116 
relating to canal works, and M. Them Lestiboudois one on the 
structure of heterogenic vegetables. The section of the paper 
read related to heterogeneous monopetale. After this M. 
Dupuy de Lome read a note on the preservation of the material 
of a ‘screw balloon.”—A report on M. Felix Lucas’s memoir on 
the general theorems of the equilibrium and movements of 
material systems was then read, and followed by a note by M. 
Mares on the utility of a permanent scientific institution in’ 
Algeria. M. H. Resal read a note on the relation between the 
pressure and the volume of steam which expands in producing 
work without the addition or subtraction of heat.—MM. E. 
Mathieu and D. Urbain read a paper on the part played by gases 
in the coagulation of milk and in producing muscular rigidity. 
The authors believe these effects to be due to oxidation.—Ana- 
tomical researches on limules, a note by M. Alph. Milne- 
Edwards, was next read, and followed by a description of a new 
method of treating intermittent fevers, by M. Déclat. A feature 
in this treatment is the administration of small doses of carbolic 
acid.—Communications on the Piylloxera from M. A. Laliman 
and M. A. Vidal were sent to the commission on Phylloxera; a 
note on the tertiary formations of Lormandieres, by M. Delage, 
was referred toa special committee; and notes on aerostation from 
MM. Billet, Braconnier, Deppe, and Chamard were sent to that 
commission.—A copy of the Janssen-Lockyer Medal was sent by 
the Minister of Public Instruction.—M. A. Laussedat then read 
a note on the prolongation of the French meridian into Spain 
and Algeria——M. Mannheim described a model of a vernier to 
a vernier, and M. Gramme read a note on the application of 
his magneto-electric machines to electrotype and the production 
of light. He asserts that his machine produces greater effects 
than Wilde’s well-known instrument, though driven at one- 
eighth of the speed.—M. Becquerel presented a note by 
M. E. Jannettaz, continuing his observations on the connection 
between cleavage planes, cohesion axes, and axes of thermic con- 
duction in crystals.—M. Th. du Moncel presented the continua- 
tion of his paper on the currents produced in a telegraphic wire, 
one end of which rests insulated in the air.—M. A. Treve read 
a note on Magnetism, in which he describes some experiments on 
magnetic induction.—M. Balard presented a note ona new bro- 
minated ether, by M. P. Schiitzenberger. The formula of the 
new body is stated to be (Cy Hy) O Br.3) 2. It is crystalline, 
very deliquescent, and heated to 70° to 80° disengages hydro- 
bromic acid in large quantities and decomposes. M. Malhe 
described the manufacture of a neutral soap by exposing ordinary 
soap to carbonic anhydride.—MM. Rabuteau and Papillon read 
a note on the Therapeutic effects of Sodic Silicate. They believe 
that it is likely to be of great use in certain skin diseases. M. 
Picot’s second note on the ‘‘ Antifermentescible” properties of 
the same salt followed ; he has used it with great success in cases 
of blenorrhagia,—M. A. Bechamp then read a note on certain of 
M. Pasteur’s recent communications on ferments, a long contri- 
bution to the controversy, which has now nearly worn itself out, 
and followed it up with a joint communication of his own and 
M. Estor on M. Pasteur’s paper of the 7th of October. M. P. 
Champion read a note on a substance extracted from a Chinese 
Champignon. The fungus is that known to the Chinese as 
Fouh-ling (Pachyma pinctorum). The author proposes to call 
the extract pachymose, It somewhat resembles starch, and its 
formula is Cy) Hy, Oyg.—M. Claude Bernard presented a paper 
on the number of the Blood Corpuscles in Mammalia, Birds, and 
Fish, by M. Malassez. The author calculates that in the mam- 
malia the number varies from 3,500,000 per cubic millimeter to 
18,000,000 ; in man it is about 4,000,000. In birds the number 
is much less, from 1,600,000 to 4,000,000. In fish the osseous 
fishes have 700,000 to 2,000,000 ; the cartillaginous, 140,000 to 
230,000. M. Larrey presented M. G. Le Bon’s paper on some 
experimental researches on the Treatment of Asphyxia ; which 
was followed by a note by M. L. Vaillant on the value of certain 
characters used in the Classification of Fish; and by a note on 
the larval form of the dragon-flies, by M. A. Villot.—A note by 
M. F, Pisani on a new vanadiferous-silicoaluminate of manga- 
nese from Salm Chateau, Belgium, was then read. The mineral 
contains 1°8 per cent. of vanadic acid, and in composition re- 
sembles masonite. —M. Daubree presented a paper on the superior 
Jurassic formations of the department of L’Herault, by M. 
Bleicher.—M. Stan. Meunier read a paper on the lithological 
analysis of the meteorite of the Sierra de Chaco, Chili; and on 
the mode of formation of logronite.—M. Le Verrier communi- 
cated along list of observations of the meteoric shower of the 
27th November from various observers.—A note on the same 
subject was received from M. Malinowski.—M. Champouillon 
NATURE 
and Sons).—The Ocean, Section I. and II.: E. Reclus (Chapman and H 
Elements of Chemistry, Part I., 5th edition: W. A. Miller (Longmans).~ 
Zoological Mythology, vols. I, and II. : A. de Gubernatis (Triibner). 
Rovav Society, at 8.30. 
SoctzTy of ANTIQUARIES, at 8.30.—Ona Celtic 
Lonpon MATHEMATICAL Society, at 8.—On Geodesic Lines, especi: 
ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, at 8. 
Sunpay Lecture Socisty, at 4.—On the Ear, and how we hear: Jo 
Society or Arts, at 8.—On Russia, her Industries, Commerce, and } 
GezoLocicat Society at 8.—Further Notes on the Punfield 
Roya Society or LITERATURE, at 8.30. 
Rovat SoclErTy, at 8.30. 4 
LInNEAN Society, at 8.—On the General Principles of Plant-const 
CHEMICAL SocigTy, at 5. 
Screntiric ReszARCH AND University ENDOWMENTS. By Sir 
THE METEOROLOGY OF THE FUTURE. ‘By if Norman Lockvgr, 
Ouz Book SHELF. - - «+ + ++ 6 
Tue SHERMAN ASTRONOMICAL EXPEDITION. 
Tue TRANSIT OF VENUS. «© + + © © © «© © © 
¥ 
[Dec. 12, 1872 | 
communicated some experiments on the effects of borax and s 
silicate on malt ; his results confirm those of M. Dumas. M. Sace 
communicated a note on the colouring matter of the red ca 
the colouring 
alcohol, more so in ether. 
not more than one part in 1,000,—M. 
method for reversing drawings for the engraver.—-M. Prunié: 
sent a note relative to the reséarches in lake Saint-An 
(Lozére) ; he believes that the rest of the structures ascribed 
man there found are those of beavers.—Mdlle. Chenu sent 
notes on the ‘‘ Functions of the Great Sympathetic ” and on 
method for the observation of the ganglionic nervous system, 
after the reception of which the session was adjourned. 
substance is insoluble in water, slightly so - 
In the carrot it exists to the extent of 
Roenler described a 
BOOKS RECEIVED. 
EncuisH.—A Manual of Palzontology: H. A. Nicholson (B 
DIARY 
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12. 
—A Contribution to the Knowledge of Hz 
bin: &. Ray Lankester—On the Structural Elements of Urinary Cal 
Dr. H. V. Carter.—Researches in Spectrum Analysis in connection 
the Spectrum of the Sun. No. 1: J. N. Lockyer, F.R-S. - 
Tumulus in Kent: C 
4 
] 
Knight Watson, M.A. 
rE 
those of a Quadric Surface ; and on the Mechanical Description of 
Quartic Curves by a modified Oval Chuck: Prof. Cayley.—Note on 
breaking up of the Inharmonic-ratio Sextic : J.J. Walker.-—On a D 
tion from Standt’s Property of Bernoulli's Numbers: J. L. Glaish 
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13. 
SUNDAY, DECEMBER I5- 
S. Bristowe, M.D. 
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 
Lonpon InsTITUTION, at4.—On Elementary Pbpsntoey : Prof. Ruth 
ANTHROPOLOGICAL INSTITUTE, 
at 8.—Origin of Serpent Worship 
Staniland Wake.—The Garo Hill Tribes: Major Godwin-Austen — 
Kojahs of Southern India: Major Godwin-Austen.—Primosdial Inh 
tants of Brazil: Capt. Burton and M. H. Gerber. 
WEDNESDAY, December 18. 
of Communication; Prof. Leone Levi. 
C. J. A. Meyer.—On the Origin of Clay-Ironstone : - Lucas.—On 
Coprolites of the Upper Greensand Formation, andon lints ; W. Jo 
Sollas, St. John’s Coll. Camb. 
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 
Dr. M. T. Masters, F.R.S. 
CONTENTS , 
B. C. Bropie, Bart , F.R.S. 
RERIS i shee ie fies ete eee 
Hartinc’s HANDBOOK OF BriTIisH Birps . . + + + « 
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR :— 
The National Herbarium.—W. CarruTuErs, F.R.S.; Dr. J. D. 
Hooker, C.B., F/R:Se-s i. 0)» -8) => oh ps pei 
The Meteoric Shower.—Prof. A. S. HerscHet, F.R.AS. . + - 
The De Novo Production of tg fae os Ray LANKESTER 
The Birth of Chemistry.—G. F. Ropwair, F.C.S. . . - +. + 10 
The Greenwich Date.—Col. G. Greenwoop; J. K. LAuGuTo: 
E. ROBERTS 0) «-le «© ysue)% = #- > (« \ouleeanEEe 
Comet’s Tails . 9. 6 +s eye mh 8s) 
REMARKS ON THE ZooLocy oF THE Faroe Istanps. By Rup Vv. 
Wittemors-Suum. (With [ilustration.) « «+ «4 4 6 
By Prof. C. A. YounG. | 
(With Diagrams.) + + 2 2 + + + © © © 5 6 eo 
o hae fe 
Tr ‘CHALLENGER. <\fs he fle, lave. = o> ia) sn ena ee 
PROCEEDINGS OF ZOOLOGICAL CoLLEcTors. By Dr. P. L. SCLATER, 
Noms, ve ee ee ae 
Mrimicry 1n THE CoLours oF Insects, By Dr. H. Hacen. 
. 
. 
a 5 eee 
. 
. 
ScreNTIFIC SERIALS. + 2 © © © © © © © © 8 
SoclETIES AND ACADEMIES . + «+ «© + © + «+ + # # © 
Books REekrveD'. “<2 ge as ee 86 Ss va <) ee ae 
DIARY’ 2.5... ie os Sas LPP ae o Brien iy <5 
