QUARTERLY CHRONICLE OF MICROSCOPICAL 
SCIENCE. 
Observations on Raphides and other Crystals. By Guorce 
Gutuiver, F.R.S. (Ann. and Mag. of Nat. Hist.,’ Oct., 
1864.)—Prof. Gulliver describes in this paper raphides from 
the Quillaja saponaria, the peculiar form of which, he considers, 
may be used as a very satisfactory test of the genuineness of 
the article sold under this name. In shape the raphides of 
Quillaja closely resemble the prismatic crystals of the 
Iridaceze and some other Monocotyledones. In a species of 
Melastoma, the same persevering observer has found an 
abundance of sphzraphides in the endophleum and meso- 
phlceum, but none in the bark or leaves. In the Mesem- 
bryaceze he has always met with a profusion of raphides, but, 
curiously enough, none are observed in the Crassulacez or 
Cactacee. In three plants examined of the order Nyctagi- 
nace, a large number of raphides were observed; the result, 
however, of an investigation of the Plantagimaceze and 
Amaranthaceze was negative. In Chenopodiacee, Phyto- 
laceaceze, and Polygonacez, the presence or absence of 
raphides seems a matter of great uncertainty and variability. 
On the Anatomy of the Balanophoree, as regards the Charac- 
ters which it furnishes for the Classification of these Plants. 
By M. A. Cuarin. (‘ Comptes Rendus,’ July 11th, 1864.)— 
The valuable investigations of Messrs. Weddell, I. D. 
Hooker, Griffith, and Hoffmeister, on the seed of these 
plants, show that its embryo is formed only by a homoge- 
neous cellular mass, like the spores of Cryptogamic plants—a 
simplicity of organization which has led to the RKhizanths 
being regarded as degraded plants, forming a peculiar group, 
between Cryptogamia and Phanerogamia. The observations 
of M. Chatin do not favour this opinion; he would rather 
assign the Rhizanths a place between the Monocotyledones 
and Dicotyledones, more closely approaching the former by 
their peculiar structure, and the latter by their affinity to 
certain orders. It is more particularly by the structure of 
VOL. V.—NEW SER, D 
