f Astrononvy. 277 
8. I have tried the two pancreatic ducts of dogs, and in the rabbit, 
the single pancreatic duct which opens very low into the intestine 
After this operation, the chyliferous system of the dogs and rabbits 
which were fed intentionally with fatty matters, contained no fat, whilst 
the intestine was filled with fatty matters not emulsionate 
ie is function of the pancreas, now for the first time ascertained, 
proves that they have no relation to the salivary glands, and ae the 
Fim abdominal salivary fae: is altogether inappropriat 
; 2. Sponge, (L’Institut, No. 751, May 24, 1848.)—Ac rane ty 
recent “pas Hvationa of M. Lau rut the reproductive bodies of two 
| species of marine sponge, the Spongia usitatissima and S. bacinulosa 
are contained in the cellules of the fleshy parenchyma. These are 
regarded by him as oviform bodies and not ciliated gemmules, as de- 
scribed by Mr. Grant in his researches on several species of marine 
sponges, These oviform bodies or simple ovules, consist of a single 
germinative substance enclosed in a more or less dense envelop. The 
n 
are favorably situated for such investigati The sponges examined 
’ are those with a horny texture throughout, “a called Ceratopongia, to 
. 
distinguish them from those c alcareous spicula (Caleipongia) 
nd those with siliceous spicula (Sitcippiigia.) M. Lallem sug- 
gested that the term spore applies best to such ovules as M. caused 
describes. The latter then cited in support of his opinion the results 
and fre 
are completely agamous) are still transformed into embryonnary bodies, , 
which become distinct isolated individuals, whose development from 
birth to their death he had described and figured. 
/ 
IV. Asrronomy. 
1. Neptune ; by Szars C. Waker, (in . letter to the editors dated 
“A idge, Mass., Aug. 17, 1848.)—In the Ephemeris of Neptune 
computed for early distribution m the Siisthiohian oneness [ omit- 
ted to mention that the date there given is for the true place of the 
Pie and that for epperae with direct ly ih the aberration 
st be added to that date. I subjoin a table of Neptune’s aber- 
Ro time, for the term of the Ephemeris, in parts of a day. A small. 
term used in computing the planet’s place as a fixed star referred to the 
mean equinox, was retained in the Ephemeris. This should have been 
. ie ae: hy ee is ae appended. It is to be applied according to 
pheme laces. These omissions are of no im 
taes in ae the lasek by the Ephemeris; they amount on the av- 
erage to only seven seconds of space. They should be applied how- 
ever in comparisons of thensy with observations. I subjoin three re- 
cent meridian observations of gee made by Mr. Rumker, the Di- 
rector of the Hamburg Observat hey were communicated to me 
by Prof. Peirce through his Ben ca mes Be Benen Apthorp Gould. 
Seconn Srnies, Vol. VI, No. 17.—Sept., 1848. 
