Wernerian Natural History Society. 



521 



temally, and by the application to this externally of cement, formed 

 by the follicle of the socket, which, although wounded, was proved 

 by specimens to be able occasionally to perform its function, — a task 

 which is generally completed by the advance of the hole opposite 

 another portion of the membrane. When the hole is not completely 

 closed, the attempt to accomplish it is exhibited in the protrusion of 

 portions of ossified pulp, and in the rounded and tubercular appear- 

 ance of the perforated cement. It was also stated that fractures of 

 the enclosed portion of the tusk are healed by the same process, 

 without any reproduction of true ivory, and that after all severe 

 wounds the growth of the organ is stunted, so that the portion 

 formed after the injury is of diminished diameter. From the whole 

 investigation of the subject, Mr. Goodsir concluded that doubts 

 might be removed and contradictory opinions reconciled by bearing 

 in mind the following facts : 1. that a tusk is an endogenous as well 

 as an exogenous organ ; 2. that the pulp ossifies round foreign 

 bodies ; and, 3. that the membrane of the follicle plays an important 

 part in all wounds of the tusk through the socket. 



Professor Traill communicated an analysis of the Berg Meal, from 

 Umea, Lapmark. It was discovered about 100 miles west of Umea, 

 and being subjected to various tests, was found to be composed of 

 22 organic matter, combustible. 

 71-13 silica. 

 5*3 1 alumina. 

 0*15 oxide of iron. 



98-59 



Loss. 



100- 



When subjected to a high magnifying power, it was found to exhibit 

 imperfect fragments of Ehrenberg's Infusoria ; and some portions of 

 it examined in a similar manner by Dr. Greville, confirmed Dr. Traill's 

 opinion of an animal origin ; while at the same time he discovered a 

 few forms of those minute Algae which contain silex. 



WERNERIAN NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. 



November 14, 1840. — The following Gentlemen were elected the 

 Office-Bearers for the ensuing year : — 



President, Robert Jameson, Esq., F.R.SS.L. & E., Prof, of Nat. 

 Hist, in the University of Edinburgh. 



Vice-Presidents, Dr. Walter Adam ; Dr. T. S. Traill, F.R.S.E. ; 

 W. A. Cadell, Esq , F.R.SS.L. & E. ; Dr. Robert Hamilton, F.R.S.E. 



Secretary, Dr. Pat. Neill, F.R.S.E. — Assistant Secretary, T.«J. 

 Torrie, Esq., F.R.S.E — Treasurer, A. G. Ellis, Esq. — Librarian, 

 James Wilson, Esq., F.R.S.E — Assistant Librarian, R. J. H. Cun- 

 ningham, Esq. — Painter, P. Syme, Esq. — Assistant, W. H. Towns- 

 end, Esq. 



Council, Dr. Robert Graham, F.R.S.E. ; Sir William Newbigging, 

 F.R.S.E.; David Falconar, Esq.; Dr. Robert Paterson; Edward Forbes, 



