Proceedings of Scientific Societies. 87 
^„ i.„ J Yii^ ^Q think that the subject has long had a lodgment in 
.111. He spoke of three cases of telepathic coincidences, sup- 
'd by documentary evidence, but these were all of them men- 
.led in his report of last year. These cases he considers very 
-luable for the purposes of the societ}^ but as to the cause for them 
x.e expressed no opinion. 
Dr. James made a short speech, setting forth the aims and needs 
of the society. It was the intention to extend the work of the so- 
ciety, and that specially interesting psychical cases in all parts of the 
country were to be scientifically investigated. Information in regard 
to alleged haunted houses was often receive!, many of which the 
society was unable to investigate, owing to a lack of funds, but there 
were over 700 cases now being investigated. The society, in self- 
defence, would be forced to publish more than it had ever done be- 
fore, and all these matters required money. The new members, he 
said, had more than supplied the loss by withdrawals, so that the 
society was growing a httle. 
Biological Society of Washington^.— December, 15, 1888.— 
The following communications were read : Prof. Lester F. Ward, 
''Fortuitous Variation as Illustrated by the Genus Eiipatoriiim, 
with exhibition of specimens;" Prof. C. V. Riley, " Note on a Human 
Parasite ; " Mr. E. S. Burgess, " Aster sliortii near Washington." 
December 29. — The following communications were read : Dr. 
Theobald Smith, " Contagion and Infection from a Biological Stand- 
point ; " Mr. F. A. Lucas, " Notes on the Diseases of Menagerie 
Animals;" Mr. Th. Holm, "Notes on Ilydrocotyle americana 
Linn.;'- Dr. Cooper Curtice, "Notes on the Sheep Tick, 3IeIopha- 
gus ovinus Linn." 
