188 



REVIEWS. 



After this time the muscle-fibres have assumed a deep red 

 colour, they are then washed in water and mountedin glycerine. 

 Each muscle-fibre treated in the above manner appears under 

 the microscope permeated by innumerable dark (red to 

 black) dots or rods, which at some places are so arranged that 

 the impression of continuous varicose fibrils is produced. 

 Now, Biedermann proves 1, that these dots or rods are not 

 due to isotropous substance, but to a reduction by the gold salt 

 of interfibrillar matter ; 2, that they are in no way connected 

 with the nerve-terminations. These latter Biedermann de- 

 scribes in accordance with Kiihne and contrary to Gerlach, 

 who maintains that there exists an intravaginal nerve-net- 

 work. Biedermann ascertained these facts while examining 

 the muscle-fibres of vertebrata, insects, and Crustacea ; in the 

 thorax-muscles of Hymenoptera, and especially in those of 

 Bombus, the interfibrillar substance, on account of its great 

 amount, is particularly easily observed. 



REVIEWS. 



1. Compendium of Histology ; twenty -four lectures. By Pro- 



fessor Heineich Fbey. Translated by Geoege R. Cut- 

 tee, M.D. London : Smith, Elder and Co. 



2. A Course of Practical Histology. By E. A. Schafee, Assis- 



tant-Professor in University College, London. Same 

 publishers. 



3. A Course of Elementary Practical Physiology. By M, 



PosTEE, M.D., P.B.S., Pellow of and Praelector in Physio- 

 logy in Trinity College, Cambridge ; assisted by J. N. 

 Langlet, B.A. Macmillan and Co. 



The English student of the minute anatomy of animals has no 

 reason to complain at the present day of a want of manuals, 

 guides, and handbooks, from which he may make a choice at the 

 commencement of his studies. So far as precise directions can be 

 given in printed pages, he may find all that he need know in order 

 to develop into an accomplished histologist, in the " practical 

 course " of Professor Schafer, supplementing what he will 

 there find as to methods by reference to descriptive treatises 

 such as Quain's * Anatomy,' where the objects to be seen 



