^ gC, Correspondence. [August, 
It appeared that the invitation did not extend to the experi- 
mental sewage-works. A few adventurous spirits, .who did 
manage to get a peep into these jealously guarded regions, saw 
enough to convince them that if the Board rejedt the “ AdI 
process ” they are still stumbling over the very A B C of sewage 
treatment, and trying to keep up, at any rate, the appearance ot 
doing something. There are an alum-tank, a lime-tank, and a 
manganate-tank. The manganate, it appears, is converted into 
permanganate by a stream of sulphuric acid, which joins it on 
its way to the sewage. The quantity of acid which will thus 
have to be used in pure waste (for the resulting sodium sulphate 
has no value in purifying sewage, and is, if anything, detrimental) 
will be far from inconsiderable. Possibly, however, the Board 
will endeavour to economise by setting up a fadtory foi making 
their own caustic soda and their own sulphuric acid, and may 
ultimately come at some startling results. It is not every che- 
mical manufacturer who has the pockets of the ratepayers ot 
London to fall back upon. 
Sodium Hydroxide. 
BESTIARIANISM IN LITERATURE. 
-v 
It is remarkable how all classes of literature have become 
tainted with what is called by its advocates “ Anti- Vivisec- 
tionism.” It is insinuated, more or less broadly, in novels ot 
very questionable morality. It figures in the semi-philosophical 
writings of the “ Shrieking Sisterhood.” And it is even taught 
by prelates in expositions of Scripture. Witness the following 
passage by the Bishop of Derry: — “Indignation is justly ex- 
pressed at these scenes of vivisedtion, where experimenters, with 
superior smile, grope their way down the dim track of animal 
pain. But here a man suffered, and no end, even of curiosity, 
was to be obtained.” 
These few words show plainly either inability or unwillingness 
to understand the position of the physiological investigator. 
The notion of his “ smiling ” through the microscope could only 
occur to a rhetorician. In sober truth the experimentalist 
whether he be working on animals, plants, or inorganic matter 
does not wear a “ superior smile.” His whole mind is devoted 
to the task of observing faithfully and interpreting corredtly the 
phenomena which present themselves. As to the “ dim track of 
animal pain,” in most cases it does not exist at all, since the 
subjedt is rendered incapable of feeling by an anaesthetic. Even 
where pain does occur it nowise serves us a track leading to any 
