J.IXNKAX SOCIEIT OP LONDON. 11 



cell. -But there ai'e definite limitations to the eell theory of 

 organic structure, as pointed out by iSedgwick, Wliituian, and 

 otiiers. The facts of recapitulation also limit the cell theory, for 

 recapitulatory characters arise as lengthenings or shortenings of 

 the life-cycle, and not through chromatic alterations present in 

 every nucleus. 



The usual objections to the biogenetic law are based on (I) dis- 

 similarities in related eggs and embryos, (2) the fact that specific 

 characters often appear very early in the ontogeny. Both these 

 situations are to be expected if mutations occur in organisms which 

 show recapitulation. This affords a definite basis for contrasting 

 ((/) karyogenetic, nuclear, or mutational characters with (6) organ- 

 isnial, recapitulatory, or orthogenetic characters. 



The President liaving opened the discussion, the following 

 speakers engaged in it: — Dr. J. K. Leeson, Prof. E. 8. (xoodrieh, 

 P.E.8., Dr. W. Bateson, P.E.S., Dr. F. A. Bather, P.K.8. (visitor), 

 Dr. G. A. Boulenger, F.K.!S. (visitor). Prof. F. E. Weiss, F.R.S. 

 (who suggested the term " cytogenetic " as preferable to " karyo- 

 genetic "), Mr. \Y. B. Brierley, Mr. E. S. liusseJl, B.Sc. (visitor), 

 and the Author replied. 



February 19th, 1920. 



Dr. A. Smith Woobwaku, F.E.S., President, 

 in the Chair. 



The ^Minutes of the General Meeting of the 5th February, 

 1920, were read and confirmed. 



The report of the Donatiotis received since the last Meeting 

 Mas laid before the Fellows, and the thanks of the Society to the 

 several Donors were ordered. 



The President announced from the Chair that intelligence had 

 been received that ujorning of the death of Prof. Pier' Andrea 

 Saccardo, thus causing another vacancy among the Foreign 

 Members. 



The following proposed alterations in certain Bye-Laws were 

 rrad from the Chair for the first time: — 



Ciiap. II. Sect. 2, for " Three Pounds " substitute " Four 

 Pounds." 



Chap. II. Sect. 0, delete " who owe more than two 

 Aiuiual Contributions," and insert in jdace thereof " whose 

 Annual Contiibutions are due and owiriL!." 



