Doncaster Microscopical Society
The 8th ordinary Meeting of the above society was held on Wednesday evening last, the Rev. W. Smith in the chair.
Mr. Barry was elected a member of the society
The secretary announced that the following periodicals were now available for circulation among the members.
“Nature”, “Science Gossip”, “The Northern Microscopist”, and the “Journal of the “Quekett Microscopical Club”
These would be distributed in rotation to those members who desired it, and who signified the same to the secretary. Two days would be allowed for reading each number.
Mr. J. M. Kirk then read a paper on the “Lower forms of animal life.”
After giving an interesting resume of the researches of Ehrenburg and other more recent observers, he proceeded to describe and explain the leading characters of the important class of miniature aquatic animals known as Rotifers or wheel animalcules.
These derive their name from the occurrence of a fringe of hairs or cilia round the mouth. The peculiar appearance of this fringe in motion (resembling a revolving wheel) is due to the rapid alternate rise and fall of the hairs of which it is composed. This serves the double purpose of locomotion and of creating in the surrounding water currents which convey to the mouth of the animal the food upon which it subsists.
Several other interesting animalcules were also described and their peculiarities pointed out. The paper was illustrated by a number of very beautiful and effective drawings.
A good discussion followed, after which a vote of thanks to Mr. Kirk was proposed by the Rev. W. Smith, and seconded by Dr. J. Mitchell Wilson.
The next conversational meeting will be held on February 2nd.
[Doncaster, Nottingham & Lincoln Gazette, 21 January 1881]