110 BULLETIN OF THE 



peculiar difficulties attending experiments with milk, turnip solu- 

 tion, peas, beans, and hay explained.) 



From the results obtained by Mr. Lister, and from those 

 reported by Ray Lankester of London, and Prof Cohn and 

 his assistants at Breslau, it may be considered as certain that the 

 so-called doctrine of spontaneous generation is incorrect, and is 

 not a permissible theory to invoke to explain the very puzzling 

 phenomena observed in connection with the development of these 

 minute organisms. 



These organisms may be divided into two classes — those which 

 seem to be everywhere present, and those which have specific 

 qualities. (For 1st Class, see 2s"ote of M. Marie Davy, Gomptes 

 Rendus, Dec. 27, 1876. For 2d Class, attention is called to 

 Koch's x*esearches on splenic fever and Curtis on diphtheria.) 



The classifications of Cohn, Billroth, and Lister are not con- 

 sidered satisfactory ; they deal with these minute organisms as if 

 they formed an independent class, while really they should be 

 considered in connection with the minute algse and fungi. To 

 attempt to distinguish species by the microscope or even by 

 chemical tests, will fail. The culture test in various substrata is 

 the only mode of solving the problem. 



Mr. J. W. Powell continued a communication on 



THE philosophy OF THE NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS, 



describing peculiarities of language, theology, religion, mythol- 

 ogy, treatment of diseases, and nursery tales. 



Mr. Gill called attention to the use of the same terms, in 

 zoology and linguistics, as generate, differentiate, and specialize,, 

 but in different senses. 



Remarks were also made by Messrs. Newcomb, White, An- 

 TiSELL, Ward, and Welling. 



11 9th Meeting. February 24, 1877> 



The President in the Chair. 



Thirty-six members and visitors present. 



The election of Captain William Nicholson Jefpers, U. S. 

 Navy; Commander Montgomery Sicard, TJ. S. Navy; Anecito 



