240 proceedings: biological society 



The regular program consisted of two communications: 

 M. W. Lyon, Jr.: Precipitins. Dr. Lyon described an antibeef- 

 serum he had lately prepared, and set up a series of test tubes contain- 

 ing dilutions of beef, sheep, hog, and human serums. He demonstrated 

 the action of the antibeef-serum on these, the specific precipitation 

 when added to the diluted beef serum, the group precipitation with 

 diluted sheep serum, and the non-precipitation with diluted hog and 

 human serums. He mentioned briefly the history and theory of pre- 

 cipitating serums and explained their use in identifying suspected 

 animal proteins and in showing the blood relations of various animals. 

 In discussing this communication A. H. Jennings explained how he 

 had made use of the precipitin reaction in determining the kinds of 

 animals bitten by biting flies. Dr. George W. Field and H. F. 

 Taylor also took part in the discussion. 



William Palmer: Porpoises and steamers. Mr. Palmer com- 

 mented on the frequency with which porpoises are found about the 

 bows of steamers and advanced explanations as to their presence there 

 and as to their methods of progression. His communication was 

 illustrated by diagrams and lantern views of porpoises and other 

 cetaceans. It was discussed by Dr. H. E. Ames. 



M. W. Lyon, Jr., Recording Secretary. 



