Mo 
‘ 
a 
cording to the author’s view, organic nature could only have 
been evolved in the direction of man, who is the necessary result 
of such evolution, and a perfect epitome of nature itself. 
Paris 
Academy of Sciences, Oct. 28.—M. Faye, President.— 
The first paper was a long reply to M. Pasteur’s late paper 
on the production of wine, by M. Fremy; at its conclusion 
M. Pasteur rose and defended his former position, after which 
M, Fremy again returned to the attack, on the conclusion of 
which M. Pasteur contented himself with saying that he had 
already answered all objections. M. A. Trécul then read a note 
on the origin of Ferments, on the conclusion of which M. Pasteur 
made a few remarks, and the discussion dropped.—M. Yvon 
Villarceau next read a paper on a new general mechanical theory. 
M. Chevreul followed with the conclusion of his answer to 
M. A. Gruyer’s report on the London International Exhibition 
of 1871. MM. P. A. Favre and C. A. Valson’s researches on 
crystalline dissociation came next. They concluded this, the 
third paper, as follows :-—‘‘The result of solution is to give to 
the elements of the dissolved bodies a reciprocal independence, 
and the internal mechanical work necessary to produce this effect 
is measured by the changes of volume which accompany solution, 
and consequently by the quantity of heat brought into play when 
the same effects of force are applied directly to the dissolving 
liquid by means of equivalent actions.” —M. Is. Pierre and E, 
Puchot followed with a paper entitled ‘*‘ New Studies on valeric 
acid, and onits preparation on the large scale.” The authors assert 
_ that valeric acid rotates the planeof polarisation in the same direc- 
tion as cane sugar, while amylic alcohol rotates it in the opposite 
direction. A paper on butyric acid, by the same authors fol- 
lowed. The acid, prepared from butyric alcohol, exerts no 
sensible action on polarised light; it boils regularly at 1555, 
when the barometer stands at 760 M.M.—A paper on the exten- 
sion of the Py//oxera in Wurope, by M. J. E. Planchon, was 
then read. The author states that the insect is indigenous to 
America, and that it is a recent importation into Europe.—A 
memoir by M. Resal on the equation of movement of a funicular 
curve, &c., was referred to the section of mechanics, and was 
followed by an essay on the theory of running streams, by M. 
Boussinesq.—A paper by Mr. Grace Calvert on the power pos- 
sessed by certain substances of stopping putrefaction and the de- 
velopment of protoplasmic life, was then read, after which came 
the second of M. Dareste’s studies on the osteological type of 
osseous fish ; it was referred to the zoological and anatomical 
section.—M. Dumas then read some communications from the 
Phylloxera Commission, which received at this meeting a com- 
munication from M. Loarer.—The Lightning Conductor Com- 
inission received five reports from M. W. de Fonvielle, who is 
charged with a mission to England by thatcommission. A memoir 
on fevers by M. P. Levers was sent to the commission for 
administering the Bréant legacy, and that on the preservation 
of articles of food received a paper from M. Lacc.—M. Yvon 
Villarceau then presented M. Stephan’s Observations and 
Ephemerides of the planet 123.—Then came some new observa- 
tions on Summit and Thalweg Lines, by M. C. Jordan,—A note 
by M. H. Delray on the purple of Cassius was then read. The 
author proposes the following definition of this body, the true 
constitution of which has not yet been satisfactorily determined. 
He says that purple of Cassius isa lake of stannic or melastannic 
acid coloured with finely divided gold, and that the latter has, by 
reason of its combination with the tin oxide, lost its solubility in 
mercury, just as many colouring matters become insoluble as soon 
as they encounter vegetable fibre. He adduces several experi- 
ments in support of this view.—A note from M. H. Violette on 
the Fusion of Platinum followed. The author has fused platinum 
in a wind furnace connected with the chimney-shaft of a large 
factory, and fed with gas-carbon in small fragments. 50 grammes 
were thus fused in an hour, but one of the secretaries of the 
Academy suggests that the platinum was contaminated with the 
carbon or silicon, and thus rendered abnormally fusible. M. de 
Quatrefages then presented a note by M. de la Blanchitre on 
changes of colouration produced in fish by the conditions of their 
habitat, after which M. C. Sedillot presented some researches on 
the physiological and anti-fermentescible properties of sodic 
silicate, by MM. A. Rabuteau and F. Papillon; these 
further experiments confirm the author's previous results, 
with the exception that in some cases the action on 
ferments is only temporary. The author hopes to be 
able to explain this retarding action of the silicate in a future 
NATURE 
- aE X ad 4 = 
; Ag x - wes 
fas [Mov. 14,1872 — 
communication.—This paper was followed by one on some — 
chemical researches on the leaves of Zucalyptus globulus, by M. — 
Rabateau. These leaves are used as an antiperiodic, and the — 
author endeavoured to find in them an alkaloid, but did not 
succeed.—M. Ch. Grad then read a paper on the quaternary for- — 
mations of the Algerine Sahara, agd was followed by M. A. — 
Béchamp with a paper on some researches on the physiological _ 
theory of the alcoholic fermentation produced by beer yeast. 
The researches of the author tend to support the physiological 
and not the chemical theory.—M. Jacquez then demanded the 
opening of two notes deposited by him on the 23rd November, — 
1857, and 4th January, 1858. The notes related to the action — 
of borates in preventing putrefaction and the growth of mould, 
and their use as an injection for subjects for dissection; thecon- 
clusion arrived at in the first note is, that these salts are ex- 
tremely efficacious for the above purposes.—A note by M. 
Guynemer, deposited on the 3rd of January, 1870, and relating 
to the November meteorites, was next opened.—A note by M. 
Malessart on anew motive power obtained bya particular dis- 
position of electro magnets, was submitted to M. E, Becquerel 
for examination.—M. Lamson presented some drawings of a 
machine, the motive power of which was produced by the action 
of gravity. They were submitted to M. Dupuy de Lome.—M. 
F, Thomas sent a note on the production of fluorine by the 
action of cupric sulphate on an anhydrous fluoride, which was 
submitted to M. Balard. 
BOOKS RECEIVED. 
EnGuisu.—The Forms of Water in Clouds and Rivers, Ice and Glaciers ¢ 
J. Tyndall (H. S. King and Co.).—Elementary Treatise on Natural Philo- 
sophy: A, Privat Deschanel, translated by Prof. J. D. Everett (Blackie and 
Son).—Notes on River Basins: E. R. Williams (Longmans). 
DIARY 
THURSDAY, NovemBer 14. 
Lonnon Matuematicay Society, at-8.—Remarks on some Recent Gene- 
- ralisations of Algebra: the President.—Sur les Fonctions Circulaires: M.— 
Hermite.— Investigation of the Disturbance produced by a Spherical Ob- 
stacle on the Waves of Sound: Hon. J. W. Strutt —On the Mechanical 
Description of a Cubic Curve: Prof. Cayley.—A Series of Models of 
Cubic Surfaces to Mlustrate their Different Forms: Prof. Henrici—On a 
‘Theorem Relating to the Polyedra with Triangular Faces, with Illustra~ 
tive Models: Prof. W. A. Clifford. 
SUNDAY, November 17. 
Sunpay Lecrure Society, at 4—On the Dawn of the Sciences in 
Europe: Prof. W. K. Clifford. 
MONDAY, November 18. 
ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY, at 7. 
TUESDAY, NovemseErR 19, 
ZOOLOGICAL Soctery, at 8.30. 
ANTHROPOLOGICAL INSTITUTE, at 8.—The Moabite Jars, with a Transla- 
tion: Rey. Dunbar I. Heath, M.A.—Human Remains from Iceland: 
Capt. Burton and Dr. Blake.—The Atlantean Race of Western Europe: 
the late J. W. Jackson. 
WEDNESDAY, Novemper 20, 
GroLocicaL Socrery at 8.—On the Geology of the Thunder-Bay and 
Shabendowan Mining Districts, on the North Shore of Lake Superior: 
Dr. Alleyne Nicholson, .G.S.—On the Relations of the supposed Carbon- 
iferous Plants of Bear Island with the Palzeozoic Flora of North America : 
Dr. 5. W. Dawson, I’.R.S.—Further Notes on Eocene Crustacea from 
Portsmouth: H. Woodward, F.G.S.—On a New Trilobite from the Cape 
of Good Hope: H. Woodwara, F.G.S. 
METEOROLOGICAL Sociery, at 7.—On the Storms experienced by the Sub- 
marine Cable Expedition in the Persian Gulf, Noy. 1 and 2, 1869: Latimer 
Clark, M. Inst. C.E.—On the Meteorology of Southland, New Zealand, 
in 1871: C. Rous Marten.—On a Self-regist:riug Tide-gauge and Electri- 
cal Barograph: H. C. Russell, Government Astronomer, Sydney. 
THURSDAY, November 21. 
Linnean Society, at 8.—On the Comfosite of Bengal: C. B. Clarke, 
F.L.S.—On Diversity of Evolution under one set of External Conditions: —__ 
Rey. J T. Gulick. ; 
CueEmica Sociaty, at 8, 
CONTENTS 
Pact 
EXPLORATION OF THE SouTH Potar ReGions 4 ere) 
BELGIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ASTRONOMY . . «+... . 4 + 23 
Our Book SHELF. . . @ 0 we ne Teco ie Sel see are 
Lerrers To THE Eprror:— 
Our National Herbarium.—Grorce BentHaM, F.R.S.; Wm. 
CARRUTHERS, FUR.S. . 5. 5 Say liebe be), dete) 
The Beginnings of Lire—Dr. CHartTon BasTian, F.R.S.. . . 26 
Physics for Medical Students.—Prof. W. G. Apams, F.RS. . . 27 
Diathermacy of Flame.—Lord Rossz, F.R.S. . .... .. 38 
The Corona Line.—Prof. C. A. YounG’. 5 5 3° 4) 2. ae 
Brilliant Meteors.—Rosert McCLureE; D, WINSTANLEY . . . 28 
Day Aurora.—T. W. BackHOUSE. 5 6» > + = « © = #8009 
Tue Karivo, or Venomous Spiper OF New ZEALAND . 29° 
Insect MeTAmorrPuHosis. 
tions). . ea 
i) ee 6 ened A bea ees 
Tue Birtu or Cuemistry. IV, By G. F. Ropwe tt, F.C.S. (With mS 
By Prof. Duncan, F.R.S. (With [dlustra- 
as: Wey ee Pal ee ena 
Lldustrations.) 0 ss + 0 0 ele wise Sn eles tls Oy) VSN 
Sock pigs AND /ACADEMIES. .. Wc sks) pas lreuus ene een uke ale 38 
DIARY pie nue Ve) 0. s 5 ye ads -n/uke gags te Mat rete anne Cae ae 4° 
