Literacy Notices. clvii 



the College of Surgeons, and has largely appeared in papers in the 

 American Naturalist. It goes without saying that the interesting 

 modern theories are accurately and graphically stated. In fact, the 

 article is one of the most convenient compends within reach, and con- 

 tains valuable hints as to the lines along which research should be 

 prosecuted. The physician, more than any other professional man, 

 is in a position to answer the questions which Weismann has addressed 

 to science. 



Blood Vessels of the Brain. 



The paper under this caption is by Dr. William Browning and is 

 in the form of critical notes rather than a connected description. The 

 illustrations — one a beautiful lithograph after Adamkiewicz — are 

 very useful. 



Cranial and Spinal Nerves. 



Dr. Frank Baker gives an interesting summary of recent results 

 respecting the nerve roots. Considerable attention is given to the 

 histogenetic problems. In the discussion of the internal relations of 

 the roots the old and new views are stated and illustrated for compar- 

 ison. We regret that the ingenious theory of Gaskell (if mentioned 

 at all) should have been so briefly put as to be quite unintelligible 

 even with the figures, to one not already familiar with it. Cajal, 

 Lenhossek and Kolliker are laid under contribution and the material 

 is well though too briefly used. We think the article would have 

 been of vastly more value if it could have been doubly as extended. 

 An excellent bibliography accompanies. (See also an excellent sum- 

 mary of modern histological results by the same author in a recent 

 number of the Alienist and Neurologist.) 



Histological Formulae. 



Prof. Fish's article is a very useful compilation of the recent 

 methods and is particularly valuable for its formulae for the nervous 

 system. 



In this connection we may add that Herrick's permanent hema- 

 toxylin, as described in 1S91, proves not only permanent in the slide 

 but the solution is unalterable so far as observed. It is essentially 

 Delafield's, with the addition of a small amount of the antiseptic (one 

 tablet to a pint) and the solution may be used at once if diluted with 

 alum water, which is all that is necessary to " ripen " it. Acid in 

 the section is of course fatal. 



