< 436 ) 
[July, 
NOTES. 
Dr. Brown-Sequard (“ Comptes Rendus ”) concludes that no 
value can be attached to one of the principal bases of the dodtrine 
of psycho-motor centres, and of the generally received theory 
with regard to the relations between one side of the encephalon 
and the opposite side of the body for voluntary movements and 
for unilateral convulsions. It must be admitted that the excito- 
motor zone of the cerebral surface, as well as all the excitable 
parts of the encephalon, are capable of setting in movement the 
members of the corresponding side as well as those of the oppo- 
site side. They can produce these effedts even after the trans- 
verse sedtion of a lateral half of the pons varolii, of the bulb or 
of the cervical medulla, or even after two sedtions, the one of the 
right half and the other of the left half of the base of the ence- 
phalon, on condition that a certain interval exists between these 
two sedtions. 
On May ist M. de Quatrefages delivered before the Academy 
of Sciences the formal eloge of Charles Darwin. His discourse 
has seemed to some persons as of “ almost inspired eloquence.” 
If we look below the surface we find that the orator was far from 
rising to the level of the occasion. There is, indeed, no trace of 
the charge at one time commonly made by the official science of 
France, that Darwin was a mere amateur. But the speaker de- 
fends the Academy with regard to its discreditable rejedtion of 
our great naturalist when first proposed as a corresponding 
member, and adtually states that in so doing it “ had fulfilled its 
duties as a scientific tribunal with a high impartiality ” ! We 
regret that after this first rejedtion Darwin honoured the Academy 
by accepting the subsequent reversal of its former verdidt. 
According to the “ Lancet “ To the sick, suffering from 
headache and nervous irritation, the ding-dong and dangle of 
church bells constitute a very serious annoyance ; and we do not 
hesitate to say, in many cases, the loss of rest and the general 
disquietude they produce not only lessen the chances of recovery, 
but may expedite a fatal issue. This is a grave charge, but we 
make it advisedly.” 
Taking up the same subjedt, the “ Boston Journal of Che- 
mistry ” remarks — “ We may add that dogs frequently make 
night hideous to the well and unendurable to the sick, and the 
blood of the vidtim be upon the head of his neighbour who keeps 
a howling dog. The incessant rattle of a piano is scarcely less 
annoying to the invalid and convalescent, but sometimes their 
owners are sufficiently humane to cease the nuisance when asked 
