103 
TRANSLATIONS. 
Abstract of Remarks on the Marernat Bontzs of the Mepus2. 
j By Professor C. GEGENBAUR. 
(Miiller’s ‘Archiv,’ 1856, p. 230.) 
“ Tuxse bodies,” the author observes, “ afford better syste- 
matic characters for the classification of these animals than 
can be derived from the form of their bodies or the relations. 
of their tentacles.” 
He describes:—A. Marginal corpuscles of the lower 
Medusz. 
This class includes the forms termed by Forbes “ naked- 
eyed,” embracing the Aiquoride, Alginide, &c., all probably 
medusoid forms of polypes. In these Medusze two kinds of 
marginal bodies are met with. Both are placed at the border 
of the disc, and are either in intimate relation with the base 
of the tentacles, or constitute small eminences between those 
organs,—in one case supported on long peduncles. One form 
presents the appearance of vesicles containing earthy con- 
cretions, whilst the other represents merely a deposit of 
colouring matter, sometimes enclosing a refractive body. 
a. Vesicular marginal bodies. 
These are found, first, in all the Geryonidz and Aiginide— 
probably also in the Auquoride ; and secondly in some of the 
medusoid forms at present included under the genus 
Thaumaniias. 
Tn all the true Oceanide, as well as in the Thaumantiadze— 
both of which families appear to be characterised by the 
presence of pigment-spots at the base of the tentacles—no 
trace of vesicular marginal bodies is found to exist. 
The vesicles are of a rounded, elliptical or elongated shape, 
and always have thin walls, apparently continuous with the 
integument of the Medusa, and enclosing the cavity on all 
sides. Internally this wall is ined with an epithelium, com- 
posed of smooth polygonal cells, which are not visible, how- 
ever, except upon the addition of acetic acid. The vesicle 
contains one or several spherical or oval, motionless concre- 
tions, surrounded with a transparent fluid. The concretions, 
to judge from the effect upon them of acetic acid, consist in 
part of carbonate of lime; and after this is dissolved, an 
