128 REPORT—1862. 
The middle one is always the most remarkable, and a fixed point for measurement ; 
its termination in the longitudinal fissure is marked by a deep sulcus, forming the 
anterior boundary of a quadrangular surface, of which the posterior boundary is the 
sulcus already mentioned as marking the division of the posterior from the middle 
lobes of the brain. The oblique convolutions (with or without the anterior one, 
and with or without some anastomosing gyri going backwards from the middle to 
the posterior lobe) form a remarkable broadly triangular or rather bat-shaped figure, 
more remarkable still in the Quadrumana, and reminding us of the bat-like expansion 
of the sphenoidal bone below, and its corresponding cerebral surface. This, of course, 
is merely an accidental resemblance ; but where we are not sufficiently advanced to 
make physiological divisions, such comparisons may be of use in studying “a mighty 
maze, but not without a plan,” and fairly belong to topographical anatomy ; 
serying, like language, to embody our observations, and eventually, conjoined with 
the comparison of the internal structure, or more definitely the course of the di- 
vergent prolongations of the medulla oblongata through the brain, leading to large 
results, 
On the Physiological Effects of the Bromide of Ammonium. 
By Georce D. Gries, M.D., M.A., FG. 
After dwelling generally upon bromine and its salts, the author referred to the 
allexed properties of the bromide of potassium. This salt he had used, and it failed 
to produce what had been asserted of its‘powers. He had, however, changed the 
base to ammonium—the bromide of ammonium—carefully prepared in a pure form 
by Messrs. Fincham, of Baker Street, London; and on submitting a number of 
healthy persons to its use, a series of highly important results were obtained. These 
were detailed at some length, and the experiments described. The latter were not 
yet complete, but the author thought them still sufficiently important to bring before 
the Association. 
The great tegumentary systems, both internal and external,were chiefly influenced 
by this agent, especially the former. The adipose structures came next under their 
influence. Its effects on the skin justified its being considered a cleanser and beau- 
tifier of the complexion. It restored secretion to the mucous membrane, and ac- 
cording to the mode of its administration and the susceptibilities of the individual, 
so did it produce anesthesia, especially noticeable in the fauces and throat. The 
membrane of the nose, the pharynx, the larynx, and bronchi, as well as that of the 
eyes and ears, were subject to its influence; and in the course of his experiments, 
the author found that the entire tract of the genito-urinary and gastro-pulmonary 
mucous membrane was occasionally, not always, brought under the control of this 
agent. It also exerted a peculiar and specific effect upon atheroma and fat; and if 
administered sufficiently long, and in proper quantities, it will slowly remove cor- 
pulency and allied states through the blood. Fatty changes in certain organs, such 
as the heart and its vessels, are arrested by it; and the author believes it would 
equal, if not surpass, the Ficus vesiculosus in some of its alleged virtues. 
The author intended to continue his investigations. 
On the Normal Position of the Epiglottis as determined by the Laryngoscope. 
By Grorce D. Giz, M.D., M.A., F.GS. 
After some remarks upon the various hypotheses which have been brought for- 
ward by physiologists on the mechanism of the voice, which the author considered 
somewhat conjectural from the absence of ocular proof, he referred to the intro- 
duction of the laryngoscope as likely to determine the true nature of phonation and 
other phenomena connected with the larynx. Whilst not unmindful of this him- 
self, he had devoted some attention to the inspection and study of the parts above 
the glottis, especially to explain anomalous sensations there experienced. For this 
purpose he had examined the throats of healthy persons with the laryngoscope, so 
as to become familiar with the parts in them. Up to the date of his communi- 
cation he had examined 300 individuals, and his results were confined mostly to 
the condition and position of the epiglottis, which were so important that they 
had led him to form certain conclusions, 
