Notes. 
502 
[August, 
Dr. G. W. Rachel (“ Science,” June ii) gives a very inte- 
resting paper on “ Fossil Organisms in Meteorites.” It is 
maintained that about fifty species of fossil Polypi, crinoids, 
sponges, and Algae have been recognised in meteoric stones by 
Dr. Hahn, Dr. Weinland, and Prof. Karsten. 
According to the “ American Journal of Science ” the speed of 
the Gulf-Stream, as it passes through the Bahama Channel, does 
not exceed 2\ miles per hour. 
The applications of selenium to the photophone and to tele- 
photography have been ably discussed by Mr. Shelford Bidwell 
in a ledlure delivered before the Royal Institution. The author 
has explained the apparently capricious adlion of selenium by 
showing that there is a certain temperature at which it possesses 
a maximum resistance, diminishing rapidly as the temperature 
either rises or falls. 
Dr, Arthur Schuster, in a lecfture before the Royal Institution, 
has given an admirable summary of the teachings of modern 
spedlroscopy. 
The celebrated botanist and physiologist M. J. Schleiden died 
at Frankfort on June 22nd, in the 74th year of his age. 
Prof. S. H. Scudder communicates to the “ Geological Maga- 
zine ” an interesting paper on two insedl wings from the Dudley 
Coal field. To the one he gives the name of Brodia prisco- 
tincta, and to the other that of Archceoptilus ingens. The spread 
of wing of the latter insedl must have been from 10 to 14 inches. 
According to Dr. E. C. Hanson Saccharomyces apiculatus is an 
alcoholic ferment, feebler than 5 . cerevisice , producing bottom 
fermentation, but incapable of inverting cane-sugar or of throwing 
its solution into alcoholic fermentation. Its natural habitat and 
nutriment are gooseberries, cherries, plums, &c. 
Mr. T. R. Dolan, F.R.C.S., describes in the “ Medical Press 
and Circular ” a case of hydrophobia, and remarks — “ As one 
among many deaths that have occurred in Yorkshire during 
1879, it convinces me that a more stringent Dog Adi is required. 
The Legislature of Massachusetts has passed an Adi requiring 
railway employes to be examined for colour-blindness, and im- 
posing a penalty of 100 dollars upon the company for each case 
of negledl. 
We regret to announce the death of Prof. Rolleston, M.D., 
F.R.S., at the early age of fifty-two. 
An insedl plague- — species not named- — is said to be ravaging 
the agricultural distridls of Lancashire. 
M. E. Yung has reported to the Academy of Sciences on the 
influence of the nature of food upon the development of the 
