3J4 [Nov. 1S47. 



that form of cartilage, as represented in this drawing, which I 

 took from it. The cartilage corpuscles are well preserved and 

 very distinct. By soaking it in water it does not become tough 

 and flexible, as in recent cartilage, but swells up and forms a 

 thick jelly, which, after a few hours, dissolves in the water, and 

 colours it yellow. A change has taken place in it, correspond- 

 ing to that which occurs in most organic tissues when constantly 

 kept in the dry state. The atoms or molecules undergo a change 

 of relation in regard to each other, or new chemical combinations 

 take place without destroying the form of the dried object, but 

 destroying the power of its resuming its original form. The 

 change is an exceedingly slow one; in many instances, after 

 centuries have elapsed, no perceptible change has taken place. 

 An instance in point was lately presented to us by Dr. Morton, 

 who put a dried ear of an Egyptian mummy of the time of the 

 Pharaohs, into water, in the hope that it would resume its former 

 proportions, but instead of so doing, for a few days it appeared to 

 undergo no change, except colouring the water yellow, as in the 

 case of the articular cartilage of the Megalonyx. It then sudden- 

 ly underwent rapid decomposition, and in the course of a day 

 entirely disappeared ; the solution for two days exhaled a putrid 

 odour, which then disappeared, leaving the fluid coloured yellow 

 and without further change. 



A report was presented from the committee appointed on 

 the subject of exchanges with M. Vattemare, proposing 

 to forward to him for works lately received two copies of 

 Vols. 1 and 2 of the Proceedings; and also to place in his 

 hands for further exchanges, additional copies of the same, 

 which was accordingly ordered. 



Stated Meeting, November 16, 1847. 

 Vice President Morton in the Chair. 



DONATIONS TO MUSEUM. 



Cytherea, from California, presented by Dr. Joseph Wilson, 

 U. S. N. 



Boa constrictor, 12 feet long. Presented by Messrs. Ray- 

 mond & Waring, through Dr. Watson. 



