XXViii CARNEGIE INSTITUTION 



Mr. Olive's report shows definite progress in his research, and the 

 prospect of the completion within two months of two papers incor- 

 porating a portion of his results. 



Janet Perkins, working at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Berlin, 

 Germany. Grant No. 19. For preliminary studies on the Philip- 

 pi?ie flora. $1,900. 



Abstract of Report.— Dr Janet Perkins reports that she was engaged 

 in the proposed investigation from February 20 to October 5, 1903. 

 A catalogue of the Philippine flora was begun, based on various 

 monographs and papers which have appeared in scientific periodicals. 

 This work consumed much time, as literature regarding the Philip- 

 pines is greatly scattered, and the synon3 r my needs a thorough clear- 

 ing up. 



Among other matters that were begun were : 



(a) A catalogue of the various native names. 



(b) A list of botanical literature pertaining to the Philippines. 



{c) The attempt to construct a type herbarium of Philippine 

 plants. 



(d) The determination of certain Philippine plants received from 

 the Department of Agriculture. 



(e) The preparation of a sample copy of the manuscript and illus- 

 trations for the position of the family Marantaceae. 



Chemistry. 



John J. Abel, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md. Grant 

 No. 24. For study of the chemical composition of the supra-renal 

 gland. $1,000. 



Abstract of Report. — The vital importance of the supra-renal glands 

 was first pointed out a half century ago. Repeated efforts to explain 

 why these organs are physiologically necessary were of no avail 

 until 1895, when it was discovered that the juice expressed from these 

 glands contains a remarkable principle found nowhere else in the 

 human body. 



This important substance has the power to raise the blood-pres- 

 sure of man and other animals when given in very minute amounts, 



