167 



scarcely have the character of Individual Animal cells, differ 

 vi^idely from cells in general, particularly in exhibiting a higher 

 form of vitality and function. 



Dr. Burnett also gave an account of the reproduction of epi- 

 thelial cells, and traced their affinities to organisms of individual 

 animal life. The paper was illustrated very fully by diagrams 

 on the blackboard. 



Mr. Alger read the following statement vi^ith reference to 

 the mineral, Hydrate of Magnesia from Hoboken, Nevir 

 Jersey, recently analyzed by Mr. J. D. Whitney. 



Mr. Whitney's recent analysis of the Nemalite of Hoboken, 

 New Jersey, by which he shows, contrary to the results of previous 

 analysts, that the mineral is a pure Hydrate of Magnesia, estab- 

 lishes two varieties of hydrate of magnesia (otherwise called 

 Brucite by some mineralogists,) and I would suggest the name of 

 Lamellar and Fibrous Brucite, the last referring to Nemalite. 

 There can be no doubt that Dr. Thompson's and Mr. Cornell's 

 specimens were both impure. It was the foliated variety which 

 Dr. Bruce discovered, analyzed, and named, " Native Hydrate 

 of Magnesia." Since Dr. Bruce's time it has been found in 

 other parts of the world. 



Mr. Alger presented specimens of Tourmaline in Quartz, 

 from Fitchburg, Massachusetts ; Micaceous specular iron ; 

 and Carbonate of lime in hexahedral tables from Peekskill, 

 New York. 



Mr. Sheafe presented in the name of Mr. Elliot Torrey 

 the skull and horns of an Asiatic Buffalo ; also four cases 

 of Asiatic insects. The thanks of the Society were voted 

 for the donation. 



A Tarantula, Phrynus reniformis, from Honduras was pre- 

 sented in the name of Mr. Robert B. Storer ; and a large 

 grasshopper from Caraccas, in the name of Mr. J. P. Bige- 

 low ; also an Agama, A. Douglasii, from Texas, by Mr. 

 Alger. The foetus of a seal was presented in the name of 

 Dr. John Flint. 



Mr. William Stimpson of Cambridge was elected a 

 member. 



