16 Dr. Wright on the Poison Oland of Geqphilics longieornti* 



we see these organs most satisfactorily ; they consist of two oblong compact 

 bodies composed of bundles of diaphanous cells closely pressed together and 

 inclosed in a distinct capsule reposing loosely at the base of the jaws and 

 occupying the hollow part of these organs ; from the anterior part of the 

 gland rises a single excretory duct, which passes forwards in an arched 

 direction, and enters a canal in the horny part of the perforated jaw, and 

 opens near its apex, as in the Arachnida. By this mechanism, when 

 Geophilus inserts its mandibles into the body of its victims, it at the same 

 moment introduces a poison into the wound which destroys life, after the 

 same principle as the parotid glands in some ophidian reptiles, as Crotalus, 

 Nqja and Vipera, are metamorphosed into veneniferous glands lor the 

 destruction of living prey. After this communication was made, Dr. Wright 

 demonstrated the preparation to the members of the Club, and exhibited 

 the singular structure with the aid of the microscope. 



