No. 405.] REVIEWS OF RECENT LITERATURE. 763 
shows (p. 203): * The nuclei of these cells do not seem to occupy 
any one characteristic position, but are found in all parts of the 
cell." 
` P. 
Elementary Physiology.' — This small book consists of a series 
of outline headings in physiology for schools, with references to 
standard books where information on the subjects can be had, as 
well as a,set of laboratory exercises in this science. The grade of 
the work can be judged from the fact that on page 2 ten book refer- 
ences are given, of which six lead the reader to Shepard’s Chemistry 
and inform him that *any other good chemistry will answer just as 
well,” and four direct him to the “Dictionary, any unabridged.” 
The laboratory exercises equal the outlines. On page 140 we are 
instructed to * get from a butcher either the head of some mamma 
which still has the eyes uninjured or some eyes that have been care- 
fully removed," and, after certain preliminary steps, to pour out the 
vitreous humor and observe *the yellow spot, or area of acute 
vision.” As an obvious yellow spot is limited among mammals to 
human beings and monkeys, one is naturally inquisitive about the 
butcher shops in the neighborhood of the State Normal School of 
Minnesota. Unpretentious as the book is, one must regret that it 
departs so far from facts. P. 
Formaldehyde. — The properties of formaldehyde have been 
made the subject of an interesting communication by Neuville? An 
historical sketch of its discovery, uses in biology, as well as an 
account of its method of preparation and its physical and chemical 
Properties, precede a discussion of its action on albuminoids and 
color compounds. Gelatin, when subjected to its action, is rendered 
insoluble, though still remaining flexible. This action is not a 
simple coagulation, but a real chemical action, for, if the solution of 
formaldehyde used is weak, all traces of this reagent disappears 
when considerable gelatin is mixed with it. On the other hand, 
blood serum is less easily coagulated by heat, etc., in the presence 
of formaldehyde. Its action on pigments is very diverse. The 
coloring matters of bile and of urine seem unaffected by it, but those 
Which give to organisms their normal colorations are so differently 
!Cox U.O. 4 Syllabus of Elementary Physiology, with References and Lab- 
oratory Exercises. Mankato, Minn., Free Press Printing Co., 1899. viii + 167 pp- 
" Neuville, M. H. Sur la formaldéhyde, Bull. Soc. Philomathique, Paris, 
Sér. 9, T.i (1899), pp. 104-121. 
