RE C EXT ORIGINAL WORK AT HARVARD. 493 



at the same time a record is made of the volume of the fluid thus dis- 

 placed. 



The more important work going on in the laboratory at the time 

 of my visit consisted of experiments in regard to respiration, with 

 special reference to the functions of the glottis and epiglottis, and trials 

 of disinfectants with a view to ascertaining the temperature necessary 

 to kill germs. A series of experiments was also in progress for testing 

 the porosity of various stones used in building. 



The results of the original work performed here have been recent- 

 ly published, together with an account of the physical appai-atus in 

 use at the school. Accounts of the most important investigations car- 

 ried on during the last year are contained in the following papers : 

 " Growth as a Function of Cells : Preliminary Notice of Certain Laws 

 of Histological Differentiation," by C. G. Minot ; " Effects of the 

 Respiratory Movements on the Pulmonary Circulation," by II. P. 

 Bowditch, M. D., and G. M. Garland, M. D. ; " Pharyngeal Respira- 

 tion," by G. M. Garland, M. D. ; "Functions of the Epiglottis in 

 Deglutition and Phonation," by G. L. Walton. This paper shows that 

 the removal of the epiglottis does not seriously affect deglutition, and 

 therefore it is not necessary for that process. The epiglottis, however, 

 plays an important part in forming and modifying the voice, taking 

 different positions during vocalization, changes of pitch, quality, and 

 intensity. 



In the chemical laboratory I found that Professor Wood had been 

 examining the water-supply of Cambridge ; and was then engaged in 

 the investigation of the extent to which arsenic is being used in the 

 manufacture or ornamentation of articles in general use, such as wall- 

 paper, confectionery, playthings, etc. The results of this work will 

 be published in the next report of the State Board of Health. Pro- 

 fessor Wood is also writing the addition to " Ziemssen's Cyclopaedia " 

 on the subject of toxicology. 



Dr. William B. Hills was engaged upon a special investigation in 

 regard to the localization of arsenic in the animal economy. 



The most important feature of original work at the school of late 

 years has been Dr. Bigelow's introduction of the new operation of 

 litholapaxy. 



A number of interesting papers have been recently written by 

 members of the faculty, some of which contain new discoveries of con- 

 siderable scientific importance. I cite two : "Effects of Certain Drugs 

 in increasing or diminishing Red Blood-Corpuscles," by Dr. Cutter ; 

 and " Alterations in the Spinal Cord in Hydrophobia," by Di\ Fitz. 



The School of Agriculture and Horticulture, called " The Bussey 

 Institution," is located on the sunny slopes of Forest Hills, about five 

 miles southwest from Boston. The labors of the professors connected 

 with this institution have been even more in the line of original re- 

 search than of instruction, though of late the lack of a sufficient endow- 



