Wernerian Natural History Society. 521 
ternally, and by the application to this externally of cement, formed 
by the follicle of the socket, which, although wounded, was proved 
by specimens to be able occasionally to perform its function,—a task 
which is generally completed by the advance of the hole opposite 
another portion of the membrane. When the hole is not completely 
closed, the attempt to accomplish it is exhibited in the protrusion of 
portions of ossified pulp, and in the rounded and tubercular appear- 
ance of the perforated cement. It was also stated that fractures of 
the enclosed portion of the tusk are healed by the same process, 
without any reproduction of true ivory, and that after all severe 
wounds the growth of the organ is stunted, so that the portion 
formed after the injury is of diminished diameter. From the whole 
investigation of the subject, Mr. Goodsir concluded that doubts 
might be removed and contradictory opinions reconciled by bearing 
in mind the following facts: 1. that atusk is an endogenous as well 
as an exogenous organ; 2. that the pulp ossifies round foreign 
bodies ; and, 3. that the membrane of the follicle plays an important 
part in all wounds of the tusk through the socket. 
Professor Traill communicated an analysis of the Berg Meal, from 
Umea, Lapmark. It was discovered about 100 miles west of Umea, 
and being subjected to various tests, was found to be composed of 
22 organic matter, combustible. 
71°13 silica. 
5°31 alumina. 
0°15 oxide of iron. 
98°59 
Loss. 
a 100° 
When subjected to a high magnifying power, it was found to exhibit 
imperfect fragments of Ehrenberg’s Infusoria; and sume portions of 
it examined in a similar manner by Dr. Greville, confirmed Dr. Traill’s 
opinion of an animal origin; while at the same time he discovered a 
few forms of those minute Algz which contain silex. 
WERNERIAN NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. 
November 14, 1840.—The following Gentlemen were elected the 
Office-Bearers for the ensuing year :— 
President, Robert Jameson, Esq., F.R.SS.L. & E., Prof. of Nat. 
Hist. in the University of Edinburgh. 
Vice-Presidents, Dr. Walter Adam; Dr. T. S. Traill, F.R.S.E. ; 
W.A. Cadell, Esq, F.R.SS.L. & E.; Dr. Robert Hamilton, F.R.S.E. 
Secretary, Dr. Pat. Neill, F.R.S.E.— Assistant Secretary, T. J. 
Torrie, Esq., F.R.S.E.—Treasurer, A. G. Ellis, Esq.—Librarian, 
James Wilson, Esq., F.R.S.E.— Assistant Librarian, R. J. H. Cun- 
ningham, Esq.—Painter, P. Syme, Esq.— Assistant, W. H. Towns- 
end, Esq. 
Council, Dr. Robert Graham, F.R.S.E.; Sir William Newbigging, 
F.R.S.E.; David Falconar, Esq.; Dr. Robert Paterson; Edward Forbes, 
