1868. | Biology. 531 
cussed the serial homology of the muscles of the fore and hind limb, 
making use, in both cases, of the distribution of the nerves to the 
muscles as an index of homology. 
Dr. Edward Crisp drew attention to “Some Points in the 
Anatomy of the Gorilla,” which led him to regard it ag less 
anthropomorphous than the Chimpanzee; also to the “ Intestinal 
Canal of the Thylacinus,” which he stated was the shortest and 
simplest amongst either Mammals or Birds. 
Professor Cleland answered the question, “Is the Eustachian 
tube open in the act of swallowing?” in the negative: Mr. 
Toynbee had held that it was open; but Dr. Cleland had had an 
opportunity of witnessing its closure during swallowing in a patient 
in whom ulceration had exposed the part to view. 
Physiology was largely represented, if the number of papers 
may be held to furnish an index. Dr. Richardson read a “ Report 
on the Physiological Action of the Methyl Series.” The object of 
his researches during the year had been to bring into actual prac- 
tice some of the substances, the physiological action of which he 
had ascertained, and on which he had previously reported ; secondly, 
to examine more carefully the mode of action of those bodies of 
the series (anesthetics) which produce sleep and insensibility to 
pain; thirdly, to investigate the action of some other bodies of the 
series previously unstudied; and fourthly, to test the antidotal 
influence of some of the substances against the action of certain 
alkaloidal poisons. LBichloride of Methylene had been introduced 
as an anesthetic ; nitrate of amyl was used to relieve the spasm of 
angina pectoris ; and iodide of methyl promised to be useful in the 
cure of cancer. The iodides of ethyl and methyl and their nitrites 
had been found to be efficient antidotes to strychnia and nicotine in 
cases of poisoning, the difficulty was to properly apportion the dose. 
In one case, an animal experimented on had completely recovered. 
Dr. Richardson also related experiments “On the Action of 
Extreme Cold on the Nervous Function,” from which it appeared 
that frogs might be so far frozen as to become hard and stiff, and 
yet recover by slow thawing. The freezing of parts of the brain in 
birds had also given interesting results. 
The same observer described an attempt at the transmission of 
hght through animals whilst living, which did not appear a very 
hopeful method of obtaining knowledge of their structure. 
Dr. Anstie read a most valuable paper “ On the Influence of 
Alcohol on the Pulse,” in which the importance of the use of the 
sphygmograph was shown. By its means Dr. Anstie had been 
able most clearly to diagnose cases of fever, &c., in which it was 
right, and others in which it was not right, to administer alcohol. 
