SCIENTIFIC SUMMARY. 
209 
gold process, and give a different idea of the distribution of the nerves 
to that afforded by mine, some of which are ten years old. My own conclu- 
sions on the ultimate distribution of nerve-fibres were formed several years 
ago, at a time when terminal nerve networks were denied in Germany, and 
when it was supposed that only in a few exceptional cases did the axis 
cylinder of a nerve extend beyond the white substance. Not only are my 
networks of pale nucleated nerve-fibres now accepted, but it is maintained 
that much finer networks of nerve-fibres . ramifying upon and amongst 
epithelial cells and other elementary parts, and even upon an individual mass 
of bioplasm (nucleus), have been demonstrated. At present, however, I 
cannot regard the observations upon which it is thought to establish this 
view more conclusive than those which a few years since led many to the 
conclusion that the axis cylinder sprang from the nucleus or nucleolus of the 
central nerve-cell.” 
Xylol , the new Remedy for Small-pox. — The 11 Chemical News ” for 
February 16 contains an interesting note on this subject. It seems that the 
Berlin “ Klinische Wochenschriff ” states that Dr. Zuelzer, Senior Physician 
at the Charite Hospital, had there administered xylol in cases of small-pox, 
with the most complete success. It is given in doses of from 3 to 5 drops 
for children, 10 to 15 drops for adults, every hour to every three hours. It 
is harmless, because as much as a teaspoonful at a time has been taken. 
The most convenient form of taking it is in capsules, as already supplied by 
a Berlin firm, and containing 3, 5, 8, and 12 drops each. The specific action 
is not yet clearly defined, but early information on this point is promised. 
The theory at present is that xylol is taken up by the blood, and acts as a 
disinfectant. The absolute purity of the xylol is important, as toluol and 
other analogous compounds do not possess this peculiar action, and it seems 
there are some practical difficulties in obtaining xylol absolutely pure. 
Antagonism between Physostigma and Atropia . — A very valuable paper on 
this important therapeutical subject has been presented to the Royal Society 
of Edinburgh by Dr. Fraser, who we may regard as the first scientific British 
therapeutist. We regret that we can do no more than refer to the paper, 
because the “ abstract ” contains a plate without which the substance of the 
paper would be unintelligible. 
Fatal Dose of Chloral Hydrate. — Dr. B. W. Richardson, F.R.S., has had 
reprinted from the British Association Reports for 1871 his own special 
report on the physiological action of organic chemical compounds. This is a 
most valuable and, we need not say, most interesting paper. It deals with 
several substances, and first of all comes chloral hydrate. He has endea- 
voured to ascertain what is a dangerous and what a fatal dose of chloral 
hydrate. The conclusion at which he has been able first to arrive on this 
point is, that the maximum quantity of the hydrate that can be borne at 
one dose bears some proportion to the weight of the animal subjected to its 
influence. Th.e rule, however, does not extend equally to animals of any 
and every' class. The proportion is practically the same in the same classes, 
but there is no actual universality of rule. A mouse weighing from three- 
quarters of an ounce to an ounce will be put to sleep by one quarter of a 
grain of the hydrate, and will be killed by a grain. A pigeon weighing 
twelve oimces will be put to sleep by two grains of the hydrate, and will be 
VOL. XI. — NO. XLIII. 
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