636 
to the tension of this free alkali dissolved in pure water and to 
its diffusion between an inert atmosphere and purely aqueous 
solutions. Numerous experiments here described show that the 
function of the three constituents of sal ammoniac is not the 
same in its dissociation, the carbonic and ammoniac gases, even 
in great excess, possessing no perceptible influence on the ten- 
sion of the bicarbonate at the ordinary temperature, while liquid 
water determines its decomposition independently of the laws of 
dissociation of the salt.—On the origin of the motor nerves in 
the palate of the dog, by M. Vulpian. His experiments on the 
origin of the secreting nerves of the salivary glands and of the 
chord of the tympanum have led the author to the study of this 
subject, his conclusions mainly confirming the results already 
obtained by M. Chauveau, who operated on the horse and the 
ass. —Experimental researches on the cause of vigor mortis, by 
M. Brown-Séquard. In continuation of his previous paper (see 
last week’s NATURE, p. 612), the author describes certain 
experiments, which seem-to show that this phenomenon mainly 
depends on a contraction, that is, a muscular vital act beginning 
or continuing after the general extinction of life. At the 
same time it is not denied that a coagulation of the 
albuminous substances may also to some extent contribute 
to the rigidity which sets in immediately after death.— 
The mountain plants of the Parisian flora, by M. Chatin. It is 
shown that associated with the ordinary vegetation of the Paris 
district are found numerous highland and even Alpine specimens, 
such as Swertia perennis, Atropa Belladonna, Euphrasia lutea, 
Digitalis lutea, Veronica montana, &c., most of which are largely 
represented in the Alps and Scandinavia, and some few in the 
south of France. They generally flourish in localities where the 
conditions of life approach nearest to those presented by the Alps ; 
but whether they are due to migration from those regions or are 
indigenous is a question reserved for future discussion.—Analysis 
of some cosmic dust which fell on the Cordilleras near San 
Feznando, Chili, by M. A. E. Nordenskjold. This specimen, 
received last February from M. Stolp, of San Fernando, and 
weighing about 2 grammes, yielded on analysis: oxide of iron 
74°59, oxide of nickel 6:01, silicic acid 7°57, magnesia 3°88, 
alumina 2°90, and minute quantities of lime, phosphoric and 
sulphuric acid, with traces of oxide of copper. This analysis 
shows that it is not a product of the Krakatao eruption, but comes 
for the most part from the inter-planetary spaces.—On surfaces 
inclosing cones of the second degree, by M. E. Blutel. The 
case is considered in which each cone touches its inclosure fol- 
lowing a moving circle.—On the determination of the coefficients 
of expansion by means of the pendulum, by M. Ch. Ed. Guil- 
laume. It is shown that this method, recently proposed by M. 
Robert Weber, cannot possibly yield the accurate determinations 
anticipated by him. All the apparatus needed for its applica- 
tion render the process extremely complicated, while under the 
most favourable conditions its precision will never exceed 1/300. 
—Theoretical value of the local.attraction at Nice, by M. Hatt. 
Theoretic researches undertaken for the purpose of determining 
this value haye led to the results here communicated, including 
some data tending to correct the geodetic latitude of Nice.—On 
some pyridic bases, by M. A. Ladenburg. Having two years 
ago determined the methods of synthesis for the pyridic 
and piperidic bases, the author has since succeeded, with the | 
aid of MM. Roth, Lange, and Hesekiel, in preparing a whole 
series of these bases, which are here described.— Researches on the 
evolution of the embryo of the fowl, when the eggs are submitted to 
incubation in the vertical position, by M. M. Dareste. Of sixtcen 
eggs treated in this way, only one was successfully hatched, all 
the other embryos perishing at various dates and under diverse 
conditions.—On the relations of the Leptocephalidz to the 
conger-eel, by M. Yves Delage. Observations recently made 
at the Laboratory of Roscoff show that the Leptocephals, con- 
trary to the opinion of Giinther, are normal larvze capable of 
transformation.—Contribution to the study of the Tertiary flora 
of the west of France and of Dalmatia, by M. Louis Crié. It 
results from this comparative study that five identical species 
and seven or eight closely-related types connect in a common 
palzeophytic epoch the Tertiary districts of Mans and Angers 
in France with that of Monte Promina in Dalmatia.—On the 
discovery of a grave dating from the polished Stone Age, re- 
cently discovered near Crécy-sur-Morin, by M. A. Thieullen. 
The excavations carried out at this spot revealed two contiguous 
chambers built under a rock, and containing the skeletons of 
about thirty human beings of all ages and sexes, besides stone 
hatchets, knives, scrapers, and other relics of the Neolithic 
NATURE 
[Oct. 28, 1886 | 
period, but no traces of pottery or the metals. The human re* 
mains are remarkably well preserved, five or six of the skullS 
being almost intact, and by their form apparently indicating the 
presence of two distinct prehistoric races.—On a meteorite 
found in a block of Tertiary lignite from Wolfsegg, by M. 
Gurlt, with remarks by M. Daubrée. This rare specimen of a 
meteorite, traced to Tertiary times, forms a mass of cosmic iron 
combined with some carbon and nickel, weighing altogether 
785 grammes.—On the constant presence of micro organisms in 
the thermal waters of Luchon (64° C.), and on their action on 
the production of baregine, by MM. A. Certes and Garrigou. 
The object of this paper is to determine the presence of living 
organisms in thermal waters of the highest temperatures, to 
ascertain their nature and the part played by them in the pro- 
duction of the baregine or glairine commonly found in sul- 
phurous waters.—On melanosis, a disease of the vine, by MM. 
Pierre Viala and L. Ravaz. This is described as a malady of 
American origin, not very injurious to French vineyards, and 
due probably to a parasitic fungus identical with the Septorza 
ampelina described by Berkeley and Curtis. 
BOOKS AND PAMPHLETS RECEIVED 
“The Functions of the Brain,” new edition, by Dr. D. Ferrier (Smith, 
Elder, and Co.) —‘‘ Journal of Royal Microscopical Society,’’ October 
(Williams and Norgate).—‘‘ Experimental Chemistry,” new edition, by 
C. W. Heaton (Bell and Sons).—‘‘ Origin of Languages,” by H. Hale 
(Cambridge, Mass.).—‘’ Concernirg Force, Impulsion, and Energy,” by J. 
O'Toole (Hodges, Dublin).—‘‘ On the Temperature and the Rainfall of the 
Croydon District, 1881-85,”” by H. S. Eaton.—‘t The Mechanism of Nature,” 
by A. M. Stapley (Cornish, Manchester).—‘t Bibliotheca Historico-Naturalis 
et Mathematica: Lager Catalog ” (Friedlander, Berlin). — Notes from the 
Leyden Museum,” vol. viii, No. 4, October, by Dr. F. A. Jentink (Brill, 
Leyden).—‘‘ Natural History,” by Dr. H. A. Nicholson (Chambers).— 
‘* Diseases of Tropical Climates,” by Dr. W. C. Maclean (Macmillan),— 
“ Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh,” Session 1885-86, No. 
121.—‘‘Carte Géologique Générale de la Russie d’Europe,”’ Feuille 139.— 
‘“‘ Bulletins du Comité Géologique St. Pétersbourg,”’ Nos. 7 and 8, 1886. 
CONTENTS PAGE 
History of (Ethics| <9. 205 S)cee ie eee 613 
Professor Chrystal’s’ “Algebra” 5 3 2) 2a) ceeeeey 
The Mammals of Central America. ....... 615 
Packard’s ‘‘ First Lessons in Zoology” ..... 616 
Our Book Shelf :— 
Von Waldeck’s ‘‘ Russland: Einrichtungen, Sitten, 
und Gebrauche” ; and Egli’s ‘‘ Die Schweiz”. . 616 
Letters to the Editor :— 
On the Connection between Chemical Constitution 
and Physiological Action—Dr. T. Lauder Brun- 
ton, FLRiS.) oo. 2 2k eo 2m eo) Sie 
The Origin of Species.—Edmund Catchpool .. 617 
Note upon the Habits of Testacellaa—Edward B. 
Poultom ¥ ee eo Se se 
Lepidoptera and Migration.—W. Harcourt Bath. 618 
The Earthquake of October 16 in the Vosges, &c.— 
Prof. J. Py O'Reilly =<. 5 © 2) Sac TT 
Recent Ornithological Works. By Prof. R. Bowdler 
Sharpe... 2.5 5 a. sp stte Nee te he re ee 
Solar Physics.’ By A. M:.(Clerke*”. 9 7 9) e apace 
The New Optical Glass’ <5 =). 5°. % (pee 
The German Naval Observatory ......... 624 
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers .... 625 
I]. eC CErrEcCEOEC acta daa oo Go co Rah 
Our Astronomical Column ;— 
The Distribution of the Stars in Schénfeld’s ‘* Durch- 
musterung?” 6 os ss = a, oe! Se el =) Cn 
Astronomical Paenomena for the Week 1886 
October 31—Novemberi6\." 7) & =)... yer 
GeographicaliNotes= <= cs ceus + i ele eens 
** Hybrid” Wheat... 0°. 3s) oo. 6 tehacl one 
Dr. August Weismann on the Importance of 
Sexual Reproduction for the Theory of Selection. 
By Prof. HN. Moseley, FiRUS. 2 0. co seam 
The Function of a University. By President 
Holden’ f.e0s, i of eae 28s > 
Antarctic Exploration. By Capt. Ettrick W. Creak, 
Ley Gay WO Sein OBA ONG soe DoS BOLO.ceo.d.0 | WSL! 
Notes from the Otago University Museum, VIII. 
By Prof. 1. Jettery (Parker) (2/2) ts) ure 
Societies! and’ Academies'= = 37.)0). @ 1c) tae 
Books and Pamphlets Received ......... 636 
