1516 Journal of Applied Microscopy 



NEWS AND NOTES. 



The University of Zurich has enlarged its anatomical building. A dissecting 

 room, with overhead light, to accommodate two hundred students, has been 

 added, and on the floor below a microscopical room of the same size. There is 

 also a demonstration room with overhead light, a laboratory for anthropology, 

 and a laboratory for advanced embryological study, together with rooms for the 

 director. The old part of the building will be rearranged for a large lecture 

 room, a reading and study room for the students, a museum, and the labora- 

 tories for assistants. — Science, 14 : 347. 



The Bureau of Plant Industry of the U. S. Dept. of Agri. has recently been 

 reorganized, and, with Beverly T. Galloway as chief, now embraces the following 

 groups : Vegetable pathological and physiological investigations, Alferd J. Wood 

 in charge ; Botanical investigations and experiments, Frederick V. Coville ; Pomo- 

 logical investigations, Gustavus B. Brachett ; Grass and Forage Plant investiga- 

 tions, F. Lamson Scribner ; Experimental Gardens and Grounds, L. C. Corbett ; 

 Congressional Seed Distribution, Robert J. Whittleton ; Seed and Plant introduc- 

 tion, Ernst A. Bessey ; Tea Culture experiments, Charles U. Shepard ; and the 

 Arlington Experimental Farm, L. C. Corbett. — Bot. Gaz. 32 : 2. 



QUESTION BOX. 



Inquiries will be printed in this department from any inquirer. 

 The replies will appear as received. 



13. Is there a simple, satisfactory method of determining whether or not a 

 given sample of milk contains bacteria, that can be performed with the aid of a 

 microscope the highest power of which is a one-fourth inch objective ? 



I. G. B. 



14. What is Tallquist's method of blood examination and estimation of 

 hemoglobin ? r. c. w. 



15. Can specimens (animal) preserved in alcohol for a long time be safel)"- 

 transferred to formalin ? j. d. 



16. I am working on the various methods of fixing or producing death in 

 the animal organism and cell. My work ranges from micro-organisms to verte- 

 brates, and requires specimens for dissection killed in such a manner as not to 

 show the distortion due to contraction of the muscular tissues, such as occurs 

 when death is produced by chloroform, ether, or other anresthetic. The reagents 

 I employ in the preparation of dissections for demonstrating will probably react 

 unfavorably with any metallic poisonous compound that might be employed. 

 The substance used should produce death as immediately as possible, in order 

 to avoid maceration or pathological changes, and should be practically tasteless, 

 with no irritating odor, and capable of being used in minute or minimum 

 quantities with delicate water animals, etc. If you can suggest such a sub- 

 stance, or anything which would lead to similar results, it would be greatly 

 appreciated. g. w. b. 



