328 



On the Physiology of the Invertebrata. [June 21, 



consists only of phosphate of calcium. No calcium carbonate could 

 be detected. 



There is much in favour of the supposition that the diastatic ferment 

 in these secretions is produced as the result of the action of nerve- 

 fibres (from the inferior buccal ganglion) upon the protoplasm of the 

 epithelium cells of the glands. 



The author intends to examine various organs in other genera and 

 species of the Decapoda, especially those inhabiting the Japanese 

 seas. 



(2.) Patella vulgata. 



The two salivary glands of Patella are well-marked and situated 

 anteriorly to the pharynx, lying beneath the pericardium on one side 

 and the renal* and anal papilla? on the other. They are of a yellowish- 

 brown colour and give off four ducts. The secretion of these glands 

 was examined by the same method applied to the salivary glands 

 of Sepia officinalis, and with similar results. 



The following table represents the constituents found in the salivary 

 secretions of the two orders of the Mollusca already investigated : — 





Cephalopoda. 



Gasteropoda. 





(a.) Dibranchiata. 



(a.) Pulmogaster- 

 opoda.* 



(b.) Branchio- 

 gasteropoda. 



Soluble diastatic 











present 



present 



present 





present 





present 



Sulphocyanates .... 



present 



V 



present 



Calcium phosphate. 



present 



? 



present 



Investigations indicate that the salivary glands of the Cephalopoda 

 and Gasteropoda are similar in physiological function to the salivary 

 glands of the Yertebrata. 



* 'Edinburgh, Eoy. Soc. Proc.,' vol. 14, p. 236. 



