310 ANNUAL RECORD OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY. 



general character of this cavern life points to the conclusion 

 that it has been derived from the present fauna. 4. The 

 glacial period, though it did extend the ice -sheet over this 

 cavern region, must have so profoundly affected the climatal 

 conditions that the external life could not have held its place 

 here in the shape we now find it, but must have been replaced 

 by some arctic assemblage of species. Under the circum- 

 stances, it is reasonable to suppose that most if not all the 

 species found in these caves have been introduced since the 

 glacial period. 5. "We are also warranted by the facts in sup- 

 posing that there is a continued infusion of "new blood" 

 from the outer species taking place, some of the forms show- 

 ins: the stages of a continual transition from the outer to the 

 inner form. Memoirs, Bost. Nat. Hist. Soe. 



NEW MODE OF EMBALMING. 



Madame Jaloureau has lately furnished what l'Abbe Moigno 

 considers an important contribution to the question of the 

 disposal of the bodies of the dead. This process consists es- 

 sentially in the use of an impermeable coffin, together with 

 certain substances which produce a rapid decomposition 

 not putrid, however and which can not escape from its in- 

 closure. The coffin, which is made of tough material, is 

 thoroughly coated inside on all its joints with bitumen or as- 

 phalt, and covered on the exterior. The body itself is then 

 brought in contact, prior to being sealed up, with phosphate 

 of lime, which has the property, already referred to, of caus- 

 ing a rapid decomposition, but without any unpleasant odors. 

 It is asserted that by this method coffins opened at the end 

 of five years are absolutely free from any disagreeable smell. 

 It is maintained that by following this process coffins may 

 be piled one above another in limited inclosures, and without 

 the danger of any unpleasant or noisome exhalation, and that 

 interments can be made in vaults and tombs without neces- 

 sitating the process of embalming. 3 H, April 1, 1875, 501. 



THE INTESTINAL SECRETIONS. 



Dr. Brunton has for some time past been prosecuting an 

 inquiry into the intestinal secretion, with the special object 

 of ascertaining, first, whether other neutral salts have a simi- 

 lar effect to that of sulphate of magnesia in promoting this 



