396 
and in the Paraderos Patagonians, draws attention to the di- 
versity of opinion to which the occurrence of this bivalve has 
given rise, Dr. Boni deducing from it the theory that the 
E-milian Terremare are the sites of human habitations on artifi- 
cially constructed water basins, whilst Dr. Coppi regards them 
as the remains of sacrificial or other slaughter places. Dr. von 
Martens has ascertained by personal observation that the Para- 
deros of Patagonia resemble in very many respects the Danish 
Kjokkenméddings, It is worthy of note in reference to this sub- 
ject that shells of the Adriatic form (Aforrhais pes pelicani and 
Venus verrucosa) occur in the Moravian pile-dwellings near 
Olmiitz, while .Mediterranean shells (Cyprea pyram and hirida) 
have been found on the Dordogne. These facts, which afford 
incontrovertible evidence of the extension of commerce in pre- 
historic ages, are corroborated by the appearance of Red Sea if 
not Indian Ocean forms of shells, as Zéurna spirata in a Mariera 
at Reggio, and of Cypraa pantherina, in the Allemannic tumuli 
of Wiirtemberg. It has been suggested by Dr. E. Friedel that 
the Unio pictorum L,, and the A/asmodonta compressa, which 
are so abundant in Italian Lacustrine deposits, may be 
connected with the presence of domestic swine, as these 
bivalves constitute in the present day a very important element 
in the food of these animals in the poorer districts of the Oder 
and the Brandenburg Mark.—In conclusion we would draw at- 
tention to a curious paper read by Herr von Meyer before the 
Anthropological Society of Berlin on the origin of “ Right and 
Left,” and the causes which have led mankind to give the prefer- 
ence to one over the other, in using the hands and feet. The 
superior estimation of right over left is shown alike in the most 
ancient forms of Egyptian sculpture, in Jewish ordinances, in 
Hellenic poetry, and in language generally, whether of Turanian, 
Scythic, or Aryan origin. In these tongues the right hand is 
synonymous with what is good, straight, and right, while the 
left is identical with what is awkward, evil and abnormal. The 
author attempted to explain the universally diffused preference 
for the right hand on the ground of instinctive religious venera- 
tion in primeeval man, who raised the right hand in adoration as 
he traced the course of the sun from its rising to its setting, 
while Prof. Virchow was inclined to refer it to a primary physi- 
cal principle of the human organisation. The subject gave rise 
to an animated discussion in the Society, and led to the consi- 
deration of several questions of interest to the student of 
ethnology. 
Sitsungsberichte der naturwissenschafllichen Gesellschapt Isis 
in Dresden. Oct.—Dec. 1872,—The principal paper in this 
number is one by M. Ackermann, giving a {comprehensive 
account of recent deep-sea researches.—Dr. Hoffmann furnishes 
acritique of Zéllner’s work on comets; and among the shorter 
notices will be found information on Phylloxera, the physical 
features, climate, and products of Venezuela, silkworm-cultiva- 
tion, the Zoological Garden at Dresden, and other topics. —The 
succeeding number (Jan.—Mar. 1873) consists, in great part, 
of zoological lists. —M. Rostock enumerating the Neuroptera of 
Saxony, and Dr. Kohler the Gasteropoda and Conchifera of 
Schneeberg.—In the botanical section, M. Wilhelmi gives a list 
of plants found on the Murray river in Australia.—M. von 
Kiesenwetter communicates a paper on the history of zoology 
to the time of Linnus, being chiefly an abstract of Carus’s 
work on the subject in a voluminous ‘‘ History of the Science 
in Germany,” now in course of publication. 
THE American Fournal of Science and Arts, Sept. 1873.—In 
a fifth paper on some results of the earth’s contraction from 
cooling, Prof, Dana treats of the formation of continental pla- 
teaux and oceanic depressions, thus concluding the reconsideration 
of the views he brought out in 1847. Besides the admission of 
a solid nucleus and the present partial union of the crust to the 
nucleus, these views have been modified in some points con- 
nected with mountain-making and metamorphism, in accordance 
with ideas developed by Le Conte and Mallet, and the results of 
personal study. The author gives a valuable summary of his 
progress.—Prof, O. Rood has a paper on the residual or secon- 
dary spectra which Brewster studied, and which are obtained 
when white light is passed through two prisms of different sub- 
stances, so arranged as to compensate each other for colour. 
The Professor has obtained a large dispersion in such spectra by 
using as one of the constituents the spectrum furnished by oil 
of cassia, bisulphide of carbon, or flint glass, the other being the 
normal spectrum from a diffraction grating. Some curious ex- 
periments with these are described.—A paper on the explorations 
Jast year, by the Snake River Division of the U.S. Geological 
NATURE 
[ Sept. 1 % 1873 j 
Survey of the Territories, is furnished by Prof. Bradley; and — 
another geological paper, by Mr: Washburn, treats of the Bos- — 
phorus region. , There are also notes on the Corundum of North — 
Carolina, Georgia, and, Montana; on minerals found at the 
Tidley Foster Iron Mines, New York; on an apparatus for 
rapid filtrations ; and jon the discovery of a new double star B 
Delphini. “ 
SOCIETIES AND ACADEMIES 
PARIS 
Academy of Sciences, Sept. 1.—M. Bertrand in the chair, 
—The following papers were read :—On the Aurora Borealis, 
by M. Faye. The author’s paper related to Donati’s late 
memoir on the same subject, in which he suggests that the pas- 
sage of electro-magnetic currents from the sun to the planets is — 
the cause of this phenomenon. M. Faye, on the other hand, 
deprecated the introduction of such a theory, and suggested that 
the effect of gravity as an agent in producing these effects may at 
least be probable. He suggested that motions such as are ob- 
served in the tails of comets might occur in the upper regions 
‘of our atmosphere, z.e. that excessively attenuated air might be 
constantly rushing from the side of the earth turned towards the 
sun to that turned from it, and that this motion might cause in- 
candescence of the air, visible at the poles as auroree.—On the 
Carpellary Theory as regards the Amygdalacee, by M. A. Trécul. 
—Gnomonic projection, &c., of a portion of the Sahara, by M. 
A. Pomel.—Study of the metallic veins of Cornwall ; 
structure of the rich veins, and their relation to the 
stratigraphical arrangement of the country, by M. Moissenet. 
—On the Siemens coil, by M. A. Pellerin—Observations of 
Planet 133 and of Borrelly’s comet, by M. Stephan.—On the 
changes of form of Comet IV., 1873, and on its spectrum, by 
MM. G. Rayet and André, The comet has developed a tail 
and become brighter ; it has no nucleus. Its spectrum at first 
consisted of three bands, one between D and E, another 
very close to 4, and a third beyond F. After the tail 
had developed the same bands appeared, but they were larger 
and brighter and accompanied by a faint continuous spectrum.— 
On the form of the Martial seas as compared with the terrestrial 
oceans, by M. Stan. Meunier. The author considers that the 
long narrow straits on Mars are an additional proof of its greater 
age as compared with the earth. Taking the soundings of the 
Atlantic, he observed that if its level were reduced 4,000 metres 
(by absorption), it would then present a similar aspect to the 
Martial seas. : 
BOOKS RECEIVED 
Encutsu.—The Sea and its Wonders: Hartwig (Longmans & Co.),— 
Centrifugal Force and Gravitation: John Harris (Lriibner & Co.).—Quan- 
titative Chemical Analysis: Thorpe (Longmans & Co.)—What a 
should be: William Bardwell (Dean).—The Convolutions of the Human 
Brain: Ecker (Smith, Elder & Co.).—Scripture Manual (Murby).—Me- 
chanics: Skertchley (Murby).—Report of Freshwater Fish and Fisheries of 
India and Burmah: Surg.~Maj. Francis Day, Government of Calcutta. 
Tue ENDOWMENT OF RESEARCH, VI.. « » » «. + © © « « © «© 397 
EUROPEAN SPIDERS «>. s+ © + + © © © @ & . + 378 
Our Book SHELF. . ‘ 3 SR emcee 
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:— 
Tyndall and Forbes.—Prof. P.G. Tair. . . . «+ «+. «+ + « 
W. S. J. on Hegel.—J. Hutcuison STIRLING . . » « « . = 
Lakes with Two Outfalls.—Colonel Gzorcz GreENwoop; R.B. 
HLAYWARD - . 2 eyes. ts) 6 0 os) ol 
Cranes in the Gardens of the Zoological Society of London. . . 
Colour of Lightning.—H. G. ForDHAM . o ow ‘el Je: Ret eine 
Harmonic Causation and Harmonic Echoes.—HERMANN SMITH . 
The Oreodon Remains in the Woodwardian Museum.—Lorp 
WALSINGHAM =” 7 NEARS p o's tue We ce) ent anon Phe aae 
Bright Shooting Stars.—WiLtiAM F. DeNNING, . . « . « 
November Meteor Shower of 1872.—Henry C. BEASLEY . . . 
EXPLORATIONS IN THE GREAT WEST. *. . - + «© «© «© » © «© © 305 
On THE SCIENCE OF WEIGHING AND MEASURING, AND THE STANDARDS 
oF WEIGHT AND Measure, V. By H. W. CutsHoim, Wardenof the 
Standards (With Iilustvation)<. . . » « © © «© « of sie 
NOTES... 0 3. 0 6 0: o eRe, 0°) ese he, Nei sc 
Spérer’s OBSERVATIONS ON THESUN. - « « + 2 © + © «© «© © 392 
THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE 
Mr. Hartnur oN DETERMINING THE RATEs OF CHRONOMETERS. - 
THe WHITWORTH SCHOLARSHIPS . » + «© + + ¢ © « «© «© © «© 305 
SCIENTIFIC SERIALS .. 5 ao pisl)s «|. 0 2 ©. @ nee) el ee 
SocteTIEs AND ACADEMIES ... . oe! este. Ve, Net otha eee 396 
ROoxs RECEIVED: |.) Seared. bens ols aeeges. 
‘ 
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