240 
NATORE 
[JuLy 6, 1899 
bonic anhydride to pass through their walls. The action is 
much slower in the case of oxygen and is very slight with 
nitrogen. —The report of the commission recommending the 
revision of the map of France was adopted.—Observations on 
the work of MM. S. Lie and A. Meyer. A mathematical 
paper.—A new formula relating to quadratic residues, by M. P. 
Pépin. A paper dealing with the theory of numbers.—On the 
equation of motion of automobiles, by M. A. Petot. A reply 
to the criticisms of M. Blondel on a former communication by 
the author.—On the temperature of maximum density of 
aqueous solutions of alkali chlorides, by M. L. C. De Coppet. 
Experiments were made with the chlorides of potassium, 
sodium, lithium, and rubidium. Itis remarkable that the mole- 
cular lowering of the point of maximum density caused by lithium 
chloride is less than half that observed in the case of the other 
salts examined.—On an oscillation phakometer, by M. Ch. Déve. 
The superior accuracy claimed for this instrument for measuring 
the curvature of optical surfaces, &c., depends on the use of a 
novel artifice for determining the exact position of an image.— 
On a laboratory spectroscope in which the dispersion and the 
scale are adjustable, by M. A. De Gramont.—On the polar- 
isation of dielectrics, by M. Liénard. Observations on a pre- 
vious note by M. Pellat on this subject.—Results of seismic 
observations in Greece from 1893 to 1898, by M. D. Eginitis. 
During the six years over which the observations extended 3187 
disturbances were recorded, the average annual number being 
531 and the maximum 876 (in 1893). Seismic disturbances are 
more frequent in the night than in the day, and, as regards 
their annual distribution, exhibit a maximum in spring and a 
minimum in autumn.—On the constitution of the oxides of rare 
metals, by MM. G. Wyrouboff and A. Verneuil. Considera- 
tions relative to the formation of various complex salts of cerium 
and thorium lead to the suggestion that the oxides of these 
metals have the formula (CeO), and (ThO), respectively, in 
which one of the CeO or ThO groups differs in function from 
the rest.—The action of ferric chloride and bromide on some 
aromatic hydrocarbons and on their halogen substitution de- 
rivatives, by M. V. Thomas. A continuation of previous work 
on the subject. From the product of the action of ferric chlor- 
ide on paradibromobenzene the author has succeeded in iso- 
lating two new bromotrichlorobenzenes which melt at 93° and 
138° respectively.—The preparation of phenylic chlorocarbon- 
ates, by MM. Et. Barral and Albert Morel. The action of a 
solution of carbonyl chloride in toluene on an aqueous solution 
of the sodium compound of phenols is shown to afford a ready 
means of preparing a number of aromatic chlorocarbonates. 
The temperature at which the reaction takes place should not 
exceed 40-50", otherwise decomposition ensues, and the sym- 
‘metrical phenylic carbonate is produced.—On cerine and fried- 
eline, by MM. C. Istrati and A. Ostrogovich. By fractional: 
dissolution in, and crystallisation from, chloroform, the sub- 
stance formerly described by one of the authors as ex- 
tracted from cork has been separated into two distinct 
compounds, cerine, Cy,H4,O0,, and friedeline, C,,H-=)O..—On 
some new reactions of indolic bases and albuminoid compounds, 
by M. Julius Gnezda. When indol and its derivatives are 
heated with excess of oxalic acid,a fine purple coloration is 
developed, and a similar reaction is given by albumen, peptones, 
and gelatin. Some other dibasic acids may be used instead of 
oxalic acid. Other colour reactions brought about by hydro- 
fluoric acid and hydrofluosilicic acid are also described. —Pre- 
liminary tests for the presence of rare metals in mineral waters, 
by M. F. Garrigou. In the author’s opinion, the presence of 
rare metals of the copper and tin groups in mineral waters is 
“more frequent than is generally supposed.—On the formation of 
pearls in Meleagrina margaritifera, by M. Léon Dignet. 
Genuine pearls are not simple deposits of nacreous material 
accidentally produced by glandular secretions, but are the result 
of a definite physiological action having for its aim the elimin- 
ation of parasites or other causes of irritation.—On the embry- 
ogeny of Protzla metlhact, by M. Albert Soulier.—Regeneration 
of members in J/antedes and the constant production of a 
tetramerous tarsus in members regenerated after autotomy in 
pentamerous Orthoptera, by M. Edmond Bordage.—On the 
histology of the digestive tube in the larva of Chzronomus 
plumosus, by M. P. Vignon.—Contribution to the study of 
Actinidia (Dillentaceae), by M. Florentin Dunac.—On the 
experimental production of fascicular stems and inflorescences, 
by M. L. Géneau de Lamarliere.—Velocity of propagation of 
nervous oscillations produced by unipolar excitation, by M. 
NO. 1549, VOL. 60] 
Auguste Charpentier.—General and local anesthesia of motor 
nerves, by Mlles. I. Ioteyko and M. Stefanowska.—Physio- 
logical significance of alcohol in the vegetable kingdom, by M. 
P. Mazé.—On the action of currents of high frequency in 
arthritis, by M. Apostoli.—On the influence of electrolytic action 
in the production of radiographic erythema, by MM. H. Bordier 
and Salvador.—Further demonstrations of the variations in the 
amount of iron present in the tissues under the influence of 
pregnancy, by M. A. Charrin. 
GOTTINGEN. 
Royal Society of Sciences.—The Wachrichten (physico- 
mathematical series), part i. for 1899, contains the following 
memoirs communicated to the Society :— 
January 14.—W. Voigt: On the inflexion of plane non- 
homogeneous waves at the straight edge of an infinite absolutely 
black screen.—E. Riecke : On the work expended in producing 
large sparks with a Topler induction-machine.—H. Liebmann : 
A new property of the sphere.—O. Miigge : On new structural 
faces in the crystals of unalloyed metals. 
February 11.—H. Minkowski: A criterion for algebraic 
numbers. 
February 25.—C. Runge: On the solution of certain equa- 
tions with integral coefficients. —R. von Zeynek: On the 
irritability of sensory nerve-endings by variable currents.—W. 
Nernst : On the theory of electrical stimulation. —F. Nachtikal : 
On the proportionality between piezoelectric phenomena and 
the stresses that produce them. 
CONTENTS. PAGE 
Mammalian Distribution. By R.L. ....... 217 
Antiquities from Benin, By H. Ling Roth... . 219 
The Lost Volume of Hutton’s Theory of the 
Barth. By) ProfelaGeBonney, FR. Siete. ere2co 
Our Book Shelf :— 
Muybridge : ‘* Animals in Motion.”—F. J. J.-S. . . 220 
Walters: ‘*Sanatoria for Consumptives in Various 
Parts ofthenWovldigeeememne =. | cere 221 
Edser : ‘‘ Measurementand Weighing” ... . . 221 
Grunmach : ‘‘ Die Physikalischen Erscheinungen und 
Kiraifte pes F7 en eee emeememacenss es > jn 
Grace: ‘‘ Practical Plane and Solid Geometry (Test 
Papers) sic seh emcee =) -/) > ae ee 
Heyne and Rosal : ‘‘ Practical Dictionary of Electrical 
Engineering and Chemistry in German, English 
and SpanishiayepeemewneneeNis) fie) > © - /<)velieeninam mmeea 
Letters to the Editor :— 
Magnetic Strain in Bismuth.—Shelford Bidwell, 
FURS.) DreGaGieknott <.. . | ee eee 
Gooseberry Saw-fly.— Prof. L. C. Miall, F.R.S. . 222 
School Laboratory Plans.—A. E. Munby . 222 
Illustrations of Mimicry and Common Warning 
Colours in Butterflies. (///ustrated.) By E. B.P. 222 
The United States National Museum. (J///ustrated.) 225 
An Improved Liquid Interrupter for Induction 
Coils. (Z/ustrated.\ By A. A. Campbell Swinton 226 
The Seventh International Geographical Congress 227 
Science at the Women’s International Congress . 228 
Notes PMS ho 3 ao 228 
Our Astronomical Column :— 
Gomet 1899\a(Swift) meee) i; -: +. =) XoueennpnmenmimmcnaTa 
Tempel’s Comet 1899 ¢ (1873 1I.). ....... = 232 
Holmes’ Comet(r8o2s0Mi)ies. - we 232 
Maxima of Mirae seen OG 232 
The New Algol Variable in Cygnus - nes 2 
The Housing of the Offices of the University of 
London . 0} Semen)... eee 
Physical Measurements in Anthropology . 234 
Wave or Billow Clouds. (JZ/lustvated.) . 3 ties 235 
The Proposed Magnetic Survey of the United 
States. By Dr. L. A. Bauer ~ Smee 6, 285 
University and Educational Intelligence .... . 237 
Scientific Serials . Heo 5G OR URCREEEEEO Dc Car 23y/ 
Societies'and Academies.) 2 - . « cme 237 
