Tue Microscope. 4T 
Tue Corpse PLant.—Every one familiar with our northern 
woods has seen the curious Indian Pipe or Corpse plant, Mono- 
tropa uniflora. It has acquired the latter of its two common 
names from its whiteness, stem, leaves, and floral envelopes, 
all being colorless and entirely destitute of chlorophyll. It 
has heretofore been regarded either as a parasite or saprophyte, 
but from the investigations which Kamienski has given to the 
European form, Monotropa hypopitys, it seems probable that 
both of these views are incorrect. The roots were examined 
and found not to possess the peculiar hausteria or sucking 
organs of parasites. Moreover, it was ascertained that the root 
cells which were in contact with the soil were dead and incapa- 
ble of absorbing nutriment from it. But closely adhering to 
and enveloping the roots was found the mycelium of a fungus. 
This branches freely and forms a pseudo parenchymatous 
envelope often two or three times the thickness of the epider- 
mis itself and is best developed at the apex of the root. This 
mycelium does not penetrate into the living cells, though 
occasionally its branches pass between them. It cannot there- 
fore be properly regarded as a parasite on the plant. This 
fungus he finds is invariably present and is necessary to the 
life of the Monotropa, and he believes the plant derives its 
nourishment from the soil through the medium of the fungus 
mycelium. He regards it as an instance of symbiosis, such as 
commonly occurs among low forms of animal life. 
Tue Stupents’ Manuat or Histronocy.—* This is a very 
excellently illustrated manual. Dr. Stowell has certainly writ- 
ten a very good book. It is couched in simple, intelligible 
language, and is an excellent exposition of the position of 
histology to-day.”— Med. and Surg. Reporter. 
“This volume is replete with information, and alike ac- 
ceptable to both student and practitioner. In general arrange- 
ment it is admirable. It is clear and explicit in its descriptions 
and is filled with interesting points of technique.”—Albany 
Medical Annals. 
“Prof, Stowell is certainly master of his chosen branch 
and the profession is greatly indebted to him for this work.”— 
Mo. Med. Journal. 
