878 TRANSACTIONS OF SECTION I. 



■way as above. This, coupled with many other observatious, proves (contrary to the 

 general statement advanced by lloppe Seyler) that in this lecithin at least a great 

 part of the N present is not combined in the form of choline, but probably as some 

 other base. Similar experiments prove that the monamino-diphoflphatide ob- 

 tained from heart-muscle (Erlandsen's cuorin) contains no part of its N in the 

 form of chloline. Egg lecithin, on the other hand, contains all, or nearly all, its 

 N combined as choline. 



In the course of this investigation I have succeeded in separating from eggs a 

 new phosphatide with the ratio of N to P as 1 ; 2. Generally, though not exactly, 

 it corresponds to cuorin obtained from heart-muscle. 



7. The G astro-intestinal Gan(jlionic Nervous System. 

 By Sir James Grant, K.C.M.G. 



An imperfect nervous impulse points to some abnormality in its conduction, 

 and -when the obstruction has been removed the axis cylinder once more conveys 

 the impression. This result has been frequently observed during the application 

 of the electric current through the ueurotone. 



Nerve action to be of seivice must be normal in its distribution, hence the 

 marked and rapid improvement in digestive power, in the cases cited, on applying 

 the neurotone over the abdomen. This leads to the impression that the neurotone 

 current applied to the abdominal ganglionic nei-ve centres brings about a change 

 restoring the function of the medulla of the axis cylinder and re-establishing the 

 free transmission of nerve power and energy. As a result constitutional changes 

 for the better become most marked. 



The nervous system plays an important part in the remarkable chemical trans- 

 mission of food-products through the influence of these ganglionic centres. It is 

 due to improvement in nerve conduction of the gastro-iutestinal ganglionic system 

 that the neurotone current is capable of improving digestion and prolonging life 

 when no organic disease is present. 



MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7. 



Discussion on Insii'uction of School Teachers in Physiology and Hygiene. 

 Oiiened by Professor C. S. Sherrington, F.R.S. 



The following Keports and Papers were then read :^ 



1. Report on the Conditions of Health essential to the Carrying-on of the 

 Work of Iristruction in Schools. — See Reports, p. 458. 



2. On Amyloid. By Professor A. Kossel. 



Professor Kossel gave a description of some work done at his laboratory in 

 Heidelberg by l)r. Mayeda. dealing with the subject of the chemical nature of 

 amyloid. Dr. Mayeda tried to decide the question as to whether this albuminous 

 substance differs from other albuminous substances in its chemical structure. This 

 question is one related to a larger problem — namely, the existence of proteins of 

 abnormal constitution occurring in pathological conditions. 



Differing from Neuberg, who considers the amyloid-protein as a protein 

 belonging to the histone group, but free from histidin. Dr. Mayeda, in determining 

 the cleavage products of protein in normal and amyloid-degenerated organs, found 

 no differences between these two kinds of protein, and no similarity with histone. 

 He further showed the presence of histidin. The amyloid was found to be 



