138 REPORT— 1871. 



The author clescrihecl two experiments bearing on this subject. The apparatus 

 required for each of them is an elastic bulb, furnished with valves, which enable 

 it to act like a pump. To the opening, by which the liquid enters, there is attached 

 a ilaccesccnt tube, such as a portion of a sheep's intestine. If the extremity of this 

 tube is dipped into water, and the pump, held verticaDy, is set into action, no water 

 rises in the tube. This is Dr. Arnott's famous experiment, which led him to declare 

 that " it is a physical impossibility that a sucking action of the chest or heart can 

 be a cause of the blood's motion in the veins." Dr. Arnott's interpretation of this 

 experiment has caused the doctrine advocated by the author to be ostracised in this 

 country. 



In the second experiment the action of the pump is assisted by that of a column 

 of liquid, which is obtained by attaching the free end of the intestine to an apcr- 

 tm-e in the bottom or side of the water-cistern, and keeping the pump constantly 

 beneath the level of the water. The pump was now shown to act with the most 

 perfect facility, and without any risk of the collapse of the intestine, which is kept 

 constantly distended by the pressm-e of the column of water. The author argued 

 that the blood-vessels are in like manner kept distended by the pressm-e of the 

 blood resulting from the propulsive force of the heart, and explained that if the 

 column of water were about ten inches in height, it would then exert a force equal 

 to tlie distending force with which the veins entering the chest are kept patent by 

 the force of the heart. 



The author then proceeded to illustrate his theoiy by reference to the phenomena 

 attendant upon inspiration and expiration, the pulse, the condition of the I'uetal 

 circulation, and asphyxia. 



An Exjieiimenial Inqulnj into some of the Results of Inoculation in the 

 lower Animals. By John' Chiene, M.D. 



The author related shortly the results of a series of experiments in which rabbits 

 were inoculated with cancerous matter obtained from the human subject. In the 

 great majority of cases the matter was introduced below the skin. The general 

 result of the investigation may be summed up as follows : — In rabbits the inocu- 

 lation of cancerous matter, obtained (1) from post-mortem examinations, (2) from 

 tumours removed by the sm-geon, (3) directly from the growing tumour during 

 life, does not produce cancer, but a local form of cystic formation of a scrofulous 

 type, which does not materially difter from the appearances seen after inoculation 

 of the rabbit with tubercle, or after the introduction of any irritant. Subsequent 

 disease of internal organs is rare. The local disease has a tendency to heal either 

 by conti'action or by suppuration. In no case did death follow as a result of the 

 inoculation. In two cases in which rabbits were inoculated from a lymphoma, both 

 died in consequence of the virulence of the local inflammation, which was accom- 

 panied by the deposit of a large cake of cheesy matter. 



On the Com2^osition of the Carpus of the Bof/. 

 By Professor W.* H. Flower, F.R.S. 



This commimication was illusti-ated by the exhibition of the bones of the caqjus 

 of a dog, six weeks old, in which the so-called scap/io-haiar bone consisted of three 

 distinct ossifications, one corresponding to the radiale or scaphoid, one to the into-- 

 medium or lunar, and one to the os ce»trale of the typical carpus. The same 

 arrangement was found on both sides of the body. It is diflerent from what has 

 previously been observed, and shows that in some of the Camivora at least neither 

 of the three above-named elements of the normal carpus are suppressed ; neither 

 are they connate, but they are all developed indepcudentlj', and afterwards coalesce 

 to form a single bone. 



-"o' 



On the Magnetic and Diamagnetie Properties of the Blood. 

 By Dr. Arthttr Gaugee. 



