of Edinburgh, Session 1885-86. 
597 
Monday , 15 th February 1886. 
ROBERT GRAY, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair. 
The following Communications were read : — 
1. Chemical Affinity and Solution. By W. Durham, Esq. 
2. On the Reproductive Elements in Myxine glutinosa , L. 
By J. T. Cunningham, B.A. 
(Abstract.) 
The mature Ovum of Myxine. — The earliest description of the 
mature ovum is that given by Allen Thomson, in the article “ Ovum ” 
in Todd’s Cyclopaedia of Anatomy and Physiology , vol. v., 
published in the year 1859. He says : — “ I have found that in the 
Myxine glutinosa the globular yolk is enclosed in a horny capsule 
of similar consistence and structure (to that of Elasmobranchs), hut 
of a simple elongated ellipsoidal shape ; and in place of four ter- 
minal angular tubes there are a number of trumpet-shaped 
tubular processes projecting from the middle of the two ends, which 
probably serve the same purpose as the differently shaped append- 
ages of the ova of the shark and skate.” He gives a figure in wood- 
cut of the ovum, and of one of the threads magnified. The figures 
are correct with this exception : in the representation of the entire 
ovum the yolk is represented in outline as though seen through the 
envelope, and is globular, like the yolk of Elasmobranchs. In the 
Myxine ovum the yolk fills the cavity of the ellipsoidal envelope. It 
is not true that the terminal processes are tubular. I have examined 
them, and found them solid, and, as far as can be seen with a 
low power, homogeneous. I have not been able to ascertain from 
what specimen or specimens the description of Thomson is taken, 
but there is a single specimen of the ripe ovum in Professor 
Turner’s museum which may have been examined by Thomson. 
This specimen was brought to the museum in the time of Professor 
Goodsir, but it is not possible now to ascertain whether it was 
dredged from the sea-bottom or taken from a pregnant female. 
In 1863 Professor Steenstrup,* of Copenhagen, published a 
* Oversigt Danslc. Vidensk. Forhandlenger , 1863 . 
