16 Moll 
MOLLUSCA. 
6. Nervous System . 
Notes on the structure of the nervous system in the Mollusca, by 
W. Vignal, C. R. xov. pp. 249-251. Abstract in J. R. Micr. Soc. (2) 
ii. p. G03. 
Nervous system of the Muriculce described by B. Haller, Denkschr. 
Ak. Wien, xlv. pp. 87-106 ; and of Chiton , id. Arb. z. Inst. Wien, iv. 
pp. 324-340, pi. i. figs. 1-6, & pi. ii. figs. 8 & 9. 
Description of the supra- and infra-pharyngeal ganglions and their 
commissures in 16 genera and 50 species of European land and fresh- 
water shells, by II. SlMROTii (supra). Abstract in Arch. Z. exper. x. 
pp. xlix.-liv. 
The histological elements of the nervous fibres in Unio are described 
by J. Chalin, C. R. xciv. pp. 1723-1726. 
7. Organs of Sense. 
The eye of Spondylus [gcederopus (L.)] is described by S. J. Hickson ; 
it resembles generally that of Pecten, but is proved to be not so highly 
developed, by the shortness of the stalk, the position of the retina nearer 
the lens than the tapetum, and the slight development of a vitreous 
cavity. Q. J. Micr. Sci. (2) xxii. pp. 362-364, woodcut. 
Otoliths of the Mollusca discussed by Minot, Journal of Otology 
(North America) 1881. [Not seen by the Recorder.] 
H. Sim rotii thinks that the sense of smelling is distributed over the 
whole soft skin in land-snails, and especially concentrated near the 
respiratory orifice ; he is confirmed iD this view by finding a thick set of 
ganglion colls in tho transverse furrow between tho froo front edgo of 
the mantle and the body in Parmacclla olivicri (Cuv.). Zool. Anz. 
1882, pp. 472-475. 
The distribution and termination of the nerves in the part of the 
mantle lining the interior of the shell within the pallial line and the 
adductor muscles in Unio and Anodonta, forming a plexus with very 
close meshes, and being probably a delicate feeling apparatus, is the 
subject of a paper by L. Vialleton, 0. R. xcv. p. 461. Abstract in 
Ann. N. II. (5) x. p. 336. 
8. Embryology. 
Popular description of the outlines of development in several Mollusca 
by O. Taschenreiig, Yerwandlungen der Tliiere, 1882, pp. 138-148, 
with 8 woodcuts. 
M. A. Sen u lg in has observed that the fecundated egg of Vermetus 
becomes amoeboid, and swallows up in this state other iufecundated eggs ; 
something similar is also observed in the eggs of Nassa. Zool. Anz. 
1882, pp. 548-550. [Compare the observations of Koren & Danielssen, 
Fauna litt, Norvegiae, ii. 1856, in Buccinum undatum , and Purpura 
lapillus.'} 
