of Edinburgh, Session 1884-85. 
275 
the connective tissue group, where the increase in the number of 
cells is extremely marked. With this increased cell formation there 
is apparently a taking up of the irritant material by the cells, and 
if one cell is not sufficient for the task a number combine to form 
plasmodia or giant cells. That the taking up of these products, or 
the micro-organisms themselves, further lowers the vitality of the 
cell, may be inferred from the fact that as soon as the cell becomes 
filled with the irritant particles it dies, and with its contained 
material, acts as an irritant to other cells. The chemical products 
then may be looked upon as the prime movers in bringing about a 
proliferation of the cells with which they come in contact ; by this 
proliferation the cells appear to attempt to get rid of the irritant 
material by which their resisting power is greatly diminished. 
Edinburgh is now thoroughly equipped for bacterological in- 
vestigations, as there are complete apparatus and very complete 
arrangements for carrying on such investigations in several of the 
departments. A part of the pathological laboratory has been adapted 
for such work ; and in the surgical department Professor Chiene 
has established a complete bacterological laboratory. There is a 
similar laboratory in the department of practice of physic. In all 
these laboratories useful work is at present going forward, under the 
guidance of the several professors, and there is every prospect that 
the Edinburgh School may contribute additions to the science of 
mycology not unworthy of her high reputation in other branches of 
science. 
In conclusion, we desire to express our sense of indebtedness to 
Professors Greenfield and Chiene for suggestions and encouragement 
whilst carrying on in their laboratories the work upon which this 
paper is based. 
4. The Resistance during Recrystallisation of fused Salts of 
the Halogens compared with some others and Glass. 
By Thomas Andrews, F.R.S.E., F.C.S., Wortley, near 
Sheffield. (Plate X.) 
The electrical resistance manifested relatively by certain fused 
salts is peculiar. The following communication contains the result 
of observations on time changes of resistances noticed during the 
