144 
NATURE 
PDs om aa 6, 1906 
in aqueous solution. The chlorine atom in these 
pounds is readily exchanged for the cyanogen group by 
treating with mercury, or, better, cuprous cyanide. An 
account is given of the preparation and properties of several 
nitriles by this method.—Vicianine, a new cyanogenetic 
glucoside contained in vetch seeds: Gabriel Bertrand. 
Full details are given of the method adopted for extract- 
ing the glucoside ‘from the seed. Vicianine contains 3-2 per 
cent. of nitrogen, the whole of which is set free as hydro- 
cyanic acid by the action of emulsin.—Cytological observ- 
ations on the germination of the seeds of Gramineacez : A. 
Guilliermond.—The concentration of chlorophyll and 
assimilating energy: W. Lubimenko.—A disease of 
Abies pectinata, accompanied by a reddening of the leaves : 
L. Mangin and P. Hariot. Several species of fungi 
were found on the infected leaves, and it is not yet clear 
to which of these the disease is due. To settle this point, 
inoculation tests with the various spores isolated will be 
carried out in the Cryptogam garden.—The culture of the 
artificial cell: Stéphane Leduc. Experiments on the 
structures formed by a grain of copper sulphate placed in 
an aqueous solution containing from 2 per cent. to 4 per 
cent. of potassium ferrocyanide, 1 per cent. to 18 per cent. 
of sodium chloride or other salts, and from 1 per cent. to 
4 per cent. of gelatin. The granule becomes surrounded 
by a membrane of copper ferrocyanide, permeable to water 
and certain ions, but impermeable to sugar. It is shown 
that the products of growth of these artificial seeds are 
sensitive to all chemical and physical actions. The growth 
is arrested by numerous poisons, and the direction of 
growth is determined by differences of temperature and 
osmotic pressure.—The action of Eriophyes passerinae on 
the leaves of Giardia hirsuta: C. Gerber.—The réle of 
olefaction in the recognition of ants: H. Piéron.—Experi- 
mental researches on thermal troubles in cases of absolute 
privation of sleep: N. Vaschide. The privation of sleep 
induces a constant and sensible lowering of the body 
temperature. The first physiological effect of sleep is to 
restore the thermal equilibrium of the organism.—The 
physiological véle of the yellow pigment of the macula : 
A. Polack.—Contribution to the study of the hearing of 
fishes: M. Marage. Fishes do not hear vowel sounds 
transmitted in the interior of the liquid, even although 
the energy of the sound is sufficiently great to be re- 
marked by persons regarded as completely deaf.—Experi- 
mental researches on the lesions of the nervous centres 
following on insolation: G. Marinesco. 
DIARY OF SOCIETIES. 
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6. 
Roya Society, at 4.30.—A Comparison of Values of the Magnetic 
Elements deduced from the British Magnetic Survey of 1891 with Recent 
Observation: W. Ellis, F.R.S.—The Theory of the Compositions of 
Numbers, Part ii. : Major P. A. MacMahon, F.R.S.—On the Transpira- 
tion Current in Plants : Prof. H. H. Dixon. —The Theory of Photo- 
graphic Processes, Part iii., The Latent Image and its Destruction: S. E. 
Sheppard and C. E. K. Mees.—The Chemistry of Globulin: W. 
Sutherland. 
CHEMICAL SOCIETY, at 8.30.—The Liquid Volume of a Dissolved Sub- 
stance: J. S. Lumsden.—Some Derivatives of Renzophenone ; Synthesis 
of Substances occurring in Coco-bark (preliminary notice): W. H. 
Perkin, jun., and R. Robinson.—A Synthesis of Terebic, Terpenylic 
and Homoterpenylic Acids: J. L. Simonsen. 
LINNEAN SOCIETY, at 8.—Pafers: A Contribution to the Physiology of the 
Museum Beetle, Anthrenus museorum (Linn.): Prof. A. Ewart.—Note 
on the Origin of the Name Chermes or Kermes: E. R. Burdon.— 
Exhibitions: An Abnormal Specimen of a Dab with Three Eyes: Dr. 
A. T. Masterman.—A Note on Svegesleckia orientalis, Linn.: Rev. H. 
Purefoy FitzGerald. 
InsTITUTION OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS, at 8,—Selection and Testing of 
Materials for Construction of Electric Machinery : Prof. J. Epstein. 
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7. 
Gero ocists’ AssocraTIon, at 8. —The Zones of the White Chalk of the 
English Coast, Part v.: Isle of Wight: Dr. A. W. Rowe. 
A#RONAUTICAL Society, at 8.—The Use of the Kite in Meteorological 
Research: Dr. W. N. Shaw, F.R.S.—The Gordon Bennett International 
Balloon Race: Colonel J. E. Capper.—The Aéroplane Experiments of 
M. Santos Dumont: E. S. Bruce —The Stability of the Conic Shape in 
Kites and Flying Machines: R. M. Balston.—Ex/ibit: A Model of the 
Santos Dumont Aéroplane, made by the President. 
MONDAY, DECEMBER 10. 
Victoria INSTITUTE, at 4.30. —Review. of Prof. Flinders Petrie’s ‘‘ Sinai’ 
The Secretary. 
Royar GEOGRAPHICAL SociETy, at 8.30.—Irrigation in the United States; 
its Geographical and Economical Results : Major John H. Beacom. 
Society oF Arts, at 8.—Artificial Fertilisers; Phosphatic Fertilisers 
A. D. Hall. 
NO. 1936, VOL. 75 | 
com- 
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11. 
ZOOLOGICAL SociETY, at 8.30. 
INSTITUTION OF CiviL ENGINEERS, at 8.—Discussion: The Talla Water- 
supply of the Edinburgh and District Waterworks; Repairing a Lime- 
stone-concrete Aqueduct: and The Yield of Catchment Areas.—Probable 
Paper: Mechanical Considerations inthe Design of High-tension Switch- 
gear: H. W. E. Le Fanu. 
Farapay Society, at 8.—(1) On the ea er of Lead ; (2) Con- 
tributions to the Study of Strong Electrolytes : Dr. A. C.C. Cumming. - 
Storage Batteries and their Electrolytes, Part ii.: R. w. Vicarey. 
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12. 
Society oF Arts, at 8.—Fruit Growing and Protection of Birds: 
H. Hooper. 
Cecil 
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13. 
Rovat Society, at 4.30.—Probable Papers: On the Intensity of Light 
Reflected from Transparent Substances: Prof. R. C. Maclaurin.—Con- 
tributions to our Knowledge of the Poison Plants of Western Australia, 
Part ii., Oxylobiun: parviflorum, Lobine: E. A. Mann and Dr. W. H. 
Ince.—Experiments on the Length of the Kathode Dark Space with 
Varying Current Densities and Pressures in Different Gases: F. W 
Aston.—An Examination of the Lighter Constituents of Air: J. ©. Coates. 
—Further Observations on the Effects produced on Rats by the Trypano- 
somata of Gambia Fever and of Sleeping Sickness: H. G. Plimmer. 
Society or Arts, at 4.30.—The Indian Mohammedans: their Past, 
Present, and Future: A. Yusuf Ali. 
Lonpon INSTITUTION, at 6.—Tadpoles—a Study in Embryology: Drs 
J. W. Jenkinson. 
MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY, at 5.30.—On the Form of the Surfaceofa Search- 
light Reflector: C. S. Jackson.—The Potential Equation and Others 
with Function given on the Boundary: L. F. Richardson.—On the 
Limits of Real Variants: J. Mercer.—The Asymptotic Expansion of 
Integral Functions defined by Generalised Hypergeometric Series: Rev 
E. W. Barnes.—The Diophantine Equation «”~—Ny”=2: Major P. A. 
MacMahon. 
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14. 
, PHYSICAL SOCIETY, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.—Second Annual Exhibition of Elec 
trical, Optical, and other Physical Apparatus. 3 
RovaL "ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, at 5- 2 
{INSTITUTION OF CiviL ENGINEERS, at 3.—Mechanical Improvements in 
the Drainage of the Bedford Level :-A. Carmichael. 
INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS, at 8. 
MALACOLOGICAL Society, at 8.—Description of Latirus (Peristernia) 
Sowerbyz, sp.n.: J. Cosmo Melvill.—On the Anatomy of Tagelus gibbus 
and 7. divisus: H. H. Bloomer.—Descriptions of two New Helicoid 
Forms from German New Guinea: J. H. Ponsonby: 
CONTENTS. PAGE 
Vivisection, By E.H.S.. .. Perm ess hs 1 
Sense-perception in Greek Philosophy | 2 . 122 
Gravitational-Astronomy: ) [eee e.eee ene 123 
Neolithic Man , . : 124 
Our Book Shelf :— 
Wells: *‘In the Days of the Comet ” 124 
Grossmann: ‘‘The Elements of Chemical Engineer- 
mye 125 
Thomas: ‘‘ Crystal Gazing. “Its ‘History and Practice, 
with a Discussion of the Evidence for pee 
Scrying” . 125 
“The History ‘of the Collections contained in the 
Natural History Departments of the British 
Museum,” Vol, ii. . et ikl boro tae 125 
Cecil: ‘‘ Science and Religion ” : 126 
Owens: ‘‘How to Learn on Shore the Rule of the ~ 
Road at Sea.”—Commander H. C, Lockyer, 
RNa: SRSnuDMmEE Soo.5 6 LAD 
Letters to the Editor :— 
Absorption of the Inert Gases by Charcoal.—Sir 
James Dewar, F.R.S. .. 3 126 
Radium, Actinium, and Helium. asi, Ss. Allen . 126 
Mira Ceti.—T. W. Backhouse 3b: sae Gina? ea Ree ee eS 
A Geological History of Devonshire. (Jlustrated.) D2, 
The Uncivilised Child. (Z//ustyated.) Re rime) Sete sete) 
Anniversary Meeting of the Reve Society sar aeeeelao 
Notes mien | notes! bys eae 134 
Our Astronomical ‘Column: — : 
Discovery, ofa Nova <2: .. = th a) eels eee 
Comets 906g {and 19062. |. sre, jeu ecient ee 137 
Observations of Nova Sagittarii. . . + satel seems 7, 
Two Stars with Variable Radial Velocities . . . . 37; 
Graphitic Iron ina Meteorite ...... Sic © 137 
New Variable Stars . Perea oY 
Recent Progress in Magneto- -optics, eas 
By Prof. P. Zeeman . Per nh tets) 
Mineral Resources of the United States rer AC ato) 
University and Educational Intelligence . . . . . 141 
Societiesfand! Academies: 7.) su.me1c) nea 
Diary/of Societies: .. ::5.- .A..dcgum ene tract os ney 
