1 88 2.] Scientific News. 693 



and the want of proof or probability that they represented with 

 any accuracy the proportion of gluten present or the comparative 

 nutritive value of the preparations. Besides, the relative value of 

 the various foods, thus determined, did not correspond with the 

 previous results of clinical experience, some foods of well proved 

 value being classed as spurious, and others being apparently 

 overrated. Dr. J. G. Richardson has recently published a note 

 denying wholly the conclusions of Dr. Cutter's paper, and calling 

 attention to the well known fact that fine flour from which the 

 " gluten cells " have been removed, still contains from seven to 

 twelve per cent, of gluten. 



Removal. — A. & A. F. Spitzli, dealers in microscopes and 

 optical goods, have removed to the Hall Building, Troy, N. Y., 

 where they have increased facilities for filling orders by mail for 

 microscopical supplies of every kind. 



SCIENTIFIC NEWS. 



— In January last, at the suggestion of Professor C. E. Mun- 

 roe, a post-graduate course in natural history was inaugurated by 

 the detailing of six midshipmen to duty at the National Museum 

 as assistants to Professor Baird, by whom they were assigned to 

 the care of the different curators. The suggestion of Professor 

 Munroe was made operative through the earnest efforts of Rear 

 Admiral C. R.P.Rodgersand the active cooperation of Commodore 

 John Walker, and it met with the hearty approval of the Hon. Sec- 

 retary of the Navy. Although at first Professor Baird feared that 

 the plan might fail, owing to the detailing of unsuitable men, still 

 he was willing to give it a trial and permit them to come. It is 

 a pleasure to say that now, after some months' trial, the midship- 

 men ordered have pursued their studies with such diligence and 

 application, and have performed the duties assigned them so in- 

 telligently and faithfully, that the course meets with his entire 

 approval. Professor Munroe calls attention to the fact that it is 

 not intended, and, in fact, it is quite impossible in the time as- 

 signed, to make scientific experts, yet it is hoped to make broader 

 men, and, consequently, better officers of these midshipmen, while 

 they are still employed in" rendering services of great usefulness 

 to the Government, at a time when thev can best be spared from 

 their regular duties'. It is believed, too; that in the time assigned 

 they may gain enough acquaintance with the subject to enable 

 them to observe and record the natural phenomena with which 

 they may meet while in the regular pursuit of their profession. 



— Dr. C. A. White, palaeontologist of the Smithsonian Institu- 

 tion, left July ist for Glendire, Montana, on the Northern Pacific R. 

 JJ-. to spend three months in palacontological research. Professor 

 J^ope is en route for Oregon on a similar errand. Mr. S, H. 

 Scudder spent the month of June in Colorado, collecting fossil 



