196 



aquiferous system a priori less necessary, in order to explain the 

 great changes of volume of the body of Mollusks. But I believe 

 that, in addition, microscopic examination will show the direct con- 

 tinuity of the genital glands with the lateral orifices placed at the 

 base of the foot in the Lamellibranchiata. 



This communication of the vascular apparatus with the external 

 water, has a very important bearing on the history of the nutritive 

 processes. The physiological conceptions derived from the study 

 of the higher animals are singularly affected by finding creatures 

 which can at will throw out a portion of their blood, or, on the 

 contrary, dilute with water that which is, par excellence, the nutri- 

 tious element. 



This would be sufficient to prove, were it necessary to do so, how 

 wide is the difference between the vital processes of the lower and of 

 the higher animals. 



EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES. 



A. Pleurobranchus aurantiacus, seen in a side view. 



a. Heart. 



b. External orifice of the sanguiferous system, placed before the branchiae 



and above the genital organ. 



B. Enlarged view of the heart, branchial vein, &c. 



a. Auricle. 



b. Ventricle. 



c. External opening through which fluid may be injected into the heart. 



d. Branchial vein laid open at this part to show the internal opening of 



the canal which leads from the external orifice c. 



e. Penis. 



/. Part of the branchial vein, unopened. 



II. " On the Repair of Tendons after their subcutaneous divi- 

 sion." By BERNARD E. BROADHURST, Esq., F.R.C.S. 

 Communicated by T. BLIZARD CURLING, Esq. Received 

 November 4, 1859. 



(Abstract.) 



The results of the experiments which are recorded by the author 

 are divided into three classes, which tend to show 



