436 Chronicles of Science. [July, 
drying is of especial interest. It may be remarked, that generally, 
while vegetable matters are distinguished by their great brittleness 
in the dry state, those of animal origin are characterized by a remark- 
able toughness, which reaches its highest degree in the fibrous for- 
mations of the skin. The pliability of thick skin dried in ether 
over chloride of calcium is very extraordinary. Other animal pre- 
parations at the same time preserve their original form in the dry 
state, the usual contraction of the parts being thus avoided. The 
whole intestines of a young dog treated in this manner formed a 
remarkable anatomical preparation, in which the delicate structures 
were preserved in the most complete manner upon drymg. The 
lungs and liver, to preserve which vain attempts have hitherto been 
made, formed a light spongy mass, retaining completely their 
organization. It is more than probable that anatomists can make 
use of this process in many cases; as, for instance, in the micros 
scopical examination of the kidneys, pancreas, &c., particularly in 
those which have hitherto required the solidification of the object by 
chromic acid, &c. The use of the ether in a liquid form is fre- 
quently not necessary. The skin of animals, animal membrane, &e., 
readily assume in an atmosphere saturated with the vapour of ether 
containing a suitable strongly hygroscopic substance, a condition 
similar to that of white dressed leather. A like satisfactory result, 
however, is not obtained in the desiccation of inorganic substances, 
oxide of iron, alumina, &c., in artificial media. It is obvious that 
this process may be rendered useful under suitable modifications for 
other purposes. It is a ready method, according to Reischauer, for 
removing acid bodies soluble in ether from their aqueous solutions, 
by putting them into an ethereal liquid with caustic lime or 
potassa. 
In chemical research it is frequently desirable to have the means 
of producing a very low temperature ; but owing to the trouble and 
delay in preparing a freezing mixture, it is seldom employed. Mr. 
Crookes has described a plan by which a very low temperature is 
produced, by forcibly blowing a mixture of air and volatile liquid 
through a fine jet. 
The instrument is the well-known one made by Messrs. Krohne 
Sesemann, for the purpose of producing local anzesthesia in surgical 
operations, and the liquid recommended to be used is perfectly pure 
ether. Two ounces of liquid were put into the four-ounce bottle 
belonging to the instrument; the air was forced im by means of a 
small india-rubber hand-pump, and the jet was about the size of 
that of an ordinary mouth blowpipe. By means of small wires the 
inner orifice of the jet could be contracted at pleasure. 
When the liquid used was ordinary ether from methylated spirit, 
and the distance of the bulb of the thermometer from the jet $ mch 
