228 On the Rhizojooda as embodying 
would have been a very troublesome and expensive one, by reason 
of the interference of the excise laws, and the necessity of employ- 
ing a regular glass furnace, to operate on large quantities at once, 
in order to lessen the effects of impurities. But now, by means of 
the recently-invented gas furnaces, the greatest possible heat may 
be commanded, under perfect control, and thus enable the operator 
to combine materials in very small quantities without the intrusion 
of impurities from the fuel and furnace-lining, or crucible, which 
may be of platinum. The results of the investigation would 
unquestionably be valuable, and we might possibly be able to dis- 
cover compounds which would neutralize the secondary spectrum. 
The late Thomas Cooke has repeatedly stated that if, while viewing 
a difficult double star through a telescope, some one was to sweep 
away the secondary spectrum, he would scarcely be able to discover ' 
any improvement, either in light or definition. But I am of opinion 
that the case is different with a microscope object-glass, wherein, 
with the highest powers, every trifling error is so enormously 
magnified, and in resolving the most difficult tests the effects of 
irrationality are at times very apparent. 
{To he continued.) 
YIII. — On the RJmojQoda as embodying the Primordial Tyjoe of 
Animal Life. By G. a Wallich, M.D., F.L.S,, &c. 
The increased importance which has attached to the study of the 
Foraminifera, since their agency in the formation of vast geological 
strata during both past and present periods of the earth's history 
became clearly recognized, renders it highly desirable that an 
attempt should be made to obtain some deeper insight into their 
nature and vital capabilities than has heretofore been acquired. For 
a very little consideration must suffice to convince those who will be 
at the trouble of examining the statements concerning the living 
protoplasm of these organisms, which have been promulgated on 
high authority and very generally received, that they trench far too 
closely on the miraculous to be amenable to the ordinary rules of 
scientific investigation. 
It is a very singular fact that whereas modern writers on the 
Foraminifera have, by common consent, classified them in con- 
formity with characters derived from their shells — laying marked 
emphasis on the advancing complexity of structure which is notice- 
able, amongst the various genera — they seem to have unhesitatingly 
attributed to the living animal portion through whose instru- 
