168 NATURE 
[ DECEMBER 17, 1896 
acid with soda, potash, baryta, lead oxide, and silver oxide ; 
and of the heat of formation of the various hydrates. —Estima- 
tion of phosphorus in the ashes of coal and coke, by M. Louis 
Campredon. It is shown that the whole of the phosphorus 
cannot be extracted from the ash even after a very prolonged 
heating with hydrochloric acid. Fusion with alkaline carbonates 
of the residue left after extraction with acid always gives a 
further amount of phosphate, which is the larger the longer the 
ash has been ignited.—Analysis of commercial copper by the 
electrolytic method, by M. A. Hollard. Details are given of the 
method employed for the exact estimation of the copper in crude 
coppers.—On ozone and the phenomena of phosphorescence, by 
M. Maurice Otto. Most organic substances are capable of 
giving rise to phosphorescence when placed in contact with ozone. 
The luminosity produced with ordinary distilled water is shown 
to be due to the presence of minute quantities of organic matter. 
—On the new bread for military purposes, by M. Balland.—Re- 
searches on the modifications of nutrition in cancerous subjects, 
by MM. Simon Duplay and Savoire. The alkaloidal substance 
isolated by M. Griffiths, in 1894, from cancerous urines, would 
appear to be due to the introduction of foreign micro-organisms ; 
when the cancerous growth is in a part of the body naturally 
aseptic, no such substance can in general be found in the urine. 
An alkaloidal substance, differing in its reactions from that de- 
scribed by Griffiths, was, however, present in one case of sar- 
coma.—On a new method of collecting the venom of serpents, 
by M. Paul Gibier. It has been found that after suitable 
arrangements have been made for holding the snake and collect- 
ing the venom, the serpent refuses to emit a single drop of the 
venom. This difficulty is overcome by stimulating the venom 
glands and neighbouring muscles with a weak alternating cur- 
rent, when, in a few seconds, the glands are completely emptied. 
—Use of the grisometer in the medico-legal examination for 
carbon monoxide, by M. N. Gréhant. The gas is extracted by 
the aid of acetic acid and the mercury pump, and the carbon 
monoxide determined in the gas mixture by means of the 
grisometer.—On the development of some annelids, by M. 
Auguste Michel. —Observations on the rhizoctone of the potato, 
by M. E. Roze.—Destruction of Heterodera Schachtit, by M. 
Willot.—The endomorphic transformations of t.e granitic 
magma of Ariége, in contact with limestones, by M. A. Lacroix. 
— Artificial reproduction of pirssonite, northupite, and gaylussite, 
by M. A. de Schulten.—The Upper Jurassic strata in the neigh- 
bourhood of Angouléme, by M. Ph. Glangeaud. 
DIARY OF SOCIETIES. 
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17. 
Royat Society, at 4.30.—On the Dielectric Constant of Liquid Oxygen 
and Liquid Air: Prof. Fleming, F.R.S., and Prof. Desar, F.R S.—On 
the Effect of Pre sure in the Surrounding Gas on the Temperature of the 
Crater of an Electric Arc: Correction of Results in former Paper: W_E. 
Wilson, F_R.S., and Prof. FitzGerald, F.R 5.—Influence of Alterations 
of Temperature upon the Electroto: ic Currents of Medullated Nerve : Dr. 
Waller, F.R.S.— Subjective Colour Phenomena attending Sudden Changes 
of Illumination : S Bidwell, F.R.S.—On_ the Occurrence of Gallium in 
the Clay-Ironstone of the Cleveland District of Yorkshire : Prof. Hartley, 
F.R.S., and H. Ramage.—On some Recent Investigations in Connection 
with the Electro Deposition of Metals: J C. Graham. 
Linnean Society, at 8.—On the Chalcididze of the Island of Grenada : 
Dr. L. O. Howard.—On the Development of the Ovule of Christisonia, 
a Genus of the Orobanchee : W. C. Worsdell. 
Cuemicat Society, at 8.—On the Experimental Methods employ ed in the 
Examination of the Products of Starch-hydrolysis; on the Specific 
Rotation of Maltose and of Soluble Starch ; on the Relation of the Specific 
Rotatory and Cupric-reducing Powers of Starch- -hydrolysis by Diastase : 
Horace T. Brown, F.R.S., Dr. G. H. Morris, and W. H. Millar. 
Roya STATISTICAL SOCIETY, 
at 5.30. 
FRIDAY, 
EpipEMIOLOGICAL SOCIETY, at 8. 
DECEMBER 18. 
INSTITUTION OF CiviL ENGINEERS, at 8.—Wells, and Well-Sinking : John 
W. Kitchin. 
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20. 
Sunpay LecTurRE SocIETY, at 4.—Creatures of Other Days: 
Hutchinson. 
Rev. H. N. 
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22. 
Roya. InstiruTion.—Use of Liquid Air in Scientific Research (before 
H.R.H. the Prince of Wales): Prof. Dewar, F.R.S. 
InsTITUTION OF CrivIL ENGINEERS, at 8.—Steel Skeleton Construction in 
Chicago: E. C. Shankland. 
1416, VOL. 55 | 
BOOKS, PAMPHLETS, and SERIALS RECEIVED. 
300KsS.—Alterations of Personality ; A. Binet, translated by H. G. Bald- 
win (Chapman) —The Cell in Development and Inheritance: Dr E. B. 
Wilson (Macmillan).—Second Annual General Report upon the Mineral 
Industry pf ths United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland for the Year 
1895: Dr. le Neve Foster (Eyre and Spottiswoode).—light as the In- 
eeition of the Law of Gravity: A. M. Cameron (Sydney, Angus and 
Robertson).—London University Guide and University Correspondence 
College Calendar, 1895-7 (Clive).—Hygiene for Beginners: Dr. E. S. Rey- 
nolds (Macmillan).—Compressed Air Illness: Dr. E. H. Snell (Lewis).— 
Roentgen Rays and Phenomena of the Anodeand Cathode: E. P. Thomp- 
son (Spon).—Knowledge, Vol. xix (326 High Holborn).—Studies in the 
Morphology of Spore-producing Members: Prof. F. O. Bower. II. Ophio- 
glossacez (Dulau).—Die Leitfossilien : Dr. E. Koken (Leipzig, Tauchnitz). 
—Elementary Non Metallic Chemistry: S. R. Trotman eee So 8 
The Fauna of British India, including Ceylon and Burma, Moths, Vol. iv. 
Sir G. F. Hampson (Taylor and Francis). 
PaMmPHLETS.—Die Seen des Salzkammergutes und die Osterreichische 
Traun: Dr. J. Miillner (Wien, Hélzel).—Die Abfluss-und Niederschlags- 
verhiiltnisse von Béhmen, &c.: Dr. A. Penck (Wien, Hdélzel),—Atlas der 
Osterrischischen Alpenseen, i. Liefg.: Dr. F. Simony and Dr. J. Miillner 
(Wien, Hilzel) —Ditto, ii. Liefg.: Dr. E. Richter (Wien, Hélzel.—The 
Results of the Use of Tuberculin in the Castlecraig Herd: J. Wilson (Edin- 
burgh, Johnston). 
Seriats.—Lloyd’s Natural History. Game Birds: W. R. Ogilvie- 
Grant, Parts 1 and 2 (Lloyd),—Himmel und Frde, November (Berlin, 
Paetel).—Engineering Magazine, December (Tucker).—Journal of the 
College of Science, Imperial University, Japan, Vol. x. Part 1 (Toky5),— 
American Journal of Science, December (New Haven).—Transactions of 
the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, Part 20 (Leeds, Taylor). —Bulletin de 
l'Académie Royale des Sciences, &c., de Belgique, 1896, Nos. 9 and 10 
(Bruxelles).— Journal of the Franklin Institute, December (Philadelphia). — 
Botanische Jahrbiicher, &c., Zweiundzwanzigster Band, 3 Heft (Leipzig, 
Engelmann). 
CONTENTS. PAGE 
Sir George Airy. By W.E.P. .. POCO ie tN 
A New Work on Cytology. By J. B. F, 3 ht Ones 
Colliery Management. By Bennett H. Brough Bomati ts) 
Our Book Shelf:— 
Hertwig : ‘The General Principles of Zoology.”— 
S. J.-H: See os en hl A 
Haes: ‘‘ British Patent Law, and Patentees’ Wrongs 
and Rights” . 149 
Gregory : ‘* Diagrams of Terrestrial and Astronomical 
Objects and Phenomena.”—C. P. B. . ..... 149 
Whymper : ‘‘ The Romance ofthe Sea”. . . . . . 149 
Letters to the Editor :— 
The Use of Kites for Meteorological Observations in 
the Upper Air.—H. Helm Clayton . 150 
The Theory of Dissociation into Ions.—Prof. ‘Oliver 
J. Lodge, F.R.S.; W. C. D. Whetham; E. 
B. Herrountasee ae URS 
Responsibility in Science. ‘Dr. Charles Chree = 2 52 
The Satellite of Procyon.—Isaac W. Ward. . 153 
The Leonid Meteor Shower.—W. F. Denning 153 
Oyster Culture in Relation to Disease.—G, H. 
Baxter; Dr. T. E. Thorpe, F.R.S. . 154 
Radiography. —Dr. G. M. Lowe : 154 
Chelidonium majus as a Cure for Cancer. es Leeson 
Prince 4. «se 
Measurements of Crabs. z= a Al Cobb. / yee 155 
Diselectrification by Phosphorus. —Profs. Elster and 
Geitel; Shelford Bidwell, F.R.S. . .:. 2 2 2° 155 
Cultivation of Woad.—A. C. G. Cameron Seycei  iS 
Dormant Seeds.—Prof. T. D. A. Cockerell - . . 155 
The Arrangement of Branches of Trees.—Thos, 
Swan 155 
Curious Purple Patches.—E. . Se MES 
Fascine Training and Protection Works. * (dllus- 
trated.) . = uso 
Sir William MacGregor’ s Recent. Journey across 
New Guinea, and Re-Ascent of Mount Victoria. 
By J.P. Thomson .. . SRE Ss Go RY 
Johan August Hugo Gyldén RCE So a BES 
INIOLES = ”., in. 6 ONCE scr o LSe 
Our Astronomical Column:— 
**Bureau des Longitudes?  . - . . 2 ss so Oy 
““The System of the World” BPM 5 Oo oc DS 
** Companion to the Observatory ” . a eID 
Bacterial Water Purification. By Mrs. Percy 
Frankland .. . ee ee cies te} 
University and Educational ‘Intelligence sur Male ion LO 
Societies and Acadenmess).). 2°... ©: qnuns 204 
Diary of Societies eee LOD 
Books, Pamphlets, and Serials Received __ . 168 
