408 
NATURE 
[FEBRUARY 25, 1897 
nd hence contain a ferment either identical or closely 
analogous to the lipase of M. Hanriot. — Influence of 
diet and starvation on the effects of certain microbial toxines, 
by MM. J. Teissier and L. Guinard. The effects of the toxines 
of diphtheria and pneumobacilline are considerably modified 
by the absence of nourishment. The experiments have not 
yet been sufficient to warrant general conclusions, but the 
tendency of those described has been to show that the lesions 
produced by the toxines are much less severe in the absence of 
food.—New observations on the Lepidoptera harmful to maize 
and sugar-cane. The autumn-winter generations of Sesamza 
monogrioides, Lefevre, by M. J. Kunckel d’Herculais.—Mor- 
phology of the appendices of the anterior extremity of the 
middle intestine of the Orthoptera, by M. L. Bordas. —Pheno- 
mena of autotomy in Monandroptera and Raphiderus, by M. 
Edmond Bordage.—On the Diatoms contained in the calcium 
phosphate deposits in the south of Tunis, by M. J. Tempére. 
—Lithological analysis of the sea-bottom in the Bay of Biscay, 
by M. J. Thoulet. 
DIARY OF SOCIETIES. 
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25. 
Royav Society, at 4.30.—Note on the Dielectric Constant of Ice and 
Alcohol at very Low Temperatures: Prof. Dewar, F.R.S., fand Prof. 
Fleming, F.R.S.—On the Relation between Magnetic Stress and Mag- 
netic Deformation in Nickel: Dr. E. T. Jones.—On the Relations 
between the Cerebellar and other Centres (namely, Cerebral and Spinal), 
with especial reference to the Action of Antagonistic Muscles (Pre- 
liminary Account): Dr. Max Liwenthal and Prof. Horsley, F.R.S.—On 
the Action of Light on Diastase, and its Biological Significance: Prof J. 
R. Green, F.R.S.—Fragmentation in Lineus gesserensis: A. Brown. 
Rovat InstiruTion, at 3.—The Problems of Arctic Geology: Dr. J. 
W. Gregory. 
Society or Arrs, at 8.—The Mechanical Production of Cold : Prof. James 
A. Ewing, F.R.S. 
INSTITUTION OF ELecrrRicaL ENGINEERS, at 8.—Electric Interlocking 
the Block and Mechanical Signals on Railways: Reply of F. T. Hollins 
to the Discussion.—Relative Size, Weight, and Price of Dynamo-electric 
Machines; E. Wilson. 
Sanirary InstirurE, at 8.—Sanitary Laws and Regulations governing 
the Metropolis : A. Wynter Blyth. 
Camera Ciup, at 8.15.—Silchester, the Result of Recent Explorations; 
H. Jones. 
FRIDAY, Fresruary 26. 
Roya INSTITUTION, at 9.—Palestine Exploration : Lieut.-Colonel C. R. 
Conder. 
PuysIcaL SociEry, at 5.—On the Photography of Ripples : J. H. Vincent. 
INSTITUTION OF CiviL ENGINEERS, at 8.—Rockers and Expansion-Bear- 
ings as applied to Girders of Short Span; A. F. Baynhamand F, B. H. 
Dobree. 
SATURDAY, Fepsruary 27. 
Roya Institution, at 3.—The Growth of the Mediterranean Route to 
the East: W Frewen Lord. 
Royat Boranic Sociery, at 3.45.—The Desirability of establishing an 
Institute for Teaching Botany in the Royal Botanic Gardens: W. 
Martindale. 
MONDAY, Marcu 1. 
Society or Arts, at 8.—The Industrial Uses of Cellulose: C. F. Cross, 
ImperRiIAL INSTITUTE, at 8.30.—Ceylon, in Ancient and Modern Times: 
Henry W. Cave. 
Society or CHEMICAL INDusTrRy, at 8.—Relation of Colour to Quality in 
Malt: J. W. Lovibond.—Hehner's Bromine Tests for Oils: J. H. B. 
Jenkins,—Note on the Analysis of Superphosphates : J. H. Coste. 
Sanirary InsviruTe, at 8.—Nature of Nuisances: Dr. Arthur News- 
holme. 
Victoria INSTITUTE, at 4.30.—Science and Faith: Prof. MacLoskie. 
TUESDAY, Marcu 2. 
RovaL INsTiTUTION, at 3-—Animal Electricity: Prof. A. D. Waller, 
F.R.S. 
Society or Arts, at 8.—Gesso : Matthew Webb. 
ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY, at 8.30.—The Growth of Hair upon the Human Ear, 
and its Testimony to the Shape, Size, and Position of the Ancestral 
Organ: H, M. Wallis.—Notes on a Visit to the Bird Islands, Saldahna 
Bay, South Africa (illustrated with Photographs from Life shown by 
Lime-light): Gambier Bolton.—On a Collection of Earthworms from 
South Africa, belonging to the Genus Acanthodrilus: F. E. Beddard, 
E.R.S. 
INSTITUTION OF CiviL ENGINEERS, at 8.—Papers to be further discussed : 
The Main Drainage of London: J. E. Worth and W. Santo Crimp.— 
‘The Purification of the Thames: W. J. Dibdin. 
PATHOLOGICAL SOCIETY, at 8.30. 
Roya Vicror1a Hatt, at 8.30.—A Lump of Salt: 
Crompton. 
Prof. Holland 
WEDNESDAY, Marcu 3. 
Society oF Arts, at 8.—English Orchards : George Gordon. 
ENTOMOLOGICAL Society, at 8.—The Prothoracic Gland of Dicranura 
vinula: O. H. Latter. 
THURSDAY, Makcu 4. 
Roya. Society, at 4 30.—Probable Papers : Experiments on the Absenge 
of Mechanical Connection between Ether and Matter: Prof. Lodge, 
F.R.S.—Second Report on a Series of Specimens of the Deposits of the 
Nile Delta. Communicated by desire of the Delra Committee : Prof. 
Judd, F.R.S.—Luminosity and Photometry: Prof. J. B. Haycraft. 
Royat Institution, at 3.—Greek History and Extant Monuments: 
Prof, Percy Gardner. 
Society or Arts, at 8.—The Mechanical Production of Cold : Prof, James 
A. Ewing, F.R.S. 
NO. 1426, VOL. 55] 
LINNEAN Sociery, at 8.—On a Trichoderma parasitic on Pellia efiphylla, 
Corda: W. G.-P. Ellis—New Species of Pericheta from New Britain, 
&c. : Dr. W. B. Benham. 
CuHemIcat Society, at 8. 
Sanirary INSTITUTE, at 8.—Objects and Methods of Inspection: Dr. J. 
F. J. Sykes. 
Camera C.vp, at 8.15. Captain Abney, C.B., F.R.S. 
FRIDAY, Marcu s. 
Royat INsTITUTION, at 9.—Some Curiosities of Vision : 
F.R.S. 
Geo.oaists' AssociaTION, at 8.—Some Properties of Precious Stones : 
Prof. Henry A. Miers, F.R.S. 
SATURDAY, Marcu 6. 
Bowen INSTITUTION, at 3.—Electricity and Electrical Vibrations: Lord 
ayleigh. 
Essex Fieip Cus, (at Buckhurst Hill), at 7.—The Post-Pliocene Non- 
Marine Mollusca of Essex; A. §. Kennard and B. B. Woodward.— 
Variation of Lepidoptera: J. W. Tutt. 
Shelford Bidwell, 
BOOKS, PAMPHLET, and SERIALS RECEIVED. 
Booxs.—Life Assurance Explained: W. Schooling (Cassell).—Pheasants, 
their Natural History and Practical Management: W. B. Tegetmeier, 3rd 
edition (Cox).—New Thoughts on Current Subjects: Rev, J. A. Dewe 
(Stock).—Retaining Walls for Earth: Prof. M. A. Howe, 3rd edition (New 
York, Wiley ; London, Chapman).—Principles of Mechanism: Dr. S. W. 
Robinson (New York, Wiley ; London, Chapman).—The Mechanical En- 
gineering of Power Plants: Prof. F. R. Hutton (New York, Wiley; 
London, Chapman).—Notes on Assaying : Drs. Ricketts and Miller (New 
York, Wiley ; London, Chapman).—The Dawn of Modern Geography : 
C. R. Beazley (Murray).—Metals, their Properties and Treatment: Prof. 
A. K. Huntington and W. G. McMillan, new edition (Longmans). 
PAMPHLET.—Société d'Encouragement pour |'Industrie Nationale. 
Annuaire 1897 (Paris). 
Ser1ALs.—Contributions from the U.S.-National Herbarium, Vol. v. No.1 
(Washington).—Proceedings of the Physical Society of London, Vol. xv. 
Part 2 (Taylor).—The Open Court, February (Chicago; London, Watts).— 
Fresenius’ Quantitative Analysis, Vol. ii. Part 4, translated by C. E. 
Groves (Churchill).—Lloyd’s Natural History, Game Birds: W. R. Ogilvie- 
Grant, Parts 4, 5, 6. Ditto, Monkeys: Dr. H. O. Forbes, Part 6 
(Lloyd).—Bulletin de ]'Académie Royale des Sciences, &c., de Belgique, 
1897, No. x (Bruxelles).—Records of the Australian Museum, Vol. iii. 
No. 1 (Sydney). 
CONTENTS. PAGE 
The National Physical Laboratory ........ 385 
Rontgen Rays and Constitution of Gases. By E. R. 386 
Impressions of Out-door Nature. By L.C.M. .. 387 
Our Book Shelf :— 
Ebert: “Guide pour le Soufflage du Verre.”— 
Ww. J. S. Lee 388 
Vallier: ‘* Projectiles de Campagne de Siege et de 
Place: Fusées "aeons ss se se eer 
Lefevre: “L’Eclairage. Eclairage aux gaz, aux 
huiles, aux acidesyyorasgec,:. .. . . -) sega 
Urbain: ‘* Les Succédaneés du Chiffon en Papeterie” 388 
Binet : ‘‘ Alterations of Personality ” 389 
Edwards : ‘*‘ The Hemiptera-Homoptera of the British 
Islands”. . Ves) cs ss. (cy 
Barnes: ‘‘ Analytical Keys to the Genera and Species 
of North American Mosses” . ...... +. « 389 
Letters to the Editor:— 
Dynamical Units.—Prof. Geo. Fras. Fitzgerald, 
F.R.S. . . 233. ke 
The Flight of Gulls in the Wake of Steamers.— 
F. W. Headley#eemer s- - se an 22) 
Two Unfelt Earthquakes. — Prof. John Milne, 
E.R.S. . . Jee Ss. oe eo 
Foundations of Coral Atolls. (With Plan.) By 
Rear-Admiral W. J. L. Wharton, C.B., F.R.S. . 390. 
Fridtjof Nansen’s ‘* Farthest North.” (Z//ustrated.) 
By Dr. Hugh Robertavigge <.). . .. 2. SS eegoR 
The Discovery of another Connecting Link between 
Flowering and Flowerless Plants. ByJ. B. F. . 306 
Human Incubators (J//ustrated.) ......... 396 
Wotes . . . . ¢ (eM = 0s 2c) SO 
Our Astronomical Column:— 
Periodical' Comets yee oo; «fc @ 5) Sel Poe 
Observations of Marsat Meudon ......... 401 
The Embryology of the Nautilus. (J///ustrated.) By 
Dr Arthur Willey seme >: dee 
Sixty Years of Submarine Telegraphy. By Prof. W. 
E, Ayrton, F.R.S. . | Sec ROMO i Cen coche 5 
The Value of Irrigation CanalsinIndia. ..... 404 
University and Educational Intelligence ..... 405 
Scientific Serials WARM es a sls Sete aeeegOO 
Societies and Academies. - 3 -\.. . . |. 2 ai 406 
Diary of Societies’ 7 Sees als) 2. ss jh eet 405. 
Books, Pamphlet, and Serials Received, . . . . . 408 
