1885.] Prof. E. A. Schafer. The Proteids of the Chyle. 87 



Actiniochrome is generally confined to the tentacles, and is not respi- 

 ratory, actiniohasmatin occurs in the ectoderm and endoderm, and is 

 respiratory. 



(3.) A special colouring matter is found in Sagartia parasitica, 

 different from either of the above, and this too exists in different 

 states of oxidation. It is not apparently identical with that obtained 

 by Heider from Gerianthus membranaceus. 



(4.) In the mesoderm and elsewhere in Actinia mesembryanthemum 

 and other species, a green pigment occurs which alone and in solution 

 gives all the reactions of biliverdin. 



(5.) Anthea cereus, Bunodes ballii, and Sagartia hellis, yield to 

 solvents a colouring matter resembling chlorofucin, and all the 

 colouring matter, which in them shows this spectrum, is derived from 

 the " yellow cells," which are abundantly present in their tentacles 

 and elsewhere. It is not identical with any animal or plant chlorophyll, 

 as is proved by adding reagents to its alcoholic solution. 



(6.) When " yellow cells " are present, there appears to be a 

 suppression of those colouring matters which in other species are of 

 respiratory use. 



All readings are reduced to wave-lengths, and the spectra described 

 illustrated by means of sixty-five maps of spectra. The " yellow 

 cells " are also drawn alone and stained with iodine in iodide of 

 potassium, and with Schultze's fluid. 



II. " On the Origin of the Proteids of the Chyle and the 

 Transference of Food Materials from the Intestine into the 

 Lacteals." By E. A. Schafer, F.R.S. From the Physio- 

 logical Laboratory, University College, London. Received 

 January 12, 1885. 



In consequence of the discovery that in many of the lower Metazoa 

 the ingestion of food particles is the result of an amoeboid activity of 

 individual cells of the organism, and that digestion and assimilation 

 may also occur within the protoplasm of cells thus endowed with 

 amoeboid activity, attention has of late been directed to the part 

 which such cells may play in promoting absorption from the ali- 

 mentary canal of Vertebrates. 



It is well known that lymph-cells occur in large numbers in the 

 mucous membrane of the intestine, which is everywhere beset with 

 them ; besides which they form the nodular masses of the solitary 

 and agminated glands. It is also known that they are found extend- 

 ing between the columnar epithelium-cells which line the intestine, 

 sometimes in considerable number. Since this is the case, and since, 



