A New Ptendosperm. 
organism as the cause of the growth of malignant tumours, unless 
indeed we suppose the action of such an organism to be itseelf the 
cause of the heterotype. The discovery certainly provides a definite 
means of diagnosis of malignant as opposed to harmless tumours. 
And, above all, it not only forms a secure starting point for future 
investigations on the nature of cancer, but also, we may hope, will 
help to throw light on the more intimate nature of the series of 
events making up the fundamental features of the life-cycle of all but 
the very simplest organisms. 
A NEW PTERIDOSPERM. 
N a recent nutnber of this Journal (Vol. II., p. 73) attention 
was drawn to the attribution of one of the fossil seeds 
belonging to the genus Lagenostoma to the well-known Cycadofilix 
Lyginodendron. 
Now, after an interval of only a few months, we have to record 
the discovery by Mr. R. Kidston, F.R.S., 1 of three specimens of 
fragments of fronds of Neuropteris lieterophylla, Brongn., each 
bearing a large seed. The specimens are preserved as impressions* 
not petrifactions, and differ in this respect from those which led to- 
the recognition of Lagenostoma as the seed of Lyginodendron. 
Some years ago Mr. Kidston described what he now recognises 
as the pollen-bearing organs of Neuropteris lieterophylla, hence we 
possess unusually complete information as regards the habit of the 
reproductive organs of this plant. 
As N. lieterophylla is without doubt the foliage of a Mednllosa y 
we thus have two families, the Lyginodendreae and Medulloseae* 
each known to contain a well authenticated seed-bearing represen¬ 
tative. In this connection it may not be without interest to note 
that the proposal has been made 2 “ to found a distinct class, under 
the name Pteridosperince, to embrace those Palaeozoic plants with 
the habit, and much of the internal organisation of Ferns, which were 
reproduced by means of seeds. At present, the families Lygino¬ 
dendreae and Medulloseae may be placed, with little risk of error, in 
the new class, Pteridospermae.” O. 
1 Oil tlie Fructification of Neuropteris heterophylla, Brongn. 
Read at the Royal Society, December 3rd, 1903. 
* .Scott and Oliver. O11 the Structure of the Palaeozoic Seed, 
Lagenostoma Lomaxi, with a Statement of the Kvideuce 
upon which it is referred to Lyginodendron. Read at the 
Royal Society, Januaiy 21st, 1904. 
R. MADLEY, PRINTER, WHITFIELD STREET, LONDON, W. 
