SOME INVESTIGATIONS ON THE PHYSIOLOGY OF THE 

 NERVOUS SYSTEM OF THE LOBSTER. 



By C. F. Marshall, B.Sc, Piatt Physiological Scholar in the 

 Owens College. 



The following investigations were commenced in the Physiological 

 Laboratory of the Owens College during the past winter, under the 

 direction of Professor Gamgee and Professor Milnes Marshall, with 

 a view to determine the following points in the Physiology of the ner- 

 vous system of the Lobster : — 



1. Are there distinct motor and sensory roots to the nerves arising 

 from the central nervous system, similar to those by which the spinal 

 nerves arise in vertebrates ? 



2. Is there any marked decussation of the nerve fibres in the central 

 nervous system 1 



The determination of these points in any invertebrate animal is a 

 'matter of considerable morphological importance. 



No definite results were obtained from the Lobsters experimented 

 upon at the Owens College, for the reason that they were not in a fit 

 state for experiment by the time they reached the laboratory. 

 However, through the kindness of Mr. J. T. Cunningham, I was 

 enabled during last August to continue my researches at the Scottish 

 Marine Station at Granton, a spot which is eminently suited for 

 carrying on experiments of this kind. There I was able to obtain 

 perfectly fresh lobsters which were kept in tanks through which sea 

 water was constantly circulating. I must here express my thanks to 



