Marcu 21, 1907] 
NATURE 
493 
the figures of the head he gives (one of which is here 
reproduced), are likewise of very great interest to 
naturalists, for they seem to indicate that the 
Ceylonese animal is a distinct local race of Bos 
bubalis. After stating that the horns are smaller 
and less regular in form than those of the buffalo of 
the Indian mainland, Mr. Storey observes that 
“In India they seem almost all to curve boldly out- 
ward and upwards, finally curving in towards each 
other at the points. In Ceylon they are very 
irregular, and usually much shorter, though occasion- 
ally they may be more massive than Indian horns. 
The commonest form are those curving outwards 
and upwards [in] crescent form, but not with the 
bold, almost half-circular, sweep of the Indian 
heads.”’ 
In this place it may be mentioned that as the 
author is not a photographer, he has been com- 
pelled to borrow the admirable photographs © of 
seenery and animals with which the volume is illus- 
trated from friends and brother-sportsmen. To one 
of these we have already alluded; a second, showing 
the most, beautiful of all Ceylonese animals, is re- 
produced as an example of the general excellence of 
the pictures. ; 
Like all the big-game animals of the island, the 
chital is specifically the same as its Indian repre- 
sentative. The very fact that tigers are unknown 
in the island is, however, itself practically sufficient 
to indicate that all these animals are racially distinct 
from the mainland forms. j 
Although big-game animals naturally form the 
main theme, the author has something to say re- 
garding smaller game, and likewise gives much in- 
formation with regard to the physical characters 
and scenery of the country; while the requirements 
of novices contemplating a sporting trip are not for- 
gotten. Although confessedly written from the point 
of view of the sportsman rather than naturalist, 
Mr. Storey’s volume contains much which appeals to 
both classes, while it may likewise be commended as 
a delightful description of a tropical country to the 
general reader. ; 
DP MORALE OF MM. M. BERTHELOT. 
HE tragic death of M. Marcellin Berthelot on 
Monday has awakened a feeling of sympathetic 
sorrow throughout the intellectual world. As a 
chemist, philosopher, a fearless exponent of scientific 
truth, and permanent secretary of the Paris Academy 
of Sciences, M. Berthelot’s work and influence made 
him renowned among the greatest men of our time. 
The French nation has to mourn the loss of one of 
its leading citizens, and its sorrow is shared wherever 
knowledge and research are cherished. 
Several conflicting accounts of the dramatic circum- 
stances of M. Berthelot’s death appeared in Tuesday’s 
papers. One report states that he expired clasping 
the hand of his wife, who had been ill for a year and 
had crossed the darl river a few minutes before. 
According to another account, M. Berthelot was 
sitting in his study when the news of his wife’s 
death was brought to him by a nurse, and he fell 
back in his chair dead. The Times. correspondent 
states that when M. Berthelot entered his wife’s room 
on Monday he found her dead, and the shoclx was so 
reat that he returned to his study and there died 
suddenly himself. 4 
France knows how to honour its illustrious men, 
so it is not surprising to learn that at the opening 
of Tuesday’s sitting the French Government pro- 
posed to grant a credit of Sool. for a national funeral 
for M. Berthelot, and to adjourn the sitting as a sign 
NO. 1951, VOL. 75] 
A similar expression of sympathy took 
of mourning. \ 1 
Senate, and the Academy of Medicine 
place in the 
likewise adjourned its sitting. We learn from the 
Times that there will be no religious service in 
honour of the dead. The national civil funeral has 
been accepted by the family on the understanding 
that Mme. Berthelot should not be separated from 
her husband, who could not live after her. 
We propose to give an account of M. Berthelot’s 
life and work in another issue, and here limit our- 
selves to the expression of deep regret at his sad 
death, and of satisfaction that the French nation has 
so clearly shown its high regard for the great man 
it has just lost. 
NOTES: 
has donation of 
(Rothamsted 
Tir Goldsmiths’ made a 
10,0001. to the 
Experimental Station) to be devoted to research in connec- 
Company 
Lawes Agricultural ‘Trust 
tion with the soii, and to be known as the Goldsmiths’ 
Company's fund for soil investigation. 
Mr. A. Laurexce Roten, the founder and director of 
Blue Hill Meteorological Observatory, has been appointed 
professor of Harvard University. The 
Blue Hill observations and investigations have been pub- 
lished for many years in the Annals of the Harvard College 
metecrology in 
Observatory. 
Ar the annual general meeting of the Chemical Society 
on Friday, March 22, the president, Prof. R. Meldola, 
F.R.S., will deliver an address entitled ‘‘ The Position and 
carch in Great Britain.”’ 
Prospects of Chemical Rese 
Mr W. H. Powrr, GB. F.R.S., medical inspector of 
the Local Government Beard, has been appointed chairman 
of the Royal Commission on Tuberculosis, in succession 
{uy the late Sir Michael Foster. 
Ottawa that on 
Tue Times correspondent at reports 
‘Tuesday a deputation of representative Canadians asked 
for a Federal grant towards the erection of a national 
memorial at Brantford, Ontario, in honour of Dr. 
Alexander Graham Bell, who invented the telephone in 
that city. In reply, Sir Wilfrid Laurier expressed himself 
in hearty sympathy with the movement. 
A MINISTERIAL measure having for its object the amend- 
ment of the Patent Law was introduced in the House of 
Commons on Tuesday. The main purpose of the Bill is 
fo prevent the patent from used for the 
hindrance and suppression of British industrial develop- 
ment. It is proposed to simplify the procedure of com- 
pulsory licence, and instead of the applicant having to go 
before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, as 
at present, he will go, first of all, before the Controller 
and afterwards before a judge specially selected by the 
Lord Chancelicr, who will be habitually dealing with 
This method will tend very considerably to 
laws being 
patent cases. 
shorten the hearing of cases, because they will be dealt 
with by an expert judge. The Bill also provides that any 
applicant can go to the Controller three years after the 
granting of any patent and apply for the revocaticn of 
the patent on the ground that it has not been adequately 
worked within the United Kingdom. In addition to com- 
pulsory working, syndicates are to be enforced to deposit 
samples when the Patent Office requires them to do so, or 
else their application will be refused. 
Tue Geologists’ Association has arranged an excursion 
to Plymouth Thursday, March 28, to Tuesday, 
from 
