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NAT URE
[Feb. 8, I872
reserving for a future meeting the second part relating to the geo-
graphical distribution of the order.
  Chemical Society, February I.-Dr. Frankland, F.R.S.,
president, in the chair.-When the ordinary business of the
Society had been transacted, a note "On the crystalline
principle of Barbadoes aloes" was read by the author, Dr. W.
A. Tilden, in which he described anew derivative of aloin. This
is chloraloin, which crystallises from boiling-water in yellow
silky needles, bearing considerable resemblance to the corre-
sponding bromime compound bromaloin.-Dr. C. R. A. Wright
then read an elaborate paper "On the relations between the
atomic hypothesis and the condensed symbolic expression of
chemical facts and changes known as dissected (structural)
formula," in the first part of which he showed the possibility of
expressing chemical facts without reference to the atomic theory;
and in the second examined how far these facts could be accounted
for by the atomic hypothesis. A long and very interesting dis-
cussion ensued, in which some of the speakers advocated the
employment of the atomic theory to a greater or less extent, as
promoting the progress of chemical science, whilst others de-
sired its abolition.
                            PARIS
  Academy of Sciences, January 29.-A note by M. J.
Boussinesq on the integration of the equation with partial de-
rivatives of the isostatic cylinders produced in a homogeneous
and ductile solid, was presented by M. de Saint-Venant.-
M. A. Ledieu read a note containing objections to the marine
gyroscope proposed by M. E. Dubois at the meeting of January
22.-M. J. A. Serret presented a memoir on the pendulum of
Leon Foucault.-M. Jamin presented a note by MM. A. Cornu
and E. Mercadier on melodic musical intervals, confirmatory of
their previous results.-A note by M. J. Violle on the induction
currents produced in the polar masses of Foucault's apparatus
was read.-M. Daubree presented a note by M. Peslin on the
bands of the solar spectrum, in which the author indicates a very
simple relation between the most important bands.-M. Delaunay
communicated a note by M. Fron on the prevision of certain
earthquakes.-A further note by Father Secchi, on the tempe-
rature of the sun, was read, in which the author still maintains
his opinion as to the enormous temperature of that body.-A
note by M. E. Liais on absolute meridian observations in the low
latitudes of the southern hemisphere was read, with especial re-
ference to the observatory of Rio de Janeiro. Upon this paper
MM. Le Verrier and Laugier made some remarks.-M. S.
Meunier communicated a paper on the methods which con-
cur in demonstrating the stratigraphy of Meteorites.-M. De-
launay made some remarks upon the note presented to
the last meeting of the Academy by M. Renou with regard to the
Meteorological Manual of the Paris Observatory for I872, and
presented to the Academy the first number of a monthly Meteoro-
logical Bulletin published by the Observatory.-M. P. Thenard
presented some observations upon the preservation of wines by
heating, in connection with a recent note by M. Balard. He
claimed the discovery of the action of heat upon wines for MM.
Appert and de Verguette. -M. Chevreul read a note upon the
investigations upon dyeing carried out by M. Paul Havrez ; MM.
Montefeore-Levi and Kunzel presented a reply to a claim of
priority made by MM. de Ruolz and Fontenay with respect to the
discovery of phosphorus bronze and its employment in the
manufacture of ordnance; M. Wurtz presented a note by M. L.
C. Coppet on the supersaturation of the solution of chloride of
sodium ; and M. C. Bernard communicated a note on the analysis
of the gases of the blood by MM. A. Estor and C. Saint-Pierre.
-The lively discussion commenced two or three meetings ago on
fermentation and heterogeny was reopened by a long paper on fer-
mentations by M. E. Fremy, and continued by MM. Balard and
Wurtz.-M. C. Martins read an important paper on the normal
position of the hand in man and in the vertebrate series.
                  BOOKS RECEIVED
 ENOLISH.-The I4ighlands of Central India: Capt. J. Forsyth (Longmans).
72Rude Stone Monuments in all Countries: J. Fergusson (J. Murray).-
Hints and Facts on the Origin of Man: P. Melia (Longmans).-A Dictionary
of Chemistry, Supplement: H. Watts (Longmans).-Gandeamus: Hu-
morous Poems translated from the German by C. G. Leland (Tribner).-
Geometrical Conic Sections: J. S. Jackson (Macmillans).-Arithmetic in
Theory and Practice: J. Brook Smith (Macmillans).-Worms, a Series of
Lectures on Practical Helminthology; Dr. T. S. Cobbold (Churchill).
FOREIGN.-Medizinische Jahrbiicher, 1871; Heft 4: S. Stricker.-Mitthei.
lungen der Naturforschenden Gesellschaft in Berne. N870.-NOnveax
Mdmoires de la Societt Helvetique des Sciences Naturellesen Berne
Vol. xxiv.-Beitrdge zur Keitik der Darwinsche Lehre: Dr. E.
                          DIARY
                  THURSDAY, FEBRUAR Y 8.
ROYAL SOCIETY, at 8.30.-Experiments concerning the Evolution of Life
from Lifeless Matter: W. N. Hartley.-Experiments on the Efirective
Power of Large Steel Magnets, of Bars of Magnetised Soft Iron, and of
Galvanic Coils, in their Action on External Small Magnets; with Ap-
pendix, containing an Investigation of the Attraction of a Galvanic Coil
on
a Small Magnetic Mass: James Stuart, M .A.
SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES, 8.30.-On the Hunnebedden of Holland: k W
Franks.-On an Inscribed Saxon Knife; J. Evans, F.R. S.-On a Sword
Found in Spain: Col. Lane Fox.
MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY, at 8.-On the Factors of the Differences of
Powers, with especial reference to a theorem of Fermat's: W. Barrett
Davis.-On an Algebraical Form and the Geometry of its dual connection
with a polygon, plane, or spherical : T. Cotterill.
                    FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9.
ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, at 3.-Anniversary Meeting.
ROYAL INSTITUTION, at 3.-On Sleep: Prof. Humphry, F.R.S.
QUEKETT MICROSCOPICAL CLUB, at 8.
                  SATURDAY, FEBRUARY I0.
ROYAL INSTITUTION, at 3.-On the Theatre in Shakespeare's Time: Wm.
B. Donne.
                   SUNDAY, FEBRUARY II.
SUNDAY LECTURE SOCIETY, at 4.-On the Skeleton of the Higher Verte-
brates: Dr. T. S. Cobbold, F. R. S.
                   MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12.
GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY, at 8.30
LONDON INSTITUTION, at 4.-Elementary Chemistry: Prof. Odling, F.R. S.
                   TUESDAY, FEBRUARY I3.
ROYAL INSTITUTION, at 3.-On the Circulatory and Nervous Systems: Dr.
W. Rutherford, F.R.S.E.
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY. at 8.-Anniversary Meeting-On a Comparison
of the Different Modes of Plate Cleaning: Dr Anthony. The Nipce de
St. Victor specimens will be shown.
                 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14.
SOCIETY OF ARTS, at 8.-On the Study of Economic Botany: J. Collins.
                  THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 05.
ROYAL INSTITUTION, at 3.-On the Chemistry of Alkalies and Alkali
Manufacture; Prof. Odling, F.R.S.
ROYAL SOCIETY, at 8.30.
SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIEs, at 8.30.
LINNEAN SOCIETY. at 8.-On a Chinese Artichoke Gall: A. Muller, F.L.S.
-On the Habits, Structure, &c., of the three-banded Armadillo: Dr. J.
Murie, F. L.S.-Comparative Geographical Distribution of Butterflies and
Birds: W. F. Kirby.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY, at 8.
CONTENTS
I
THE FOUNDATION OF ZOOLOGICAL STATIONS. By Dr. ANTON DOHRN
THE NATURAL HISTORY OF EGYPT AND MALTA. (With IliUstration)
OUR BOOK SHELF   . . . . . . . .....         . .. . . .
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:-
   The Aurora Borealis of Feb. 4-Prof. C. PIAZZI SYMTH, F.R.S.: G.
     M. SEABROKE; R. J. FRISWELL, F.C.S. ; Capt. J. P. MACLEAR,
     R.N.; J. J. MURPHY, F. G.S.; J. JEREMIAH; REV. M. H. CLOSE;
     W. SYMONS, F.C. S.; T. R. CAPRON. . . . . . . . .
   The Floods-Col. GEORGE GREENWOOD. . . . . . . . .
   Zodiacal Light-REV. T. W. WEBB, F.R.A.S.
   Magnetic Disturbance During Solar Eclipse - G. MATHUS
     WHIPPLE, F.R.A.S..
   CircumpolarLands-J. J. MURPHY, F.G.S.
THE HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY. By H. BADEN PRITCHARD, F.C.S.
GANOT'S PHYSICS. By G. F. RODWELL, F.C.S. (With Ilustrations).
THE SOLAR ATMOSPHERE. By Capt. J. ERICSSON. (With 1i stra-
tion.)
THE RIGIDITY OF THE EARTH. By Prof. HENNESSY, F.R.S. - . -
THE LANDSLIPS AT NORTHWICH. By THOS. WARD      . . .  .  .
NOTES .. . . . .    . . .   .
SCIENTIFIC INTELLIGENCE FROM AMERICA.
ON THE CARPAL AND TARSAL BONES OF BIRDS. By Prof. E. S.
  MORSE.. .  ...   . ..   . . . .  . . .  . . . .  . .  .
SCIENTIFIC SERIALS....    . . . .  .  . ........
SOCIETIES AND ACADEMIES.  ...    ..   ..  . ..   . .  .   .
BOOKS RECEIVED ..   . . ..   . ..  .  ...    .....  .
DIARY . .  . . . .  ..        .......         . ..   . ..   .  .
'AGE
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                         iVO TICE
We beg leave to state that we decline to return rejected communica-
tions, and to this rule we can make no exception. Communica-
tions respecting Subscriptions or Advertisements must be addressed
to the Publishers, NOT to the Editor.
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