iS8o.] 
Notes . 
41 1 
Dr. Phipson, in his researches upon palmelline, describes a 
simple method of preservation applicable to many other sub- 
stances, and which he describes in the “ Chemical News.” It is 
sufficient to add a small quantity of ether to the solution of 
palmelline in a test-tube, cork it, and turn it over once or twice 
so as to dissolve as much ether as possible in the liquid, in order 
to preserve it with all its properties for several months. As long 
as the contents of the tube have a strong odour of ether, no 
decomposition sets in, and the optical properties of the palmelline 
remain intadt. When decomposition occurs, the beautiful rose 
and yellow dichroic tint of the solution fades away, the liquid 
gives off an odour of ammonia, and swarms with Bacterium, 
Vibrio , and Spirillium , the latter not readily to be distinguished, 
save by their small size and more rapid movements, from the 
Spirillium found in the blood in cases of relapsing fever. 
According to M. Tayon, ewes found in the neighbourhood of 
Montpellier have four teats, all yielding milk. A similar anomaly 
has been pointed out by Mr. Darwin, on the authority of Mr. 
Hodgson, in the Agia breed of sheep, at the foot of the Hima- 
layas. 
An American contemporary enlarges on the vis medicatrix 
naturce . Would it not be well to mind the vis deletrix naturce 
to which the late G. H. Lewes drew attention ? 
The McGill University, of Montreal, will shortly be provided 
with a large library, reading-room, and museum. Mr. Redpath, 
a member of the governing board, has promised to provide the 
necessary funds. 
Mr. R. Barrett, writing in the “ Vidtorian Review,” asserts 
that nine-tenths of the black fellows in Australia die of con- 
sumption — a curious commentary on the practice of sending 
consumptive patients to Australia. 
M. A. Veeder finds, from careful microscopic observation, that 
freezing does not free water from filth due to the presence of 
sewage or decomposing vegetable matter. — Amer. Naturalist. 
Dr. Aitcheson reports that in the Kurum Valley, in Affghan- 
istan, there is an intermingling of three very distindt floras, — 
those of India, Thibet, and Western Asia. 
Wickersheimer’s preservative fluid for animal and vegetable 
tissues is composed as follows : — 
Alum 100 parts. 
Common salt ... 
Saltpetre 
Potash 
Arsenious acid 
Dissolve in 3000 parts of boiling water. After cooling and 
filtering, add to every 10 pints of this solution 4 pints of glycerin 
and 1 pint of methyl alcohol. 
25 if 
12 „ 
60 „ 
10 „ 
After 
