414 al Correspondence of J. Nickles. 
Prize for Organic Chemistry—The opposite state of things appears in 
the department of chemistry, which for the first time has awarded a prize to 
living chemists. A sum of 6000 francs was divided between Messrs 
Wurtz and Cahours; to Prof. Wurtz for his researches upon glycol and its 
derivatives, and upon the new bases containing oxygen recently discor- 
ered; to Prof. Cahours for his labors in reference to the organic radicals 
Be it understood, there is no question as to who is the discoverer of the 
composite radicals (Liebig), nor of the organo-metallic radicals (Lewig) 
Bréant Prize—This prize is in reference to cholera and contagious dis- 
eases. It has not been awarded. The pieces sent for this concours wert 
mere letters, containing medical formule, all, according to their 
authors, infallible for the cure of the cholera, and all wanting, both in 
practical observations in regard to this dangerous disease, and in ri 
deductions as to the nature of its attack, and the symptoms which a¢- 
company and constitute it. The following are the principal questions 
proposed for the concours of 1861 and 1862 :— 
Ist question. “Discuss carefully and compare with theory, the obser- 
vations upon the tides, made in the principal ports of France.” . 
2nd quest. “To complete in some important point the geometrical 
theory of polyhedrons.” 
3rd quest. “Establish the general equations of the movement of the 
‘earth’s atmosphere, taking into consideration the rotation of the earth, 
the calorific action of the sun, and the attractive forces of the sun and 
moon.” 
h quest. Study of any question, at the option of the candidates, 
relative to optical phenomena.” 
quest 
« At different points of the thermo-electric scale and fors 
difference of temperature reduced to 1° C. to determine the rections 
ents produced by 
and compare the relative intensities of the electric curr 
different thermo-electric substances.” : the 
6th quest. “ Determine by experiment the causes which influence | 
difference of position of the optical and photogenic foci.” fehes” 
“Comparative anatomy of the nervous system of thet 
h quest. “Study of the hybrid vegetables, wit de’ 
fecundity, and the perpetuity or non-perpetuity of their character. ot 
3 mode of formation and of the st “tion 
spores and of the other organs which contribute to the mason 
fungi, their physiological office, the germination of the spores: © 4 
ticularly with reference to parasitic fungi, their mode of pen 
developement in other living organized bodies.” 
Each of these prizes consists of a medal of the value of 7 “7 ne 
10th quest. “Essay upon carefully made experiments, 
” : 
light upon the question of so-called spontaneous generate or 
11th quest. “Experimental study of the modifications W! we 
effected in the developement of the embryo of a vertebrate amin * 
action of external agents.” a 
12th quest. “ Sindy ofthe distribution of the vessels of the Iniet 
the different organs of plants, with particular regard to their! with the 
or connection with the lymphatic or spiral vessels, a5 well as cults 
fibres of the liber,” 
: 
‘ 
: 
