PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY. 471 
symmetry or segmentation of many ccelenterates, and stated that 
a similar arrangement of organs was to be found in some primi- 
tive flat-worms, while some of the turbellarians showed distinct 
segmentation or repetition of corresponding organs. He expressed 
the opinion that segmentation was not likely to arise de novo in 
highly-differentiated forms, and that the main line of descent of 
the vertebrates was everywhere composed of segmented animals. 
He mentioned that the ascidians, which he had elsewhere shown 
did not exhibit segmentation, were probably not in this direct 
line. After reviewing the ‘“Annelid Theory,” the lecturer con- 
cluded by pointing out that the repetition of similar parts in 
animals furnished a wealth of material which nature had utilised 
in the production of the complex structure of the higher verte- 
brates. A cordial vote of thanks was given to Dr. Rankin for his 
lecture. Members of kindred societies and friends of members had 
been invited to the meeting, and there was a large attendance. 
28TH Marcu, 1899. 
Mr. Robert Kidston, F.R.S8.E., F.G.8.; President, in the chair. 
Miss M. A. M. Kidston, 24 Victoria Place, Stirling, and Mr. 
Alexander Patience, 2 Golfhill Terrace, Dennistoun, were elected 
as Ordinary Members. 
Mr. James F. Gemmill, M.A., M.B., C.M., showed a mounted 
specimen of the bones of the pelvis and right leg of a Wood- 
pigeon, the left leg having been entirely awanting. The case 
was remarkable, on account of the well-developed condition of the 
left half of the pelvis, and the presence there of an almost 
normal acetabular cavity. Dr. Gemmill also showed about 
twenty malformed young trout, obtained from the hatcheries at 
Lochwinnoch. Most of the specimens were of the double-monster 
type, and they formed a series of stages ranging from complete 
separation of the embryos in the yolk sac to cases in which the 
two embryos were quite fused together except at the fore part of 
the head. The large median eye present in some of the latter 
was specially striking. 
Mr. John Lindsay, M.A., M.B., C.M., showed a specimen of 
the peculiar variety of Gold-fish cultivated by the Chinese, in 
which the dorsal fins and tail are double. 
