VIII. 
ABSTRACT OF PROCEEDINGS. 
Dr. I. Lauder exhibited isotopic forms of water. The origin of the 
term isotope was explained, and then the factors which give rise to the 
existence of isotopes were considered. The separation of the hydrogen 
isotopes by eloctrolysis and the oxygen isotopes by thermal diffusion were 
reviewed very briefly. A demonstration of the difference in properties 
between normal water and heavy hydrogen water was then given. 
Mr. E. F. Riek exhibited a representative collection of the crayfish of 
Queensland, and discussed their zonal distribution and phytogeny. In 
conclusion he made a few remarks on the distribution of the family 
Parastacidae, or crayfish of the southern hemisphere, supporting the 
hypothesis that these crayfish arose in a single centre before the 
disruption of the original Gondwanaland into the present continents. 
Mr. D. G. Bieske exhibited two continuous liquid-liquid extraction 
units — one for extraction from a light liquid using a heavy liquid, and 
the other for extraction from a heavy liquid using a lighter solvent. 
Their methods of separation, together with advantages and disadvantages, 
were explained. 
Mr. J. B. Wadley exhibited some photographs of scientific interest. 
Abstract of Proceedings, 29th May, 1944. 
The Ordinary Monthly Meeting of the Society was held in the 
Sir William Macgregor School of Physiology on Monday, 29th May, 
at 8 p.m., with Prof. J. Bostock (Vice-President) in the chair. About 
forty members and friends were present. The minutes of the previous 
meeting were read and confirmed. Miss H. Clarke was elected to 
Ordinary Membership, and Mr. D. G. Bieske and Mr. W. Roulston were 
proposed for Ordinary Membership. 
The business of the meeting comprised lectures and demonstrations 
on “Physiological Aspects of Tropical Warfare” by the Physiology 
Department. 
Dr. R. Courtice spoke on the effects of hot climates on man. He 
mentioned the more important bodily adjustments as being cutaneous 
vasodilatation, sweating, loss of appetite, and reduced desire for work, 
and discussed the more important disturbances in carrying out these 
adjustments. He said that acclimatisation is divided into a primary 
stage of rapid adjustment lasting 7-14 days, followed by a secondary 
period of slow further adjustment lasting up to two years. Heat stroke, 
heat exhaustion, and heat cramp were considered to be the main acute 
failures of adjustment. 
Prof. D. H. K. Lee discussed the morale of tropical living. He 
stated the importance of incorporating definite objectives as a part of 
personal and community planning, of providing amenities to relieve 
monotony, of providing for the additional nutritional requirements 
called for under tropical conditions, and of designing houses suitable 
to tropical climates. In conclusion, he formulated a set of rules to be 
applied to life in the tropics. 
