RECORDS 435 



tract, on the other hand, there is an interference with the action 

 of the physiological factors that appear to be responsible for 

 the changes usually brought about by this lymphagogue. That 

 the increase in the amount of lymph after large quantities ot 

 dextrose have been injected is not due primarily to increased 

 capillary pressure, as is held by Cohnstein and Starling, was 

 shown in one of the experiments in which quinin caused the 

 death of the animal, and yet from which the lymph continueci 

 to flow for three hours. After injecting arsenic, which is said 

 very greatly to increase the permeability of the blood vessels, 

 especially those of the portal system, there was little in the flow 

 and character of the lymph resembling the usual effect of lym- 

 phagogues. It appears, therefore, that Starling's hypothesis of 

 increased capillary permeability does not fully account for the 

 action of lymphagogues, and that the mechanical theory of 

 lymph formation fails as long as it does not explain the most 

 striking phenomena of the process — those following the injec- 

 tion of Heidenhain's lymphagogues or Asher's ' liver stimu- 

 lants.' The physiological theories of Heidenhain and Asher 

 would explain them. 



Dr. Bashford Dean described the condition in seven eggs 

 which he had received from Professor A. E. Verrill. These 

 had been collected in 1880 on the Newfoundland banks in water 

 of 90 and 150 fathoms. The egg membranes were regarded 

 as more specialized than those of Bdellostoma. 



Francis E. Eloyd, 



Secn'ta/y. 



SECTION OF GEOEOGY AND MINERAEOGY. 



January 15, 1900. 



Section met at 8:15 P. M., Mr. G. F. Kunz presiding. The 

 minutes of the last meeting of Section were read and approved. 

 The following program was then offered : 



F. B. Peck, On Serpentines and Talcs in Vicinity of 

 Easton, Pennsylvania. 



