TRANSACTIONS OF THE SECTIONS. 125 
deayoured to prove that the red fluid of the Earthworm is a receptacle for oxygen, 
and is thus subservient to the aération or respiration of the animal, 
Some Observations on the Vitality of Fishes, as tested by Increase of Temperature. 
By Joun Davy, ILD., F.BS., Se. 
The experiments described by the author were made on eleven different species 
of fish of our lakes and rivers, of which the several kinds of Salmonidz were of the 
number. The results were that a temperature of water between 80 degrees and 100 
degrees was fatal to each kind. The Salmonids were those which were most readily 
affected by elevation of temperature, the other species bearing it according to their 
kind somewhat better. The results generally were pointed out as of some interest 
in relation to the habitats of different kinds of fish, and also as tending to prove that 
the accounts given by travellers of fishes existing in hot springs are exaggerated, 
and not founded on accurate observation. 
On the Question whether the Oxide of Arsenic, taken in very minute quantities 
for a long period, is Injurious to Man. By Joun Davy, M.D., FRS., Se. 
In this paper the author gave an account of a small mountain stream in Cum- 
berland, Whitbeck by name, which contains a minute quantity of arsenic, and which 
has from time immemorial been used by the inhabitants of an adjoining village, 
without any marked effect, either bad or good, on man and other animals, with the 
exception of ducks, to which birds the feeding in it has proved fatal. The author 
attributed the innocuity of the stream to two circumstances: first, the extremely 
minute quantity of arsenic present; and, secondly, the little tendency that arsenic 
has to accumulate in the organs of animals—the duck probably having less elimi- 
nating power than others. He mentioned instances in which arsenic in equall 
small quantity, derived from rivers in the Lake District, had proved fatal to the 
charr. He presumed that arsenic exists in many other streams, the water of which 
is used with impunity, the arsenic being derived from arsenical pyrites, a very 
common mineral, by the action of air and water, and, as in the instance of Whit- 
beck, comparatively harmless, and this owing to two circumstances—the very 
slight solubility of the oxide in cold water, and the fact of the harmlessness of the 
oxide in infinitesimal quantities. 
Some Observations on the Coagulation of the Blood in relation to its Cause, 
By Joun Davy, ID., F.BS., Fe. 
These observations were chiefly made to test the hypothesis brought forward by 
Dr. Richardson, that the coagulation of the blood mainly depends on the escape of 
ammonia. The many results described by the author were opposed to this view. 
First, he showed that blood in its healthiest state contains no appreciable quantity 
of the volatile alkali; and, secondly, that ammonia added to the blood in a notable 
quantity did not arrest the change. Other experiments were described of a con- 
firmatory kind. 
The conclusion finally arrived at was that we are still ignorant of the cause of the 
phenomenon, and that the hypothesis of Dr. Richardson, if acted on in medical 
practice, must be attended with risk. 
Remarks on the Loss of Muscular Power arising from the ordinary Foot- 
clothing now worn, and on the Means required to obviate this Loss. By 
James DowI!e. 
In wearing rigid-soled boots or shoes, the waste of muscular power is of a three- 
fold kind: fist, that arising from atrophy, in which the locomotive function of the 
muscles of the extremities is reduced below its normal standard; second, that 
arising from the extra force exerted in bending comparatively rigid clothing; and 
third, that arising from the normal functions of the muscles of the feet when walk- 
ing being partially or wholly transferred to those of the pelvic region or upper 
