1901] MICROSCOPICAL JOURNAL. 43 
containing some of the water, and is allowed to stand for 
a few minutes ; if the water is non-toxic the specimen re- 
mains unchanged. The time in which the change will oc- 
cur varies directly with the amount of toxin present and 
the species of Spirogyra used. In one case it was found 
that reaction took place after diluting the blood with five 
litres of water. In this way it can be determined whether 
the toxicity of the blood has increased or diminished. It 
was repeatedly observed that in testing the blood of pa- 
tients who were convalescing, the time in which the reac- 
tion took place was greatly prolonged; in one case of diph- 
theria, this was noticed after two injections of antitoxin. 
In all cases examined, except those suffering from acute or 
chronic alcoholism and gout and rheumatism, a division 
of the protoplast of the spirogyra took place; in the cases 
of alcoholism, rheumatism and gout, the reaction was not 
the same as that occurring in the other cases, but resem- 
bled that described by Naegeli under the second heading; 
the chlorophyll bands were retracted from the protoplas- 
mic cylinder and changed their general arrangement, and 
the nucleus changed its position and form.” (Am. Jour. 
Med. Scr. 120 : 585.) 
KARYOKINESIS.—In the October number of the Popu- 
lar Science Monthly (57: 664: 1900) there is published 
the retiring address of Sir William Turner as President 
of the British Association. This paper considers the his- 
tory of cytology, especially with reference to the multi- 
plication of cells and karyokinesis. Those who are espe- 
cially interested along this line will find this paper pre- 
senting the sul ject in a most admirable and concise form. 
BusBonic PLAGUE.—In the October number of Popular 
Science Monthly, (57:576. 1900), Dr. Frederick G. Novy 
discusses the Bubonic Plague. This paper deals chiefly 
with historical matters showing how the disease has spread 
to the various jarts of the world at different times. 
