614 RECORD OF MEETINGS OF THE 



and metaphase of the first maturation spindle of the egg of 

 Allolobophora fcetida. 



These slides demonstrated the following phenomena: 



1. In this form the chromosomes lose their individuality 

 completely during the growth period, the chromatine being 

 distributed throughout the germinal vesicle. It then segre- 

 gates into a chromatic reticulum and later forms a spireme 

 which divides transversely into eleven bivalent chromosomes. 

 The spireme shows a longitudinal split, which persists until 

 the metaphase and produces the typical tetrad. 



2. The form of the chromosomes is not constant. The eleven 

 bivalent chromosomes of the prophases and metaphase may 

 be in the form of rings, crosses, figures eight, or rods, these 

 forms being inconstant and variable. 



3. The size relations are not constant. There is a marked 

 difference in size, but it is not possible to accurately identify 

 any one or more chromosomes on account of a definite indi- 

 vidual or relative size. 



4. The number of oocyte chromosomes is a constant feat- 

 ure. Eleven bivalent chromosomes can be accurately and con- 

 stantly demonstrated. 



No other abstracts have been received. 



Roy W. Miner, 

 Secretary pro tern. 



SECTION OF ASTRONOMY, PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY. 



November 20, 1905. 



Section met at 8.15 p.m., at the American Museum of Natural 

 History, Mr. C. C. Trowbridge presiding. 



The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 



The following program was then offered : 

 Charles C. Trowbridge, Meteor Trains. 



After the reading of the paper there was an informal discussion, 

 followed by the presentation of the following business: 



The question of holding bi-monthly instead of monthly meet- 

 ings was discussed, and it was voted that the matter be referred 

 to the Council with recommendation that the change be made. 



