976 : REPORT—1896. 
G. It is probable that the depression of irritability is chiefly limited to the 
nervous segment of the neuro-muscular couple, 
In arriving at the above results the following series of experiments were per- 
formed :— 
Series a, in which the effects of small doses on blood-coagulation and blood- 
pressure were observed. 
Series 4, in which the effects of ‘peptone’ on blood-pressure after section of the 
spinal cord were observed. 
Series c, in which its effects on blood-pressure during excitation of the spinal 
cord (after section) were studied. 
Series d, in which its influence on blood-pressure during excitation of the great 
splanchnics (after section) was noted. 
Series e, in which its effects on blood-pressure were recorded, the great 
splanchnics being severed and the spinal cord excited (after section) during and 
subsequent to the injection. 
The research was carried out in Monsieur Dastre’s laboratory at the Sorbonne, 
Paris. 
3. On the Nerves of the Intestine and the Effects of Small Doses of Nicotine 
upon them. By J. L. Buncn, ILD., BSc. (From the Physiological 
Laboratory, University College, London.) 
1. Description of method adopted in the research for recording movements of 
the intestine, 
2. When means are taken to eliminate its action on the heart, stimulation of 
the peripheral cut end of the vagus is found not to influence the intestinal 
movements (Dog, Cat). 
* 3. The splanchnics probably contain fibres causing both contraction and 
dilatation of the intestine. Stimulation of the peripheral cut end usually causes 
contraction ; rarely dilatation, never simple inhibition of movements. 
4. The nerve roots which cause the maximum effect on the intestine when 
electrically stimulated are the 8th to 13th post-cervical. 
5. Intravenous injection of small doses of nicotine puts the nerve roots out of 
action before the splanchnics; there is probably, therefore, a cell station for these 
fibres in the ganglia of the chain. 
4. On the Effect of Peritonitis on Peristalsis. By A. S. Grinbaum, 
M.A., MB. (Cantab.), M_R.C.P. 
Peritonitis was excited in rabbits by the injection of turpentine and other 
substances into the peritoneal cavity. The peristalsis was examined in the first 
instance through the shaved abdominal wall, and subsequently, by opening the 
abdomen with the animal immersed in normal saline solution at 38° to 39° C. 
In the first twenty-four hours the peristalsis of both large and small intestine 
was increased; it then gradually diminished until complete paralysis resulted in 
about four days. The large intestine became paralysed before the small intestine. 
5. The Glucoside Constitution of Proteid Matter. 
By ¥F. W. Pavy, 1D., LL.D., FR.S. 
Glucosides have long been known to chemists as a class of bodies which by the 
agency of ferments, or by the action of acids and alkalies, and even to a slight 
extent of water at elevated temperatures, undergo a cleavage or disruption with a 
carbohydrate as one of the products. 
Until recently it is only in connection with the vegetable kingdom that these 
