343 



localities, with some speculations as to its origin in the 

 Sandwich Islands. 



The Secretary read a note from Mr. J. E. Cabot, resign- 

 ing the office of Corresponding Secretary. On motion of 

 Mr. Bouve, it was voted that Mr. Cabot's resignation be 

 accepted, and that a Committee of two be appointed to 

 nominate a candidate for election, as his successor. Messrs. 

 Bouve and Abbot were appointed on this Committee. 



On motion of Dr. Kneeland, it was unanimously voted, 

 that the thanks of the Society be presented to Mr. Cabot, 

 for his efficient and valuable services in years past, as Cor- 

 responding Secretary. 



Mr. Samuel Jacques was elected a resident member. 



July 6th, 1853. 

 Dr. S. Durkee in the Chair. 



Dr. W. I. Burnett presented a communication " on the 

 Blood-corpuscle-holding Cells, and their relations to the 

 function of the Spleen." 



After alluding to the many and varied theories which had been 

 advanced upon the function of the Spleen, Dr. B. remarked, that 

 recently an entirely new view had been advocated, which had 

 attracted no little attention among physiologists. 



This view is that of KolUker, who affirms that the Spleen is a 

 blood-destroying organ. It is, indeed, a significant question in 

 physiology, what becomes of the blood corpuscles which have 

 served their time, and performed their allotted function ? Kolliker 

 offers an answer to this, in declaring that they are conveyed to 

 and lodged in the spleen, where they are dissolved, and become 



