TRANSACTIONS OP THE SECTIONS. 77 



On Natural History as a Branch of Education. By R. Patterson, F.L.S. 



After a lengthened series of arguments and illustrations, the following conclusions 

 were drawn : — 



That the study of Natural History, independent altogether of any physical or 

 pecuniary advantages, is deserving of cultivation, because it is productive of benefi- 

 cial effects on both the perceptive and reflective faculties ; is accompanied by inno- 

 cent, yet elevated pleasures ; and exerts a powerful influence on the moral and de- 

 votional character. Hence it was urged that this study should form a regular part 

 of the course of education in both schools and colleges ; and that naturalists should 

 endeavour to place their favourite science in the same position in these kingdoms 

 which it now justly occupies on the continent. 



Acomparative View of Animal and Vegetable Physiology. By Mr.BARThi^TT . 



A comparison was drawn between plants and animals in the processes of digestion, 

 circulation, respiration. The necessity was dwelt on of never losing sight of organic 

 media, and the actions they produce, and of an invisible vital principle, which per- 

 vades not only every fibre in the muscular or cellular organism, but every atom of 

 each fluid. The fact of the existence of two great antagonizing principles, in the oi-- 

 ganic and inorganic kingdoms, was pointed out, and their progressive development in 

 the history of the world was shown by means of a diagram. Descriptions were given 

 of the comparative circumstances under which the germs of animal and vegetable life 

 are first developed, the conditions of the embryos, &c. The nerves and sensorial 

 powers of animal tissues, and of their supposed analogies in vegetation, were described. 

 The influence of climate, light, &c. on the vegetable and animal kingdoms was con- 

 sidered, and a contrast drawn between the vegetation of the poles and the equator. 



Dr. Lankester exhibited a drawing of a monstrous rose, in which the pistil had 

 become a perfect branch. The drawing was by Mr. Denny of Leeds. 



Mr. Littleton of Saltash exhibited a common pear, in which a smaller pear had 

 grown from its apex. 



Mr. Derrv exhibited some vegetable monstrosities. 



Dr. Daubeny exhibited to the Section a portable botanical press, which, by means 

 of a small windlass, was capable of producing a great amount of pressure. 



Mr. Prideaux exhibited specimens of copper from the bottom of a vessel which 

 had been acted on by sea-water, and was marked on its surface with small semi- 

 circular spots, which in many places penetrated through the copper. He wished to 

 know if zoologists were acquainted with any animal that would produce this effect. 



MEDICAL SCIENCE. 



Observations on a Pustular disease hithei-to ivndescribed by ivriters on Diseases 

 of the Skin. By Dr. A. T. Thomson. 



From its resemblance to the genus Porrujo, the disease was named by the author 

 Porriyo rodens. The eruption, unpreceded by any marked derangement of habit, 

 appears first upon the cheeks, in the form of a sm'all group of minute red papillae, 

 seated upon an inflamed spot ; similar groups may appear at the same time on the 

 neck or the upper part of the chest ; these soon become pustules, out of which oozes 

 a fluid, which dries into crusts that extend, assuming an irregular circular shape. 

 As the groups of pustules spread, the crusts of those first formed drop ofi", and leave 

 the cuticle marked with depressions similar to those produced by confluent small-pox. 

 After the continuance of the disease for some time, febrile disturbance shows itself. 



