109 
On the Mode of Formation of Shells of Animals, of Bone, and 
of several other Structures, by a process of Molecular 
Coalescence, demonstrable in certain artificially formed 
products. By Grorce Ratney, M.R.C.S. London: 
John Churchill. 
Most of our readers will recollect a paper read by Mr. 
Rainey before the Microscopical Society, and which appeared 
in the ‘ Transactions,’ on the subject of this work. In that 
paper Mr. Rainey pointed out the remarkable fact that 
many of the appearances presented by the hard structures of 
animals, and which had been usually referred to cell-deve- 
lopment, were really produced by the physical laws which 
govern the aggregation of certain salts when exposed to the 
action of vegetable and animal substances im a state of solu- 
tion. The paper to which we allude succeeded one which 
he had previously published in the ‘ British and Foreign 
Medico-Chirurgical Review,’ and the present work consists 
of the observations contamed in these two papers, with 
much new matter, both physical and anatomical. We need 
not repeat or discuss here Mr. Rainey’s views, but we give 
an extract from his Preface : 
* What in this treatise I consider to have entirely originated with myself, 
are—First, a process by which carbonate of lime can be made to assume 
a globular form, and the explanation of the nature of the process, ‘ mole- 
cular coalescence,’ by which that form is produced. Secondly, the explana- 
tion of the probable cause of erystallization, and the manner in which the 
rectilinear form of crystals is effected. Thirdly, the discovery of a process 
of ‘molecular disintegration’ of the globules of carbonate of lime by invert- 
ing the mechanical conditions upon which their previous globular form had 
depended. Fourthly, the recognition, in animal tissues, of forms of earthy 
matter analogous to those produced artificially. And fifthly, the deduction 
from the above fact, and considerations of the dependence of the rounded 
forms of organized bodies on physical and not on vital agencies. Being 
anxious to present the results of my experiments and observations to the 
public in as demonstrable a form as possible, I have, for the convenience of 
those who wish to repeat and to extend them, given in detail all my pro- 
cesses and formule ; and in the Physiological Section of this work I have 
indicated the animals and parts best fitted for displaying the facts here de- 
scribed, with the best way of preparing them for microscopical examination. 
And in conclusion I may add, that I shall be glad to show, to such as are 
interested in the subject, those preparations in my possession which have 
been frequently referred to in the body of this work.” (Pp. vi, vii.) 
The importance and interest of this subject can hardly be 
over-rated. Mr. Raimey’s conclusions are directly opposed 
to the views of many of our most distinguished histologists, 
and they demand further investigation. The subject is one 
