Royal Society. 447 
culari-ovatd, intus nigro-marginatd ; columelld brevi, tereti, extus 
reflexd. 
Altit. 8, diam. 5, altit. aperture 3% lin. 
Hab. Panama (found on the rocks, half-tide, Cuming). 
This species differs by its aperture so much from the other species 
of Littorina, and so nearly resembles a Bulimus, that I am very 
doubtful whether it be placed in its right genus, 
ROYAL SOCIETY. 
January 22, 1846.—“ On the Supra-renal, Thymus and Thyroid 
Bodies.” By John Goodsir, Esq. Communicated by Richard Owen, 
Esq., F.R.S. &e. 
n this paper, the author enters on the development of the theory 
he advanced two years ago with regard to the origin and nature of 
the supra-renal, thymus and thyroid bodies, and the correctness of 
which, with certain modifications, he has been enabled to confirm by 
subsequent observation and reflection. His hypothesis was that the 
three organs in question are the remains of the blastoderma; the 
thyroid ee the developement of a portion of the original cellular 
substance of the germinal membrane grouped around the two 
branches of the omphalo-mesenteric vein; the supra-renal capsules, 
the deyelopements of other portions grouped around the omphalo- 
mesenteric arteries; and the thymus, the developement of the inter- 
mediate portion of the membrane arranged along the sides of the 
embryonic visceral cavity, He has since ascertained, however, that 
the thyroid body derives its origin in a portion of the included mem- 
brana intermedia remaining in connexion with anastomosing vessels 
between the first and second aortic arches, or carotid and subclavian 
vessels. He considers these organs as essentially similar in their 
structure, as well as in their origin in continuous portions of the 
blastoderma situated along each side of the spine, and extending 
from the Wolfian bodies to the base of the cranium: the develope- 
ment of the supra-renal capsules having relation to the omphalo- 
mesenteric vessels ; the thymus, to the jugular and cardinal veins and 
ductus Cuvieri ; and the thyroid gland, to the anastomosing branches 
of the first and second aortic arches. The functions of these organs 
he regards as being analogous to those of the blastoderma; with this 
difference, however, that as the blastoderma not only elaborates 
nourishment for the embryo, but absorbs it also from without, that 
is, from the yolk, the developed organs only elaborate the matter 
which has already been absorbed by the other parts, and is now cir- 
culating in the vessels of the more perfect individual. 
Feb.5.—“ On the Secretory Apparatus and Function of the Liver.” 
By C. Handfield Jones, M.D. Communicated by Sir Benjamin C. 
Brodie, Bart., F.R.S. 
The author is led by his researches into the minute structure of 
the liver, to results which confirm the view of Mr. Bowman, in op- 
position to those of Mr. Kiernan on this subject; and particularly 
with regard to the absence of real tubercular ducts from the interior 
of the lobules. He concludes that the secreting process commences 
