64 



Proceedings and List of Papers read. 



muscular structure the duration of this process, when induced by an 

 instantaneous stimulus, must be exceedingly short, and corresponds 

 with that of the excitatory variation ; but in the whole organ may 

 hist until the development of tension has reached its maximum. 



We have further learned that the monophasic variation is a pheno- 

 menon of great regularity, and may be taken as the type from which 

 all other forms of response to stimulation may be derived, either by 

 repetition, prolongation, or interference. 



Although no attempt has been made to settle the question whether 

 the natural contraction of muscle is discontinuous, it has been shown 

 that the electrical phenomena of reflex contraction afford no ground 

 for supposing that it is so. The efficiency of the veratrine spasm 

 seems, at least, to justify us in doubting whether discontinuity is an 

 essential quality of muscular contraction. 



Finally, reasons have been given for thinking that the phenomena 

 known as the "muscle current "and the "demarcation current "are 

 manifestations of processes which have their seat at the surface of 

 contact between electrode and living ninscle. 



April 20, 1899. 



The LOED LISTEE, F.E.C.S., D.C.L., President, in the Chair. 



A List of the Presents received was laid on the table, and thanks 

 ordered for them. 



The following Papers were read : — 



I. " The Physiological Action of Choline and Xeivrme." By Dr. 

 Mott, F.E.S., and Dr. Halliburton, F.E.S. 



II. " On Intestinal Absorption, especially on the Absorption of Serum, 



Peptone, and Glucose." By Professor E. \Vaymouth Eeid, 

 F.E.S. 



III. " Studies in the Morphology of Spore-producing Members. IV. 



The Leptosporangiate Ferns." Bv Professor F. 0. Bower, 

 F.E.S. 



IV. " Note on the Fertility of different Breeds of Sheep, with Remarks 



on the Prevalence of Abortion and Barrenness therein." By 

 W. Heape, M.A. Communicated by Professor Weldon, F.B.S. 



V. " Some further Eemarks on Eed-water or Texas Fever." By 

 A. Edingtox, M.B. Communicated by Dr. Gill, F.E.S. 



