MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES. 93 
words. ‘The questions chiefly to be solved in the investigation 
of the Life History of the Bacillus of typhoid fever, are—1. What 
are the specific characters ofthe organism, as distinguished from 
other Bacteria? 2. What are the changes, if any, which the or- 
ganism undergoesin the human body? 3. What are its modes of 
development and reproduction in the human body? 4. What 
changes or metamorphoses, if any, does the organism undergo after 
ejection from the human body, or in any other condition of its 
existence? 5. What fluids or other substances seem best adapted 
for the growth and multiplication of the organism? 6. Can the 
organism live or be cultivated in pure or distilled water? 7. What 
are its limits of endurance of heat, cold, dryness, or humidity? As 
far as these points are concerned, the author should confine him- 
self entirely to facts which come under his own observation, and 
those should be given in detail, with a full explanation of the 
method of investigation. Sut in dealing with the results obtained 
by these investigations, and the consideration of the means whereby 
a knowledge of the life history of this most dangerous organism 
may help towards its eradication, the theories and observations of 
others may appropriately be referred to, but in every such case 
the authority must be correctly cited. The chief points to be as- 
certained in this branch of the subject are—1. How, and under 
what conditions, does the organism get access to the human body ? 
2. How canits growth be impeded, or its vitality destroyed in the 
human body without serious injury to the individual affected? 3. 
How can it be eradicated or rendered innocuous in wells, water- 
holes, drains, &c.” 
The President remarked that the present seemed a very oppor- 
tune time to bring the matter forward, as the subject was now en- 
gaging the serious attention ot medical men, owing to the preva- 
lence of typhoid fever. He had been given to understand that 
Australia offered exceptional opportunities for the investigation of 
the Bacteria, as the climate was favourable for their growth during 
the greater part of the year. He expected, however, that essays 
would be received also from other parts of the world, especially 
from Europe; and he felt sure that the information which would 
be obtained would be of great value in regard to the treatment of 
typhoid fever and other diseases caused by the different forms of 
Bacteria. It is owing tothe unostentatious liberality of the donor 
of the prize that this Society is afforded the happy prospect ot 
doing such great good; tor it is in deference to the wishes of the 
member who has made this munificent gift that his name should 
not be published in connection with it, but that the prize should 
be oftered by the Society. 
WELLINGTON PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY. 
ANNUAL MEETING. 
Wellington, 13th February, 1884.—Dr. Buller, F.R.S., Presi- 
dent, in the chair. 
New members—Kev. H. van Steveren, Messrs. F. H. Penne- 
father, Richmond, and W. F. Wheeler. 
Papers—1. ‘‘ New Species of New Zealand Plants.” The fol- 
lowing are described and figured :—Plagianthus linariifolia, Sophora 
prostvata, Cavmichaelia umflova, Hectorella elongata, and Pleurophyllum 
hookert. 
