1886. } Proceedings of Scientific Societies. 753 
Oct. 20.—A paper by W. N. Lockington called attention to 
the effects of the compression of strata by superincumbent weight, 
and suggested that when in a delta vegetable remains were found 
below the surface of the sea, it might probably be owing to this 
cause, 
Mr. Meehan instanced a case in which the half of the tubers 
from a pink variety of potato were white, as an example of the 
spontaneous occurrence of variation. 
Oct. 27.—Mr, J. A. Ryder made some remarks upon a new 
theory which supposed that the original gastrula mouth became 
elongated into the primitive streak, from the edges of which 
muscular segments or myotomes were developed. He also called 
attention to certain embryological peculiarities which evidenced 
relationship between the Batrachia and the marsipobranchs. 
Dr. - Wood gave the results of experiments upon the effect 
of injecting gastric juice. This produced fever, and it was found 
that the heat of the body was inverse to the amount of heat 
pl off. Several papers upon fishes were presented for publi- 
cation. 
Nov. 7—Mr. Redfield stated that the handling of the wild 
parsnip produced upon a relative of his the same effect as poison 
ivy. 
Mr. Meehan referred to cases of the poisoning of children 
which seemed traceable to the wild parsnip. 
n a discussion upon the change of color in leaves Mr. Meehan 
remarked that trees brought to America from abroad will, for 
several years, remain green till the end of the season, but eventu- 
ally their high vitality will be checked, and the color will com- 
mence to change in autumn. 
ov. 10.—Dr. H. Allen called attention to changes in the 
form of limb bones depending upon the weights they bear. The 
sloth, bat and seal, different though their habits and limbs are, 
shaft flattened, while the astragalus is lengthened. The direc- 
tion of the condyles of the femur has constant relation to the 
aeir Supported. The effects of suspension were also con- 
idered 
Dr, Leidy stated that Mr. Holman, while studying Amæbæ, 
had observed one burst and disappear. Very small Amæbæ were 
_ tion by spores as well as by division. 
Mr, Willcox stated, as the result of experiment, that the seven- 2 
