1899 ] CURRENT LITERATURE 77 
by a CH; group, little influence seems to be exerted on the toxic action, ¢. ¢., 
anisol and guaiacol. The carboxyl group (COOH) brings with it a degree of 
toxicity corresponding directly to the degree of dissociation and the number 
of H ions it affords, ¢. g., salicylic acid.”—C. R. B 
Mr. A. A. Lawson ® has investigated the earliest stages in the formation 
of the multipolar spindle in the pollen mother-cells of Cob@a scandens. The 
cytoplasm of the resting pollen mother-cell presents a clear uniform appear- 
ance, but as division approaches a zone a granular substance accumulates 
about the nucleus. This zone is so constant in Cobaa and other genera 
examined by the writer that he proposes to designate it by the term ferzkary- 
optasm. The zone was observed in living cells and so could not be regarded 
as an artefact. When the nuclear membrane breaks down, the perikaryo- 
plasm and the linin of the nucleus form a network of kinoplasmic fibers. 
These grow out into several projections and become the cones of the multi- 
polar spindle. Spindle fibers are formed by the elongation of the meshes of 
the network. The cones elongate, become sharp pointed and fuse in two 
groups, thus forming a bipolar spindle. The mature spindle is characterized 
by the great length and crossing of the mantle fibers. Spindle formation in 
the second division of the pollen mother-cells is the same as in the first. No 
centrosomes were observed at any stage of the process. 
Fleming's fluid was used for fixing, and the safranin-gentian violet-orange 
for staining. The reviewer would suggest that while these form a combina- 
tion of unusual value, it would nevertheless be refreshing to find some other 
combination thoroughly perfected, especially since it has been claimed by 
competent observers that mixtures containing chromic acid precipitate certain 
of the liquid albuminoids of the tissues in the form of filaments or networks, 
which are often of great regularity and simulate structural elements of the 
tissues. If this objection is well founded, it applies with especial force to such 
file: as those concerning spindle formation. CHARLES J. CHAMBER- 
AIN. 
IN AN ARTICLE of some seventy pages,’ Dr. Georg Klebs gives a detailed 
account of man 
of th 
f the physical factors, those which heighten transpiration increase the 
tendency to the formation of sporangia. When transpiration is checked, 
within certain limits, the sporangia are partially replaced by zygotes, and 
when ‘ranspiration is still further checked, only zygotes are formed, Thus, 
with a relative humidity of 100 per cent. only zygotes are produced; at 45- 
*Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci. ILL, 1: 169-184. pl. 23-36. 1898. 
: Kips, Grorc : — Zur Physiologie der Fortpflanzung einiger Pilze. Jahrbiicher 
Ur wiss. Bot, 32:1. 1898, 
