88 THE AMERICAN MONTHLY [Apr 
VITAL PHENOMENA.—Houghton (Chicago) has created 
a protoplasmic cell which has many attributes of the ame- 
ba, and says: ‘I succeeded in producing an active proto- 
plasmic mass with distinct nucleus-like centers, which 
showed ameboid movement. It assimilated nutriment, 
gave reaction to analine dyes which organic cells give, had 
a protoplasmic reticulum, showed selective affinity, and 
even made feeble attempts to perpetuate its species. It 
split into four or five cells which had the same qualities 
as the mother-cell. After activity of from 4 hour to 
three weeks, the cells lost their-power and became inert. 
My cells fulfill all the conditions of living cells such as 
ameba, except as to the power of perpetuating the kind. 
I think we shall soon discover this.” 
NEW PUBLICATIONS. 
CaroTip ArTEeRY.—A full-page microphotograph of 
cross-section at the point of closing the cartoid artery is 
published in the Annals of Surgery for April. Dr. Geo. 
Crile of Cleveland made it in some experiments on the 
temporary closure of this artery. 
Bonz Cyst.—Dr. Corson of Savannah, Ga., shows an 
enlarged section of cyst wall in the April A. of S., hae- 
matoxylin and eosin stain, C eye-piece and fin objective. 
Transformation of bone into fibrous tissue is shown. The 
A. of 8. is published by Lippincott at $5 per year, 112 pp. 
n each number. 
SuMMER Birps.—This contains notes by P. M. Silloway 
on birds of Flathead Lake, Montana. It is published by 
the University of Montana at Missoula, Mont. It con- 
tains some nice photogravures of bird’s nests. 
THE Cow PxEa.—Its value dis¢ussed by Experiment 
farm Supt., Southern Pines, N. C. Copies sent free. 63 pp. 
numerous illustrations. 
