432 
NATURE 
| FEBRUARY 28, 1907 
Transformations in the organism and elimination of formic 
acid and the formates: C. Fleig. In the intestines the 
formates can be converted into carbon dioxide, hydrogen, 
and a carbonate, chiefly by microbial action. In the veins 
there is probably an oxidation of a diastatic nature.—The 
brusque character of the activation of the pancreatic secre- 
tion by calcium salts: C. Delezenne.—Viviparous 
Diptera of the family of the Muscidae, with larvae some- 
times parasitic, sometimes vegetarian: J. Kuinckel 
@’Herculais.—Hlistolysis, without phagocytosis, of the 
vibratory muscles of flight in queen ants: Charles Janet. 
—The fructification of pathogenic fungi in the interior 
of human tissues: Charles Nicolle and M. Pinoy.— 
Fundamental differences in the mechanism and evolution 
of resistance to infection according to the 
methods utilised: MM. Charrin and Lévy-Franckel. 
From experiments on rabbits it is concluded that anti- 
diphtheric serum behaves as a drug, the effects of which 
pass off, as it only acts during the time of its presence, 
the organism remaining inert. The toxin, on the contrary, 
a reaction on the part of the tissues, which, once 
set up, confers a new property on the cells which is more 
durable.—Researches on the transplantation of nerve 
gsanglions: G. Marinesco and M. Goldstein.—Studies 
on the mechanism of the destruction of nerve-cells in old 
age and the pathological states: M. Manouélian. From 
the experiments given in detail the author concludes that 
in old age, as in pathological states, the nerve-cell under- 
goes similar changes. In the normal state the satellite 
cells play an important function in the ordinary working 
of the nerve-cell, but in old age these satellite cells exhibit 
a remarkable vitality; they multiply, attack the nerve-cell, 
penetrate its interior, and destroy it.—The different modes 
of volcanic activity in the chain of the Puys: Ph. 
Glangeaud.—The sea _ floor between Madagascar, 
Réunion, and Mauritius: J. Thoulet. 
of the increase 
causes 
DIARY OF SOCIETIES. 
THURSDAY, Fesruary 28. 
Rovat Sociery, at 4.30.— On the Dispersion in Artificial Double Refrac- 
tion: Dr. L. N. G. Filon.—The Occlusion of the Residual Gas by the Glass 
Walls of Vacuum Tubes: A. A- Campbell Swinton.—The Theory of 
Correlation for any Number of Variables, treated by a New System of 
Notation: G. Udny Yule. 
FRIDAY. 
INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS, at 8.—Discussion con- 
tinued by Sir William H. White, K.C.B., on the Eighth Report to the 
Alloys Research Committee : on the Properties of Alloys of Aluminium 
and Copper: Prof. H. C. H. Carpenter and C. A. Edwards. (Prof. 
Carpenter will reply to the Discussion.) 
GEoLocists’ AssociaTIoNn, at 8.—A Geologist's Impressions of Mexico: 
M. M. Allorge. 
SATURDAY, Marcu 2. 
Roya Iwstirution, at t 3: —Réntgen, Kathode, and Positive Rays: 
J. J. Thomson, F. RS 
Makcu =. 
: Prof. 
 MONDA Y, Marcu 4. 
Vicrorta INSTITUTE, at 4.30.—Orissa; its History and People: 
Odling. 
Soctery oF CuHemicaLt InpusTRY, at 8.—Exhibition of a Gas Calori- 
meter: Prof. C. V. Boys, F.R.S.—Four Years’ Experience in Metering 
Producer Gas, and continuously recording its Calorific Power: Prof. 
R. Threlfall, F.R.S. 
ey A 
Cc. W. 
TUESDAY, Marcu 5. 
Roya. INSTITUTION, at 3.—The Visual Apparatus of Man and Animals: 
Prof. William Stirling. 
Society oF Arts, at 4.30.—British Malaya: Sir W. H. Treacher, 
K.C.M.G. 
INSTITUTION OF CIivIL ENGINEERS, at 8.—Continued discussion :—On the 
Limits of Thermal Efficiency in Internal-Combustion Motors: Dugald 
Clerk.—Pafer:—TVhe Construction of Overhead Electric Transmission 
Lines: A. P. Trotter. 
ZOCLOGICAL SOCIETY, at 8.30. 
WEDNESDAY, Marcu 6. 
Society oF ArTs, at 8.—The Discovery of the South-eastern Coalfield: 
Prof. W. Boyd Dawkins, F.R.S. 
ENTOMOLOGICAL SociETy, at 8.—The Life-History of Tetropium gabrieli, 
Weise: Rev. G. A. Crawshay. —Revision of the “Chelisochide and 
Forficulidz : Malcolm Burr.—Descriptions of some New Butterflies from 
Tropical Africa: Hamilton H. Druce. 
Society or PusLic ANALYSTS, at 8.—The Disposition and Analyses of 
Sewage Matters deposited on Superposed Surfaces: W. J. Dibdin.— 
The Composition of Milk: H. Droop Richmond.—Preservatives in Milk 
and Milk Products, (1) The Souring of Milk and the Effect of Preserva- 
tives thereon : (2) Notes on the Detection and Estimation of Preserva~ 
tives: H. Droop Richmond and E. H. Miller. 
NO. 1948, VOL. 75 | 
THURSDAY, Marcu 7. 
Roya Society, at 4.30.—Probable Papers :—Experiments with Vacuum 
Gold-Leaf Electroscopes on the Mechanical Temperature Effects in 
Rarefied Gases: Dr. J. T. Bottomley, F.R.S., and F. A. King.—On the 
Resistance of Air: A. Mallock, F.R.S.—Electric Furnace Reactions 
under High Gaseous Pressures: R. S, Hutton and J. E. Petavel. 
CHEMICAL SOCIETY, at 8.30.—The Constitution of Chaulmoogric and 
Hydnocarpic Acids: M. Barrowcliff and F. B, Power.—Volume 
Changes which accompany Transformations in the System NagSeQs, 
5H»2O: H. M. Dawson and C. G. Jackson. 
AERONAUTICAL SOcIETY, at 8.—Wings v. Screws: Colonel J. D. Fullerton, 
R.E.—The Free Lever in the Flying Machine: Herr Karl Milla.— 
Theory of Sailing Flight : José Weiss. 
INSTITUTION OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS, at 8.——The Transmission 
of Electrical Energy by Direct Current on the Series System: J. S. 
HiSbfield. 
LINNEAN Society, at 8.—On the Development of the Frog: Miss N. F. 
Layard.—Biscayan Plankton, Decapoda: S. B. Kemp.—A Special Point 
in the Colour Adjustment of Chamzleon: Prof. E. B. Poulton, F.R.S.— 
New Channel Island Plants : G. Claridge Druce.—Z rhibitions : Speci- 
mens of Witella ornithopoda, A.Br.: H.and J. Groves.—(1) Probate of 
the Will of Richard Anthony Salisbury; (2) Manuscripts of Dr. W. J 
Burchell : Prof. E. B. Poulton, F.R.S. 
Civit anp MECHANICAL ENGINEERS’ SOCIETY, at 8.—Types of Enclosed 
Steam Water Heaters: C. R. Allensby. 
FRIDAY, Marcu 8. 
Rovav [NSTITUTION, at 9.—Certain Seasonal Diseases of the Sheep, and 
the Means of Preventing Them: Prof. D. J. Hamilton. 
PuysicaL Society, at §.—The Rate of Recovery of Residual Charge in 
Electric Condensers: Prof. Vrouton and Mr. Russ.—Experimental 
Mathematics: Mr. Pichon.—An Instrument to describe Families of 
Equiangular Spirals: Mr. Blakesley.—A Micromanometer : Mr. Roberts. 
INSTITUTION OF CiviL ENGINEERS, at 8.—Corrugations on Tram-Rails; 
A. T. Amal. 
MALACOLOGICAL SociETy, at 8.—On the Non-Marine Mollusca of the 
Mylne Collection: A. S. Kennard and B. B. Woodward.—Notes on 
Holocene Mollusca from Ightham: A. S. Kennard and B. B. Wood- 
ward.—Descriptions fof Four New Species of Melania from New Ireland 
and Ke-lan-tan: H. B. Preston.—On the Arms of the Belemnite: G. C. 
Crick. 
SATURDAY, Marcu 9. 
Roya INSTITUTION, at 3.—Ré6ntgen, Kathode, and Positive Rays: 
J. J. Thomson, F.R.S. 
Prof. 
CONTENTS. PAGE 
School Mathematics . 5 409 
The Zoologist and Sportsm an in British Columbia. 
By GS Woolies pe ve tistics cs hysecteu OmNe a k= 
ABookonClays.... PN 5. ST ee le 
The AEtiology of Leprosy sida yoitre ORO alo k=) Aipale eee 
Our Book Shelf :— 
Lusk: ‘‘The Elements of the Science of Nutri- 
tion.” —W. D. H. 4 413 
Morgan : , Physical Chemistry for Electrical En- 
gineers.”,—H. M.D. . 413 
comne Technical oles Set of. Mathematical Instru- 
ments” . 413 
Fiedler and Sandbach: ‘‘A Second German Course 
for Science StudentSiai. ma) mem eee) eee o rene 413 
Letters to the Editor:— 
One Vote, One Value.—Dr. Francis Galton, F.R.S. 414 
A New Volcanic Island.—Rear-Admiral A. Mostyn 
Field; RaR Ss. + © 414 
The Forest- pig of Central Africa. —_Prof, Henry H. 
Giglioli d 414 
Gambling and Mathematics. —Hugh Richardson ; 
(Cie Vehsy a0. 415 
Some New Methods in Meteorology. —Dr. Charles 
Chrees i RAS sae 415 
Pagan Races of the Malay Peninsula. ” (Llustrated.) 
ByC.G.S._ . ot i ie 
Electric Power in London. F eee ATS 
Prof. Henri Moissan. By Dr. R. S. Hutton . ee oe ein} 
Notes). «. NEOOMO Cd oe da Ze) 
Our Astronomical Column :— 
Astronomical Occurrences in March ...,.... 424 
A New Form of Ccelostat Telescope. 424 
The Recent Large Group of Sun-spots. (Ulustrated.) 425 
The Spectroscopic Binary A Andromede. . . . . . 425 
The Growth of Mlicro-organisms, By Dr. H. 
Charlton Bastian, F.R.S.. . 425 
Properties of Alloys. (Illustrated.) By Prof. H.C. H, 
Carpenterand C. A, Edwards .. 426 
Proposed International Attack on the Sidereal 
Problem. By W.E. Rolston. . . ov atte 
University and Educational Intelligence . ote) *= eS 
Societiesiand'Academies, , <3.) S95 =). wae 429 
DiaryiotiSocieties: «.), yee seein eames 432 
