112 Scientific Intelligence. 
that it is a necessary consequence of the chemical processes of nutri- 
tion. Prof. Matteucci particularly wished to prove that the develop- 
e musc 
— 
which circulate either in the muscular mass, or in the nerves. It is . 
only by a particular arrangement of the experiment that we succeed 
in obtaining a muscular current. Further, all experiments contradict 
the opinion of an electrical current existing in the nerves. M. Matteucci 
proved that the current said to be proper to the frog, is, on the con- 
trary, a general phenomenon which exists in all the muscles that have 
tendinous extremities unequally distributed, and that this current sup- 
d to be peculiar to the frog, is only a particular instance of mus- 
cular current. 
In the second place, the Professor laid before the Section his last re- 
searches ‘ On Electrical Fishes.—He showed that the laws of the elec- 
trical shock of these animals, are a necessary consequence of the de- 
velopment of electricity which is produced in each cell of the electri- 
cal organ under the influence of the nervous power. 
_ In the third place, Prof. Matteucci showed the relation which exists 
between the Electrical Curfent and Nervous Power. He proved that 
muscular contraction is always produced by a phenomenon analogous 
to the electrical spark, and that the electrical current does but modify 
the nervous excitability. On these facts, Prof. Matteucci establishes a 
| powers. 
11. Notices of the Progress of Experiments on the Influence of Light 
. T, (Proc. of Brit. Assoc., Sept., 
1846, from the Atheneum, Sept. 19.)—The experiments described in 
former communications to the Association, had all been confirmed by 
ra 
was such that seeds germinated at a depth below the soil, under the in- 
fluence of concentrated actinic force, acting on the surface, at which 
they would not have germinated under the natural conditions. The 
leaves being developed, the action of the luminous rays then became 
necessary to effect the decomposition of carbonic acid and the deposi- 
tion of woody fibre within the plant. Under the joint influence of light 
and actinism the plant arrived at maturity, and then the calorific, of 
heat-producing rays were brought more fully into aetion to produce t 
ripening of fruit and the development of seed. ume. 
12. On the Results of an extensive series of Magnetic Investigation, 
including most of the known varieties of Steel; by W. Perris, (Proe. 
Brit. Assoc., from the Athen., Sept. 26, 1846.) — - 
Process of manufacture to produce permanent magnets, having the 
ity capacity conjointly secured.—1. The original iron 
should be the purest soft iron, charcoal made (not coke); the Swedish, 
