinous portion is dissolved, leaving the mineral matter which is hard, and also retains the primary form.
Mr. Walker then carefully described the minute structure of bone, illustrating his remarks by reference to numerous specimens which were exhibited under several microscopes. He also gave an account of the method by which these were prepared for examination.
The second part of Mr. Walker’s paper treated of the structure of the variety of muscles employed in controlling the organs of locomotion.
A vote of thanks to the author was proposed by the chairman, and seconded by Dr. Mitchell Wilson, an interesting discussion followed.
The next conversational meeting will be on the 16th inst.
[Doncaster, Nottingham & Lincoln Gazette, 4 June 1880]