384 
NATURE 
[FEBRUARY 18, 1904 
demonstrate the magnetic effect of convection currents. 
This method is free from the experimental difficulties which 
arise from the use of astatic couples, but does not lend itself 
to quantitative measurements.—A new theory of influence 
machines: V. Schaffers.—On the relation which exists 
between sudden variations of the reluctance of a magnetised 
steel bar submitted to traction and the formation of Liiders’s 
lines: L. Fraichet. During the time that new lines are 
being formed on the test piece, the variation of the re- 
luctance is discontinuous, and when the variation of re- 
luctance becomes continuous no new lines are observed.— 
Remarks on the subject of a note on osmosis by M. A. 
Guillemin: A. Ponsot.—On the use of the alternating 
current in electrolysis: André Brechet and Joseph Petit.— 
On the reduction phenomena produced by the action of 
alternating currents: F. Pearce and Ch. Couchet. Ferric 
alum is reduced nearly quantitatively by an alternating 
current when iron electrodes are used; alkaline nitrates are 
reduced to nitrites with electrodes of cadmium and zinc. 
The reduction of other inorganic salts is mentioned, and 
also the production of aniline from nitrobenzene. —The pro- 
duction of the sulphides of phosphorus in the cold: R. 
Boulouch.—Observations relating to the action of heat and 
light on mixtures of phosphorus sesquisulphide and sulphur 
in solution in carbon bisulphide: E. Dervin.—The action 
of carbonic acid upon solutions of sodium nitrite: C. Marie 
and R. Marquis. In opposition to the statements of M. 
Louis Meunier, the authors maintain that nitrous acid is 
set free by the action of carbon dioxide upon a solution of 
sodium nitrite—On the constitution and properties ‘of 
vanadium steels: Léon Guillet.—On the diureides : homo- 
allantoic ether: L. J. Simon.—On the phosphoric esters 
of glycol: P. Carré.—On the nature of starch: L. 
Maquenne.—The biochemical synthesis of olein and some 
esters: Henri Pottevin.—The formation of turpene com- 
pounds in the chlorophyll organs: Eug. Charabot and 
Alex. Hébert.—On the presence of an oxidising-reducing 
diastase in plants: J. E. Abeltous and J. Aloy.—The geo- 
graphical distribution of the marine Bryozoa and the theory 
of bipolarity : L. Calwet.—The influence of temperature on 
the duration of the phases of indirect division: J. Jolly. 
On the assimilation of alcohols and aldehydes by Sterig- 
matocystis nigra: Henri Coupin. Certain alcohols, such 
as ethyl alcohol, glycerol, and mannite can be assimilated by 
the moulds, others (methyl alcohol, glycol) are indifferent, 
whilst a third class (amyl, propyl, butyl) are toxic.—On a 
special function of the mycorhizome of the lateral roots of 
vanilla: H. Jacob de Cerdemoy.—On the stratification 
af the Montagne Noire: J. Bergeron.—Geological obsery- 
ations in the neighbourhood of Thonon-les-Bains: H. 
Douxami.—Palaeoblattina Douvillei—an insect or a trilo- 
bite: M. Agnus. 
DIARY OF SOCIETIES. 
THURSDAY, Fesruary 18. 
Rovat Society, at 4.39.—Further Researches on the Temperature 
Classification of Stars: Sir J. Norman l.ockyer, K.C B, F.R.S.— 
Theory of Amphoteric Electrolytes: Prof. J. Walker. F.R.S.—Note on 
the Formation of Solids at Low Temperatures, particularly with regard to 
Solid Hydr gen: Prof. M. W. Travers.—Atmospherical Radio-activity 
in High Latitudes: G. C. Simpson. 
Royat. Insti uTION, at 5.—Recent Research in Agriculture: A. D. Hall. 
LINNEAN SS at 8.—Mendels Laws as Illustrated by Wheat 
Hybrids: R . Biffen. Heredity and Variation as seen in Prinruda 
sinensis: W. A ateson, F.R.S.—Formation of Secondary Wood in 
A. Boodle. 
FRIDAY, FrReRvARY 109. 
at 9.—Condensation Nuclei: 
Psilotum: L. 
Rovar Instirution 
F.R.S. 
GEOLOGICAL Society, 
C. T. R. Wilson, 
at 8.—Anniversary Meeting. 
INSTITUTION OF MeEcHANICAL ENGINEERS, at 
Meeting; followed ‘by Discussion on 
Motion of Gases in Pipes 
8.—Annual G=neral 
Heat Treatment of Steel.—The 
and the Use of Gauges to Determine the 
Delivery: R. Threlfall, F.R.S 
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SociEry, at 8.30.—The Etiology of Scurvy: Dr. Myer 
Coplans. 
SATURDAY, Fepruary 20. 
Royav INsTITUTION, at 5.—The Life and Work of Stokes: Lord Rayleigh. 
MONDAY, Ferrvary 22. 
Society oF Arts, at 8.—Modern Book Printing : Charles T. Jacobi. 
Society or CHemicaL INpbusTrRy, at §8.—Duty Free Alcohol : Thomas 
T. ‘Tyrer. 
NO. 1790, VOL. 69| 
RovyaL GEOGRAPHICAL Society, at 8.30.—A Pioneer Expedition to 
Angola: Capt. Boyd A. Cuninghame. —A Journey in Northern Uganda : 
Major P. H. G. Powell-Cotton. 
Vicrorta INstiTu" TE, at 4.30.—Observations on the Irrigation of India: 
Charles W. Odling. 
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23. 
Rovat InsTITUTION, at 5.—Japanese Life and Character : 
Foxwell. 
ANTHROPOLOGICAL INSTITUTE, at 8.15.—The Fijians in Peace and War: 
W. L. Allardyce, C.M.G. ‘ 
INST: TUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS, at 8.—The Construction of Railway- 
Wagons in Steel: J. D. Twinberrow.—The Construction of Tron and 
Steel Railway Wagons: A. L. Shackleford.—Iron and Steel Railway- 
Wagons of High Capacity: J. T. Jepson. 
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24. 
Society or Arts, at 8 —Mahogany and ether Fancy Woods available for 
Constructive and Decorative Pu poses’ Frank Tiffany. 
SociETY FOR THE PROTECTION oF kirDs, at 3.—An: ual Meeting. 
GEOLOGICAL Society, at 8.—Eocene and L ste- Formations surrounding 
the Dardanelles: Mieut.-Col. Thomas English, with Anpendices by Dr. 
John Smith Flett, R. Holland, and R. B. Newton.—The Derby Earth- 
quakes of March 24 and May 3, 19¢3: Dr. C. Davison. : 
Seg PA re THURSDAY, FEsruary 25. Wah 
Rovat Society, at 4.30.—Problable Papers: The Electromotive 
Phenomena in Mammalian Non-medullated Nerve: Dr. N. H. Alcock. 
—Further Observations on the Aé/e of the Blood-Fluids in connection 
with Phagocytosis: Ir. A. E. Wright ard Capt. S. R. Douglas.—A 
Contribution to the Fharmacology of Indian Cobra-vencm: Major R. H. 
Elliot. 
Rovat InstituTIon, at 5.—Flectrical Methods of Measuring Tempera- 
ture: Prof. H. L. Callendar, F.R.S. 
IN<TITUTION OF ELECTRICAL FNGINEFRS, 
ing Schools and Engineering: Dr. R. M. Nefalanslesie 
cussion ) 
Prof. E, 
<= =~ er 
at £.—Transatlanric Engineer- 
(Adjcurned Dis- 
FRIDAY, 
Rovat Institution, at 9.—New Developments in Electric Railways: 
Alex. Siemens. 
PHYSICAL SOCIETY, at 5. 
FEBRUARY 26. 
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27. 
Roya Instirution, at 3.—The Life and Work of Stokes: 
Rayleigh. 
InstITU1ION OF CiviL ENGINEERS, at 8.—Boiler-house Design : 
Crawford. 
Lord 
L. G. 
CONTENTS. «=» 
Morphology of the Flowering Plants. By 5 
Appli-ations of Physical Sia ae By Werk. 29362 
School Mathematics .. . 536 5 2 38 
Our Book Shelf :— 
Hill and Webb: ‘‘ Eton Nature suds and Observ- 
ational Lessons”... =... Hubs ate 364 
Juhl : ‘‘Camera-Kunst” | ee 2) ee OF 
Cuming and peconerd ** The Arcadian Calendar.” — 
Rae 364 
Letters to the Editor: 
The Victoria Nya za Jelly Fish —J. E. S. Moore 365 
The Blondlot #-R:ys.—John Butler Burke . . . 365 
Radiations piscine Photographic Reversal. . . 365 
Radium Débris.—John B. Cop sock . . 365 
Phosphorescence of Photographic Plates. —Walter J. 
Clarke . 366 
Hering’s Theory of Heredity, and its Consequences. _ 
Capt. F. W. Hutton, F.R.S.. . 366 
Curious Shadow Eff-cts. (Zlustrated )—_w. Larden; ; 
Pr:f J. M. Pernter; R. T Omond : 369 
Corrections in Nomenclature ; Ci’ing Whale. —I. AS 
Harvie Brown . . Pa z 370 
The Centenary of Kant. By Alfred Earl : 370 
The Formation of Coral Reefs. (/l7vth Diesrams) 
By J. Stanley Gardiner : 371 
Photo-Telephony. By Shelford Bidwell, F.R.S. 373 
Notes : A Bid 374 
Our Astronomical ‘Column: — : 
Ephemeris for the Minor Planet (7), Iris. . . . . . 377 
Observations of Mars during 1903. . . - ..... 377 
A Catalogue of 829 South Polar Stars. . 2... 377 
The Climatology of 1903. 378 
Meridian-circle Observations at the Lick Observatory 378 
M. Blondlot’s z-Ray Experiments ste nat TO 
University and Educational Intelligence .... . 380 
Societies and Academies . ............ 380 
Diaryiof Societiess... .. ..%. . : “eeu sie aE OF: 
