“OCTOBER 15, 1897.] 
is a vexed question. Professor Spalding 
reported work done in his laboratory from 
which it would appear that not only one 
‘side of the root is concerned in producing 
the bending, but both sides. As a result of 
numerous experiments it is concluded that 
the effect of the stimulus is not altogether, 
as has been supposed, on cell-membranes, 
nor upon the activity of protoplasm in manu- 
facturing osmotic material, but is mani- 
fested in a molecular change in the proto- 
plasm by which it becomes more permeable 
to water. The tense membranes conse- 
quently contract, shortening the side that 
thus becomes concave. It is claimed that, at 
the same time, the effect of the stimulus is 
to increase the length of cells on the side 
becoming convex. Animportant difference 
between this theory and its predecessors is 
that this proposes to utilize the tensions 
‘usually existing in straight roots to account, 
for the curving. 
The action of a cellulose dissolving 
-enzyme extracted from cotyledons of seed- 
lings of Lupinus albus was described by Pro- 
fessor Newcombe. 
Professor True’s paper on the toxic ac- 
tion of phenols on plants aroused consider- 
able commendation and discussion. It has 
been known quite generally that plants are 
very sensitive toward certain substances, so 
sensitive that they may be used as tests for 
certain compounds diluted far beyond the 
capacity for identification by the usual 
chemical means. A study of the toxic ac- 
tion of the group of substances known as 
phenols has shown that living organisms 
respond in a definite manner to substances 
having a definite constitution, the reaction 
of the protoplasm being thus far governed 
by chemical laws. Electrolytic dissociation 
of the molecules into ions plays a subordi- 
nate role in the physiological action of these 
compounds, the undissociated molecules, 
therefore, determining to a large degree the 
physiological properties of the substances. 
SCIENCE. 
575 
Certain radicles seem to have specific prop- 
erties when introduced into the molecule, 
modifying the toxic value of the same. 
Dr. Hart sought to prove that the acrid- 
ity of the juice of Arwm is not due, as 
claimed, to the mechanical action of the 
raphides. He exhibited preparations of 
the extracted juice which had been filtered 
and still preserved its acridity. He de- 
scribed also a series of experiments upon 
himself, detailing the physiological effects 
of the administration of the juice. 
Dr. Anderson described a self-registering 
torsion balance—an improvement over the 
one previously described by him. This in- 
strument will record the increase or de- 
crease in weight of any object that can be 
placed upon the balance, changes of .5 gm. 
being sufficient to make a record. 
In joint session of Sections F and G, Pro- 
fessor Osborn and Professor Poulton pre- 
sented a theory harmonizing to some extent 
-Darwinism and Lamarckism, which is 
published in the present number (page 583) 
of ScrENCE. 
FREDERICK C. NEWCOMBE, 
Secretary Section G. 
ANTHROPOLOGY AT THE TORONTO MEETING 
OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION. 
Section H was perhaps the best attended 
of all sections of the Association, the large 
West Hall of the University of Toronto, 
where the sessions were held, being filled 
on several occasions, while on Wednesday, 
August 25th, when the joint discussion with 
Section C (Geology) took place, standing 
room was at a premium. The chairman- 
ship of Sir William Turner, the celebrated 
anatomist, who presided with grace, dignity 
and a broad-minded discrimination that 
won the admiration of all who were priy- 
ileged to present papers or to take part in 
the various discussions which arose, was a 
