1893.] : Proceedings of Scientific Societies. 409 
PROCEEDINGS OF SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES. 
Boston Society of Natural History, February 1.—The fol- 
lowing papers were read: Mr. H. L. Harris, A new instance of the 
capture of streams; Professor W. T. Sedgwick, The natural history of 
disease. 
February 15.—The following papers were read: Professor Henry 
W. Haynes, More evidence of cannibalism among the Indians of New 
England; Dr. R. T. Jackson, Notes on the development of palms; 
Dr. 8. J. Mixter, A Massachusetts beaver dam. 
March 1.—The following papers were read: Prof. E. S. Morse, A 
curious Aino toy; Dr. C. Willard Hayes and Mr. M. R. Campbell, 
The structural features (geomorphology) of the southern Appalach- 
ians. Maps and diagrams were shown and a discussion followed, Pro- 
fessor Davis, Mr. Upham and others participating. 
SAMUEL HENSHAW, Secretary. 
New York Academy of Sciences, Meeting of Biological 
Section, Feb. 13, 1893. A paper on the Functions of the Internal 
Ear was presented by Dr. F. S. Lee, based upon a study of dog-fish. 
The results of ease: were given showing that the semicircular 
canals are sensory organs for dynamical (rotational) equilibrium, 
otolithic rat for statical (resting) equilibrium. Each canal 
appreciates movement in its own plane and by a definite functional 
combination of canals all possible rotational movements are radiated. 
This theory explains compensating movements of eyes, fins and trunk. 
The method of experiment was that of sectioning the branches of the 
acoustic nerve and stimulation (by rotational movements) of the 
living swimming fish. 
In a paper by Bashford Dean on the Marine Laboratories of Europe 
a series of views was shown of the stations of Naples, Banyuls, 
Roscoff, Plymouth, Arcachon, the Helder, and St. Andrews 
H. F. Osborn described the foot of Artionyx, the new member of the 
order Ancylopoda Cope. It is distinguished from Chalicotherium by 
the artiodactyle character of ankle and pes. 
Basurorp Dray, Ree. Sec. 
