1885.] Mode of Conducting Chemical Examinations. 27 
of reproduction alternates with fecundation, and it is pro- 
bable that this takes place in all cases. 
It is unnecessary to call attention to the bearing of these 
researches upon the questions of life, individuality, repro- 
duction, and death. But we cannot help remarking that 
Prof. Beneden, in the words “Fecundation is, in its essence, 
substitution,” points towards — if he does not fully establish 
— a conneCling-link between chemical combination and 
organic fecundation. By so doing he confirms the great 
principle of continuity at a point where it has been called 
in question. 
IV. REFORMS SUGGESTED IN THE MODE OF 
CONDUCTING THE CHEMICAL EXAMINATIONS, 
AND IN THE GIVING OF THE 
CHEMICAL EVIDENCE IN THE LAW COURTS, 
IN POISON CASES. 
By Robert Galloway, M.R.I.A. 
S HE subjeCt of the present paper is one of no ordinary 
importance, for upon the evidence of the analytical 
chemist engaged in suspeCted poison cases mainly 
depends the conviction or acquittal of the suspeCted or 
accused person. I entertain the opinion very strongly — 
knowing the possible lapses in Analytical Chemistry, even 
when analyses are conducted by experienced chemists — that 
the analyst should not be left so uncontrolled as he is at 
present in these very serious and difficult analytical exa- 
minations ; and that he should not be allowed, in givinghis 
evidence, to mix up medical opinions with the results he 
has obtained, whether affirmative or negative, in the inves- 
tigation. I advocate these and other alterations of equal 
importance, and which I shall name presently, both in the 
interests of those who may hereafter be accused and in the 
interests of Justice ; for whilst, on the one hand, no innocent 
person should be condemned, the guilty ought not to escape. 
This is no purely chemical question, interesting only to 
chemists and medical men ; it is one which deeply concerns 
the public at large. 
