200 NOTICES OF THE MEETINGS [May 14, 
burnum and cambium being cut across, it at once diverged laterally. 
There was nothing to indicate a vertical descent, but, on the contrary 
the current by endosmose took the directions indicated by circum- 
stances. When also we consider the phenomena exhibited by cut- 
tings of plants turned upside downwards, they indicate diffusion, 
according to the physical laws which have been considered, rather 
than such movements as have been so long attributed to currents of 
sap. If these facts be coupled with the proofs that may be given 
that the upward and downward channels so often taken for granted 
by vegetable physiologists have no ostensible existence, it must be 
allowed that the old theories, however fascinating, must give way, 
and the movements of the nutrient fluids be interpreted on sound 
principles. We shall be safe in speaking of the diffusion of these 
fluids as taking place according to the laws which have been demon- 
strated, and which must be considered as prevailing, not only as we 
know they do, in amorphous cellular masses, but in regularly or- 
ganized structures. 
The speaker concluded by apologizing for bringing this subject 
forward before such an audience, but his design was to excite 
to inquiry into the phenomena alluded to as amongst the most 
interesting that could occupy the attention. In the course of the 
evening there were also cited some experiments by the speaker on 
parts of plants in active growth with ozonometric tests, which mani- 
fested such actions as would consist with the idea that either 
ozone, or oxygen tending to act like ozone, was in some manner 
present at the places tested. If so, these phenomena might tend to 
throw new and important light on the chemistry of vegetable life. 
[E. S.] 
In the Library were exhibited : — 
Casts of the Venus de Medicis, Venus of Melos, Apollo Belvedere, 
Laocoon, Dying Gladiator, Head of Jupiter, (reduced by Machinery). 
[Exhibited by R. Westmacott, Esq. ] 
The Theseus and Ilyssus, — Machine Sculpture, by Mr. Cheverton. 
Bourdon’s Metallic Barometer and Steam-Gauge, with enlarged 
models. [Exhibited by Mr. Dewrance.] 
Model of Appold’s Self-regulating Friction-break,— Labour-Machine 
for Prisons. [Exhibited by J. G. Appold, Esq., M.R.I.] 
A New Instrument for Drawing Ellipses, by Dr. Roxburgh, M.R.I. 
Crystals of Sulphate of Quinidin; and Specimens of Cast Iron, 
Ancient and Modern. [Exhibited by T. N. R. Morson, Esq., 
M.R.1.] 
Photograph Portrait of Biot by M. Regnault. [Exhibited by Mr. 
Faraday. ] 
