
NOTICES OF MEETINGS. : 123 

purpose. Moreover, some of the animals of this tribe present the first com- 
mencement of a nervous system. Following this line of investigation, it might 
be shown how in the ascending scale of the animal kingdom each more perfect 
organism is but a further instance of advancement in cell federation and in the 
more or less complete division of labour. In conclusion, Mr. Smith said that 
the same principles held good in respect to the vegetable kingdom. The lower 
plants are but single celled organisms. The highest are congeries of cells in 
which different groups perform different functions, yet all work harmoniously 
together for the good of the whole. Thus one group of cells extracts material 
from the ground, others again draw material from the air, while a third set is 
concerned in the propagation and regeneration of the species. How far the 
facts stated support the doctrine of evolution is a matter for much difference of 
opinion. After a good discussion, a vote of thanks to Mr. Smith was proposed 
and seconded, and the meeting terminated. 
LIVERPOOL MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY.—The ordinary monthly 
meeting of this Society was held in the Royal Institution Rooms on Friday, 
March 31st, Dr. Carter in the chair. 
A paper was read by Mr. J. Michael Williams, on the ‘‘ Micréscopical 
Aspects of Silica,” illustrated by original drawings, and shewn by the Oxy- 
hydrogen lantern. The paper described the natural condition of Silica as an 
earth, the drawings shewing its forms under Polarized Light, as it exists in a 
nearly pure state in Quartz, Jasper, Agate, Chalcedony, &c. Its secretion by 
_ living organisms in the higher forms of vegetable were then dwelt upon, illus- 
trated by the Silicious structure of several plants, and their secretion of Silex 
in the form of Scales, Silicious hairs, &c.; and under the head of Diatomacee, 
various examples in the lower form of vegetable structure were exhibited, 
shewing their relative size, beauty of contour, delicacy of making, &c. 
The secretion of Silica by the lower form of the animal kingdom was then 
illustrated, beginning with the Silicious sponges, the various and curious forms 
of their spicula being pointed out—the paper closing with a series of illustra- 
trations of the beautiful Silicious shells of the Radiolaria and Polycistina. 
At the conclusion of the paper the meeting resolved itself into a Conver- 
sazione, when the following subjects were illustrated ;— 
Join Stet ca 5 adds | ken Rev. W. Banister, B.A. 
COLITIS cn ,...John Vicars. 
Cuticle of Equisetum (polarized) ............... W. Oelrichs. 
LEG MEG) CAT LLTELES n J. Ta.Nw Phomas: 
INE HO MIRC AMISIIS! erin ents Petes vanes ewevas oveavverecas Dr. McClelland. 
Nitella in fruit—filaments of Antheridia 2 LCT 
vig Nisan reanvinec.  n  e Sisr on ici apa 
Nitellain fruit—Carpogonia showing cyclosis . 
in the ‘‘ twisted calls Betta nthe: = me statis } Charles Botterill. 
LL TOR Ais ee George Thomas. 
OW en Of SUV Y- | sesame neeura nn nec ceeede a H. Kendall, B.A. 
Roly cistimalys O66... ws.tevsrsis:.1v seca een Harold Swift. 
Kock Sections, VAnIOUSu os, Jee ee H. M. Bennett. 
ment of Baths of Caracalla, Rome ...... 
Peed ——VATIOUS! 4.6). « ccemanivavs av sastue ee Thomas C. Ryley. 
laa Ooll(Silicon Cotton)... x<sssshameeentssaces H. R. Boult. 
Sponge Spicules (Zyolonema Sieboldit gr ieee Dr. Hicks. 
Moh neal Sai eee ee NR, eh. W. J. Baker. 
MANC HESTER CRYPTOGAMIC SOCIETY.—At the monthly meeting, 
March 2oth, held in the Town Hall, King Street, Dr. Carrington, F.R.S.E., in the 
chair, the Hon. Secretary placed a number of rare mosses before the members 
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