72) SOU DHE RIN CALTEORNIA ACAI EM NG OL SCLIN GES 
Mr. Watts regards portions of the Sierra Madre Oriental ranges as 
the oldest formations in Oaxaca. 
The central portions of Oaxaca he found to be composed principally 
of granitic rocks showing a gneissic structure. These crystalline mas- 
sives are overlaid by sedimentary and eruptive rocks. The granitic 
rock of this series contain veins of free m'‘liing gold ore, and in some 
places veins carrying copper, gold and silver are found. 
Prof. Watts stated that in the Taviche District several mines of 
great merit are being developed, and that it is probable that the Taviche 
District will become one of the most important mining districts of 
Mexico. In this district the veins are fissure veins and veins of segre- 
gation and infiltration. The wall rock is andesetic lava. Professor 
Watts stated that it is quite likely that. some of the veins would eventu- 
ally be found to go down into the granitic rocks underlying the lava. 
A general discussion followed the close of the meeting and Professor 
Watts gave much interesting detail concerning his experiences, of 18 
mouths in the heart of Mexico. 
GEO. W. PARSONS, Chairman. 
BIOLOGICAL SECTION. 
The Biological Section of the Southern California Academy of 
Sciences held its first meeting of the year, in the Histological Laboratory 
of the Pacific College of Osteopathy. The meeting was called to order 
by the Chairman of the Section, Dr. C. A. Whiting, who made some an- 
nouncements in regard to the coming meetings of the Section. 
The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 
Prof. L. H. Miller of the State Normal School was introduced and 
in a most interesting manner spoke of the structure and life history of 
a specimen of Salamander, Autodax, lugubris, found in Los Angeles. 
This animal is one of a species never before found south of the Tehach- 
apl. 
The talk was illustrated by a large number of fine pen drawings of 
the animal and its species at all stages of its development. 
Twenty-three members and visitors were present. 
No business being presented, the meeting was adournd upon motion 
to meet at the regular time. 
CARLE H. PHINNEY, Secretary. 
The regular October meeting of the Biological Section of the South- 
ern California Academy of Sciences, was held in the Histological 
Laboratory of The Pacific College of Osteopathy. The meeting was 
called to order by the Chairman of the section. 
The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 
The chairman called for voluntary reports upon scientific subjects. 
Dr. Whiting reported that this year marks the fiftieth anniversary of 
the discovery of coal-tar sta‘ns, and spoke of its influence upon the 
discoveries in biology and its great commercial value. 
Prof. Ulrey was called as the speaker of the evening, who announced 
as his subject, ‘‘Some Problems of Inheritance.’’ The talk was one of 
great interest and value. Prof. Ulrey suggested that inheritance depends 
upon the presence in the nucleus of the cell of zymogens; and that when 
the nature of proteid and the nature of zymogens are known, the prob- 
lems of inheritance will be much more clear. 
