a 
TRANSACTIONS OF THE SECTIONS. 83 
I. 
unimpaired in their brightness. The author has cited numerous cases in confirma- 
tion of this statement. 
_ Microscopie Observations on the Movement of the Human Blood in the Capil- 
laries, and on the Structure of the Nerves in the Glands at the Inferior 
Surface of the Tongue. By A. Water, M.D. 
The author describes some microscopic observations on the minute glands at the 
inferior surface of the tongue. These minute glands, of about the size of a pin’s head, 
are removed by him from the living tongue, and immediately subjected to observa- 
tion under the microscope, for which, by their transparent nature, they are particu- 
larly adapted. He states, that by this means he has been enabled to discover sevee 
ral points relating to the structure of glands which cannot be observed in these tis- 
sues after death. The movement of the blood through the capillaries is there seen 
for the first time, and is found to present all the same phenomena as in the web of 
the frog or other transparent tissues. The nerves distributed to the various cells of 
which the gland consists are very numerous, and may be traced to the extremities 
of the separate cells, where they terminate, some in free extremities, others in vesi- 
cles, whose diameter is several times larger than that of the nerve-tube itself. Near 
their union with the glandular duct is a small ganglion which contains the usual 
elements, viz. yesicular globules and gelatinous and tubular fibres. 
: On the Structure and Functions of the Branchial Organs of the Annelida 
; and Crustacea ; illustrated by Preparations and Diagrams. By'THomas 
j Wituiams, .D, 
_ The subject was treated under the following heads :— eh 
Explanation of a series of diagrams illustrating the history of ciliated epithelium 
in invertebrate animals. 
____ New observations proving the presence of ciliated epithelium in the lungs of rep- 
_ tiles. Conclusions on the mechanism of breathing during hybernation. 
_ Passing allusion by diagrams to the branchial organs of inferior mollusca, conchi- 
- fera, &c. 
Illustrations of new dissections of the breathing organs of the Annelida found on 
_ the coast of Swansea ; preparations and microscope, 
_ Preparations illustrating the ultimate structure of the gills in crustacea, 
_ Specimens showing the reproduction of Arenicolz, and their mode of respiring. 
Yt 
_ On the Physical Conditions regulating the vertical Distribution of Animals in 
: the Atmosphere and the Sea. By Tuomas Witiiams, M.D. 
_ The subject was treated under the following heads : 
Pressure in the Atmosphere ; Rarefaction—Experiment I. Illustrating the influence 
_ of density and rarefaction of the atmosphere on birds, affording striking proofs of the 
penetration and diffusion of air through all parts of the body in birds; newts, frogs 
~ and mice included in the experiment for the purposes of contrast. 
Pressure in Water, and removal of—Experiment II, Of removing atmospheric 
pressure from water containing fishes and Actinia, demonstrating the mechanical 
- functions of the air-bladder, &c.—reflections on the distribution of fishes in the sea. 
___ Experiment II[. Of increasing the pressure of the atmosphere over water containing 
fishes, &c.—curious results of sinking to the bottom, &c. 
eeperincot {V. Of increasing pressure hydrostatically—effects on fishes, Ac- 
- tinia, &c. &c. 
Distribution of Light through Water.—Experiment illustrating the depth to which 
Tight gab through water—influence of, on distribution in depth of plants, zoo- 
phytes, &c. 
__ Air of Water.—Experiment proving its condensation at great depths, and its una- 
_ vailableness for respiration in the deep regions of the sea. 
A a the uniform warmth of the water of the deep sea, as discovered by Sir 
- Ross, 
7 
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