Order your slides! The Postal Microscopical Society

The Postal Microscopical Society was founded in 1873, with its principal objective, the circulation of boxes of microslides illustrating the work of members and/or that of professional mounters.This is still the main function of the Society. Members are organised into ‘Circuits’. Boxes of microslides are circulated, accompanied by notebooks in which each recipient records his comments, criticism, and perhaps additional notes on the mounts themselves, before passing the box on to the next member of his ‘circuit’.

 Blastula, 8 cells, slide and picture Jan van Gelderen.

Currently, boxes are despatched at four week intervals. Thus, each member receives roughly twelve boxes per year. As each box will normally contain 12 slides, each member has the opportunity to study many different microslides during the year. It is rare indeed to receive a box which does not provide a great deal of interest and enjoyment; often the difficulty is to part with it. Members are actively encouraged to participate, by making their own slides available for circulation, and this aspect is the ‘life blood’ of the Society. The members are mostly amateurs with an interest in the microscope and microscopy, so the subject matter varies greatly.

Panel of ExpertsThe essence of the Society is the friendly and helpful interchange of information. Help is offered to beginners and experts alike by the maintenance of a panel of experts with experience or specialised knowledge in particular fields. Thus, help is only a postage stamp/phone call/email away and the beginner has access to a mine of information.
Balsam Post‘Balsam Post’ the Newsletter of the Society, is now published four times a year. Written by the members for the members, this is another source of advice, news, help and guidance. The aim is to provide information but without too much scientific jargon. PMS help is intended to be practical and helpful. There are currently many back issues which can be supplied and these alone provide a mine of reading and helpful information. All members are encouraged to write for Balsam Post on any subject allied to microscopy and natural history. The cost of publication is covered by the general funds of the Society so all members receive the current editions free, by post of course. A comprehensive index is now available.

Library Members have access to their own library of books on Microscopy and Natural History. The Librarian maintains the club stock of books which are available on request to members. The Society pays the postage out but the borrower is expected to pay the return postage. The Library also contains a number of videos covering the techniques of slide making which are available to members.
Meetings Meetings are held in May and October each year and the Annual general meeting is an opportunity to combine this with a general meeting and exhibition of microscopy. This is the only non postal function that can be arranged, for with members spread all over the
UK, it is, inevitably, impossible for all members to make the journey. It is appreciated that some members for various reasons, do not wish to participate in the slide circulation section of the Society. For those who wish to be associated, but just do not have the time, or for whatever other reason, do not wish to receive the boxes, an alternative ‘Off Circuit’ membership is available at a reduced fee. All the other facilities and advantages, including ‘Balsam Post’ are provided for these members.Subscriptions 
UK: On Circuit – £18      Off Circuit – £10Continental Europe :  On Circuit £24 Off Circuit £15
USA : Off Circuit Only £20PMS Secretary Mr Mike Samworth6 Moorfield BungalowsScotton
North Yorkshire DL9 3NDUnited Kingdome-mail: secretary@postal-microscopical-society.org.uk

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