1872.] On Heterogenetic Modes of Origin of Infusoria fyc. 239 



base. As dibenzylphosphine yields no compounds, I was limited to the 

 analysis of the body itself. This analysis led to the formula — 



C u H 15 P. 



The formation of dibenzylphosphine takes place according to the equa- 

 tion — 



2 C T H 7 CI + H 3 P . H I + ZuO = (C 7 H 7 ) 2 HP . HI + Z nCl 2 + H 2 O . 

 Benzylphosphine and dibenzylphosphine are not the only phosphoretted 

 products of the action of benzyl chloride on phosphonium iodide. The 

 mother-liquor of dibenzylphosphine contains yet another phosphorus body. 

 The idea naturally suggested itself that it might be tribenzylphosphine ; but, 

 notwithstanding many efforts, I have not succeeded in obtaining this com- 

 pound. The mother-liquor of dibenzylphosphine consists, for the greater 

 part, of a viscous substance, soluble in alcohol but insoluble in water, which 

 is precipitated by lead-salts. This substance tenaciously adheres to a small 

 quantity of a crystallizable body, which most probably is no other than 

 dibenzylphosphine. All attempts to obtain this glutinous substance (which 

 appears to possess acid properties) in a condition fit for analysis have 

 hitherto failed. 



In conclusion I may be allowed most warmly to thank Messrs. F. Ho- 

 brecker and E. Mylius for the untiring perseverance with which they have 

 (the former in the earlier stages, the latter more recently) assisted me in 

 these researches. 



II. "On some Heterogenetic Modes of Origin of Flagellated 

 Monads, Fungus-germs, and Ciliated Infusoria.''' , By H. 

 Charlton Bastian, M.D., F.R.S., F.L.S., Professor of 

 Pathological Anatomy in University College., London. Re- 

 ceived February 15, 1872. 



The " pellicle " that forms on infusions of organic matter which are 

 exposed to the air is composed for the most part of a dense aggregation of 

 Bacteria of various sizes and shapes imbedded in a more or less abundant, 

 pellucid, gelatinous material. Very frequently there are also a variable 

 number of intermixed Vibriones and more or less characteristic Torulce. 

 The Bacteria in this layer are mostly placed vertically to the surface, so 

 that an examination of it under the microscope generally reveals the 

 appearance of a stratum densely studded with small though tolerably uni- 

 form granules. On attempting to remove a portion of this pellicle, it is 

 found to constitute a more or less coherent membrane. 



It is now a well-known fact that when two or more Amoebae chance to 

 come into close contact with one another, they may fuse so as to constitute 

 a larger individual of the same kind, which afterwards creeps about and 

 seizes food as its component parts had previously done. Such a process 

 must be classed under the head of Homogenetic Biocrasis ; for, although 



