TRANSACTIONS OF SECTION D. 549 
ing to the trained zoologist, is beyond the grasp of any but one’s best class. The 
number of animals with which it is possible to deal is but few, and though it is 
clear enough that there is increasing complexity of structure and increasing dif- 
ferentiation of function among the organs, yet the premisses are not sufficient to 
warrant any conclusion that the higher hus been evolved from the lower, nor to 
bring out the doctrines of homology. There are two natural opportunities of intro- 
ducing the evolutionary aspect in these general courses. One occurs in studying 
the development of such animals as the frog and freshwater snail, where it is 
possible to see the unicellular ovum give rise to the multicellular adult, and the 
fish tadpole to the amphibian frog. The other can be combined with the 
principles of classification and homologies, as exemplified in the study of 
a series of closely allied animals, such as can easily be obtained among the 
crustaceans or insects, or, if more convenient, in the skeletons of vertebrate 
animals. The typical animals usually employed in university courses stand too far 
apart and require more supplemental lecturing than is advisable in a school course, 
which has not as its object a knowledge of the various styles of animal architecture. 
Lastly, a word of defence against certain opponents is necessary. It is by some 
maintained that anatomy and physiology are ‘nasty, and even indecent, and not 
fit subjects of education ‘ virgintbus puertsque.’ To come straight to the main point, 
it is the processes of reproduction to which objection is made. It is even urged 
that zoology may be taught if this part of the subject be left out. There is no 
more mischievous suggestion. Are we to do all we can to encourage the study of 
animal life and then deny all information and guidance on phenomena which are 
bound to come under observation, as though these were something unholy and 
unclean ? Curiosity on these matters is natural and inevitable, and it is far better, 
it is hest, that this legitimate curiosity should be satisfied and instructed in a clean, 
wholesome, and scientitic way than by any other means. It is only so thata reverent 
respect for the whole body, whether of brute or man, can be gained. Puris pura 
omnia. 
TUESDAY, AUGUST 6. 
The following Papers were read :— 
1. Note on the Structure of the Larva of Lanice conchilega. 
By Rev. G. A. Etrineron, D.Sc. 
The larva of the polychcete worm Lanice conchilega passes in the first period 
of its life through a stage in which it is pelagic, and inhabits a transparent tube. 
The material of which this tube is composed-is to a great extent secreted by a 
large glandular organ situated in the anterior region of the body, on the dorsal 
side of the cesophagus, and having an external opening on the dorsal surface of the 
animal in the median line. 
The gland in question consists of a cluster of large pear-shaped cells, the thin 
ends of which converge to form the orifice of the gland. Sections of the larva, 
including the tube, were stained with Delafield’s hematoxylin and blue carmine, 
and it was found that both the tube and the cells were stained a deep purple ; at 
the same time the cytoplasm of the cells was clearly differentiated from the rest 
of the cell contents by the light-blue colour imparted to it by the blue carmine. 
In a similar manner, toluidin-blue and safranin were found to stain the tube and 
the gland alike. 
A slightly different result was obtained by using methylene-blue and alum 
carmine. In this case the secretion of the gland was stained blue; the tube, 
however, was not acted upon, except by the carmine. These results point to the 
conclusion that the gland plays some part in secreting the tube. This view is 
further borne out by the fact that the gland is a transitory structure, persisting as 
long as the larya retains its transparent tube. No trace of the gland could be 
