One of these was a gold stater similar to concern itself with
researches
into the origin exactly the place where these people would
Evans, Plate B, No.
Evans, Plate B, No.
Athenaeum - London - 1912a
gave rise to the pearl-sac.
It was only in a few
positive and negative ions in dried hydrogen and The whole evidence points to the truth of the cases, like the trematode pearls in the common
carbon dioxide. The results obtained are com- local tradition that the mound was thrown up mussel, that the cause of the pearl-sac-i. e. , in
pletely parallel to those already obtained in a at the time of the threatened Spanish invasion this case the trematode-remained to form the
previous investigation on air "(R. T. Lattey, in 1588. Within the enclosed area were found “ nucleus” of the pearl and tell the tale of
Proc. Roy. Soc. , vol. lxxxiv. p. 173). The two fragments of walls and quantities of building its origin. The author had found that, as
velocity of positive ions is but little affected by materials, of which the few worked stones are observed by Prof. Herdman, a minority of Ceylon
the presence of moisture in the gas, and is pro- chisel-tooled. Of the smaller finds, the most pearls may have foreign bodies, such as sand-
portional to the force (x), and inversely propor interesting was a small bronze belt' tag of the grains, in their centres.
tional to the pressure (p). The same relation tenth century, ornamented with human figures, Mr. R. Shelford communicated & paper on
approximately holds good for the velocity of apparently unique.
'Mimicry amongst the Blattidæ, with a Revision
negative ions in moist gases. When the gas is
of the Genus Frosoplecta Sauss. ,' in which he
extremely dry, however, the negative ions are
dealt with a number of exceptions to this usually
apparently very easily deprived of their cus- Zoological. - Feb. 20. —Dr. A. Smith Wood-cryptically coloured type of cockroach, and in
tomary envelope. Their velocity, therefore, does ward, V. -P. , in the chair. -Dr. A. T. Masterman
greater detail with the Prosoplecta, nearly all
not increase proportionately to s/p, but at a very gave a demonstration, illustrated by a large number the members of which present a remarkably
much greater rate.
of lantern-slides, of recent investigations on age- close and detailed resemblance to other insects.
Prof. T. H. Laby and Mr. P. W. Burbidge determination in the scales of salmonoids, with
read a paper on 'The Observation by means of special reference to Wye salmon.
A paper entitled ' A Contribution to the Know-
a String Electrometer of Fluctuations in the
ledge of the Spiders and Other Arachnids of
Dr. H. Lyster Jameson read a paper. On the Switzerland' was contributed by the Rev. 0.
Ionization produced by 7-rays. The authors Structure of the Shell and Pearls of the Ceylon Pickard-Cambridge.
claim to have demonstrated that there are fluctua-
It was based on a number
Pearl-Oyster (Margaritifera vulgaris, Schum. ),
tios in the ionization produced by y-rays, and
of specimens collected for the author by various
with an Examination of the Cestode Theory of
have worked out the technique for future experi- Pearl Production. The author began by review- description of one new species.
persons at different times, and contained the
ments, where the absolute amount of the fluctua-
ing the work on the subject of pearl production
tion is very small. Further experiments are carried out in Ceylon by Prof. Herdman and his
necessary before the experiments can be said to
successors. He examined the theory, enunciated
support either a corpuscular or pulse theory of by Prof. Herdman, that most Ceylon “fine
Y-rays.
pearls had for their nuclei the remains of cestode MICROSCOPICAL. -Feb. 21. -Mr. H. G. Plimmer,
Mr. F. B. Pidduck read a paper on “ The Wave- larvæ, and that these larvæ, which are abundant President, in the chair. — Mr. E. J. Spitta,
Problem of Cauchy and Poisson for Finite Depth in the liver and connective tissues of the pearl- with the help of the projection lantern, demon.
and Slightly Compressible Fluid. ' The paper is oyster in Ceylon, were the
” of the most strated the principles which should influence the
in some respects a completion of a former one on valuable pearls. Dr. Jameson maintained that photographer in the preparation of negatives
the propagation of a disturbance in a fluid under the evidence adduced in support of this theory
from which coloured lantern - slides were sub-
gravity. The solution of the two-dimensional by Prof. Herdman and Mr. Hornell was insuffi- sequently to be made.
Cauchy-Poisson problem for finite depth is worked cient, and that the only drawings in Prof. Herd- Mr. Rousselet communicated the Fourth List of
out numerically, the effect of limiting the depth man's 'Report on the Ceylon Pearl-Oyster New Rotifera since 1889' (i. e. , the date when
being very considerable. The fact is brought to Fisheries, published by the Royal Society, that Hudson and Gosse's ‘Monograph of the Rotifera'
light that up to a certain point a limitation of the purported to show the remains of cestodes in the was completed by the issue of the supplement,
depth causes an increase in the elevation at a given centres of pearls, were capable of other interpreta- recording altogether 400 species at that time).
point for a short interval of time after the begin- tion. Moreover, he could not find in any of the
ning of the motion. The wider question presents sections of pearls by Prof. Herdman, numbering
itself as to the sense in which the initial disturb- some twenty-five or more, which the Professor
ance can be said to be confined to a definite por- had kindly allowed him to examine, a single
tion of the fluid. Difficulties connected with the instance of a cestode larva forming the nucleus.
METEOROLOGICAL. -Feb. 21. -Dr. H. N. Dick-
assumption of incompressibility are avoided by This observation was borne out by the results of
son, President, in the chair.
considering a heavy compressible fluid. The the examination of between 300 and 400 pearls Mr. J. Fairgrieve read a paper on 'The Thunder-
application of an extension of Fourier's theorems, from Margaritifera vulgaris, mostly from Ceylon, storms of May 31, 1911. '. He dealt with the
due to Orr, gives the solution of the problem of but also comprising examples from the Persian thunderstorm which visited the London district
such a fluid held with every part in a given state Gulf, the Gulf of Cutch, the Mediterranean, Mada- on the Derby Day, and especially with the move-
of compression and then released, the free surface gascar, New Caledonia, &c. , none of which, on ment of the rain which accompanied the storm.
being maintained at constant pressure. The decalcification, showed cestode or other platy. Having obtained information from nearly 700
known formulæ for incompressible fluid for both helminthian larvæ as nuclei. The centre of such observers as to the time of rainfall or absence
finite and infinite depth follow as limiting expres- a pearl was (where it consisted of material other of rain, he has been able to prepare an interesting
sions, and it is possible to detect the existence of than the nacre or other normal constituents of series of maps for each quarter of an hour from
an advancing wave-front when the compressi- the shell) nearly always composed of an abnormal 12. 30 to 8. 45 P. M. , showing the areas over which
bility is different from zero.
form of shell-substance, analogous to that formed rain was actually falling.
Some papers originally announced for the to repair an injury to the shell, which, owing to Mr. R. G. K. Lempfert read a paper on 'The
meeting of February 15th, which was adjourned its opacity, might easily be mistaken for a foreign Thunderstorms of July 29, 1911. ' This storm was
on account of the death of Lord Lister, were taken body. These repair-substances were sometimes of the line-squall type. The author has been
as read.
associated with granular matter, the origin of able to trace the spread of the phenomenon
which was obscure ; this matter might perhaps across the British Isles, and he showed by a map
be derived from the tissues, or might possibly be of isochronous lines that it first struck the extreme
SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES. -Feb. 22. -Mr. W. of parasitic origin, but Dr. Jameson saw no end of Cornwall about 2 P. M. on July 29th, and
Dale read a paper on “The Implement-bearing reason for regarding it derived from a passed across Shetland at 3 P. M. the next day.
Gravel Beds of the Valley of the Lower Test,' in cestode larva. He considered the presence of He pointed out that the disturbance may be
which he described the gravel pits which occur these cestodes as a disease parallel to, but inde- regarded as the displacement of an easterly by a
near Ramsey and Dunbridge, and showed a large pendent of, margarosis and compared the southerly current, but the process of displace-
quantity of palæolithic implements from them.
case of a pearl-oyster containing both cestodes ment was unusually complicated. The general
Îhese implements are diverse in form and in the and pearls to that of a man suffering simul- sequence of events seems to have been somewhat
condition of their patination. The gravel is usually 'taneously from echinococci and scabies, or of a as follows. A moderate east wind was interrupted
cause
as
## p. 261 (#207) ############################################
No. 4401, MARCH 2, 1912
261
THE ATHENÆUM
6
suddenly by a squall from the south. After the
squall had passed, the wind returned temporarily
to an easterly direction, to be again interrupted
Science Gossip
by another squall from the south. A period of
FINE ARTS
several hours of light and variable wind, during THE problems of genetics are coming
which easterly directions predominated, super-
very rapidly to the front, and seem likely
vened, and finally the wind settled down to a steady
southerly or south-westerly wind of moderate
to receive a great deal of attention in the
force. In many cases the squalls were not accom-
present year. M. Blaringhem, in his in Greece and Babylon : a Comparative
panied by rainfall. What appears to have augural address at the Sorbonne published Sketch of Mesopotamian, Anatolian,
struck observers most forcibly was the way in last Saturday, summed up recent discus-
which huge quantities of dust were whirled up
and Hellenic Religions. By Lewis R.
by the wind. Accounts from Cardiff state that
sions on the subject by declaring that sudden Farnell. (Edinburgh, T. & T. Clark. )
dust was brought from the south side of the
and transmissible changes in pure stocks
Bristol Channel by the squall winds, which did are the way in which the characteristics THESE very interesting and suggestive
much structural damage.
of species and varieties make their appear. lectures are the work of a master who
Mr. S. Skinner read a paper on 'The Drosometer,' ance; and that the cause of these must
an instrument for measuring the amount of dew. be looked for in differences of the chemical has devoted years to the study of ancient
constitution of the protoplasm. We are religions, and published standard books
therefore brought back to chemistry to on the subject. His style is easy and
BRITISH NUMISMATIC. -Feb. 21. -Mr. Carlyon- discover the ultimate cause of the differen- correct, though he does use the word
Laughlin and Messrs. H. J. Farrow, J. H. Searey, tiation of species, which, as M. Blaringhem phenomenal loosely when he speaks
and L. A. Woodward were elected Members. reminded his audience, is what M. Armand
of the keeping of sacred prostitutes about
Mr. H. A. Parsons read a paper on
The Dun- Gautier predicted twenty-three years ago.
a temple as a “phenomenal practice. ”
wich Mint,' in which, after reviewing the history
of the city in Saxon times, when, after attaining “Institute” nowadays; and the foundation
EVERY new science seems to demand an It seems to have been a very real one,
the height of its prosperity in the closing years
"Institute" nowadays; and the foundation and widely spread through Semitic lands.
of Ethelred II. , its decline gradually set in owing at Brussels is announced of one for what is
He rightly distinguishes it from the
to the denudation by the sea, he attributed four magniloquently called Universal Plasmology
coins to the mint, namely, one of each of the and Bio-mechanics. Its committee claims
sacrifice of virginity,
of which Herodotus
last two types of Ethelred II. , and one of each of to be international, and the names upon it tells us among the Babylonians, and he
the first two types of Canute. The author
explained that the coins thus synchronized with
which should be most familiar to readers of is much perplexed concerning its meaning.
its history, for only at that particular period The Athenæum are those of M. Raphael Quite apart from mystical explanations,
would Dunwich be likely to have exercised its Dubois (of Lyons), Dr. Stéphane Leduc (of there is an obvious, but probably too
privilege of a mint.
Nantes), Dr. von Schrön (of Naples), and
Mr. B. Roth exhibited the contents of a remark. Prof. Jacques Loeb (of New York). To
vulgar solution. Such a class was un-
able archæological hoard found at Peterborough
doubtedly a perennial source of income
in 1886. It comprised Roman coins and other judge by the recent work of these distin.
relics, a bronze torque, and three ancient British guished scholars, the Institute will chiefly to the temple. A city like Corinth was
coins.
One of these was a gold stater similar to concern itself with researches into the origin exactly the place where these people would
Evans, Plate B, No. 8, and the other two were of life, as illustrated by the experiments in be most profitable. It is, indeed, among
silver money of the Iceni. . Amongst other exhi. the production of artificial cells by M.
tions were a copper siege-piece issued at Cork in Dubois and Dr. Leduc, in the formation of that in some highly civilized societies
the curious vagaries of the human mind
for the obverse of William Moesop's medal to Dr. crystals by Dr. von Schrön, and in partheno-
sexual asceticism was not in high esteem,
Henry Quin, by Mr. F. W. Yeates. Mr. Henry genesis by Dr. Loeb. It will issue a periodical
Symonds presented a series of numismatic works review, and the Secretary is Prof. Léon
and the opposite was practised as a reli-
to the Society's library.
Guinet of Brussels.
gious rite, while in others the latter was
THE BRITISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION
regarded as the lowest degradation, and
has just published a memoir of original
the repression of all such animal instincts
observations of variable stars made by as the ideal of purity and piety.
Victoria and Albert Museum, 5. - The Later English Renais.
twenty-five of its members in the five years On the other hand, the likenesses
sance : Inigo Jones and his Works, Mr. B. Fletcher,
1905–9 inclusive. This particular branch
Society of Engineers, 7. 30. - The Trolley Vebicle System of
between the religious beliefs and practices
of astronomy, which is likely to prove of
Aristoteliaa, 8. -Å Theory of Material Fallaciet,' Mr. H. S. much value in the study of stellar physics, primitive conditions at least, so great
of widely separate nations are often, in
-
Royal Academy, 8. –Vils, Varnishes, and Mediums,' Prof. A. P.
hypotheses, is not practised at the national that it requires all Dr. Farnell's authority
Society of Arts, 8. -'The Loom and Spludle: Past, Present, and
observatories, that at Harvard College being to prevent us from assuming that there
Tres. Royal Institution, 3. - Optical Determination of Stress, and
some Applications to Engineering Probleins,' Lecture II. ,
the only large observatory where it is fol. must be a common origin. Take, for
British Museum, 4. 80. - Early Christian Architecture,' Mr. B.
lowed systematically, and this amateur example, the Babylonian and the Greek
organization ably fills the want, so far beliefs about the next or lower world :-
Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies, 4. 30.
Institution of Civil Engineers, 8. -Roller and Ball Bearings,' as its resources allow, for Great Britain.
and The Testing of Anti-Friction Bearing Metals,' Prof. J. That its task is worthily done may be “ Both accept as an undoubted fact the
Anthropological Institute The Tribes of the Central judged from the facts that the Royal Society continued existence of the soul after death,
Zoological, 8. 30:- The Classification, Morpbology, and Evolu. made a substantial grant towards the ex- and both imagine this existence as shadowy,
tion of the Echipoidea Holectypoida," Mr. H. L. Hawkins ;
pense of publication of this memoir, and profitless, and gloomy. Both also vaguely
Four Years 1908-11,' Mr. H. 6. Plimmer; and other Papers.
WED. Archeological Institute, 4. 30. - Old Bridges in Eagland and
that the observations of the Association locate the abode of the soul under the earth,
receive full recognition from the leading with a downward entrance somewhere in
- Royal Academy: 8. -"Grounds, and the Methods of Painting. ' astronomers of other countries, as well as the West. In both we find the idea of a
Society of Arts, 8. -'Bome odern Problems of Illumination : of our own. The present volume contains nether river to be crossed, or the waters
the Measureinent and Comparison of Light sources,' Mr. T.
observations of twenty-five long ; period of death ’; of a porter at the gates of hell,
Tatrs. Royal Institution, 3. -'Wellington's Army,' Lecture II. , Prof. variables, including the “wonderful star and of a god or goddess rulers of the lower
Royal, 4. 30. --'On the Devitrification of Silica Glass,' and Omicron Ceti, the first recognized as world. ”
The Volatility of Metals of the Platinum Group. Hir
variable, which is sometimes as bright as
Dalby; The Velocity of the Hecondary Cathode Particles
the Pole star, but fades after a few weeks.
Yet all this likeness is worth nothing as
ejected by the Characteristic Röntgen Kays," Mr. R. Whid.
dington; and other Papers.
DR. E. T. WHITTAKER, who has been evidence, if we find some strong contrasts,
British Archieological Association, 3. - The site of the Globe
appointed Professor of Mathematics in because such similarities are perpetually
Institution of Electrical Engineers, S. -'Tarifa for Electrica! Edinburgh University in succession to the cropping up in all ethnological studies.
with Particular to ,
late Dr. Chrystal, has filled since February, Striking differences weigh far more
Linnean, 8. -'Internodes of Calamites,' Prof. P. Groom : 'On
Psygmophyllum majus, sp. n. , from the Lower Carboniferous 1906, the Chair of Andrews Professor in the
with Dr. Farnell, and we are disposed to
Rocks of Newfoundland, together with a Kevision of the
University of Dublin, which carries with it
Arber: Historic Doubts about Vaunthompsonia," Rev. the Directorship of the Observatory at agree with him, but it were well if we had
T. R, X. Stebbing.
Chemical, 8. 30. - Isomeric Change of Diacylanilides into Dunsink, and the title of Royal Astronomer from him some general discussion on this
Aoylaminoketones : Transformation of Dibenzoylpanchloro-
and parabromo-) aniline into the Isomeric Benzoylchloro-
of Ireland. Dr. Whittaker had an astro. curious subject. We find him much less
and bromo-) amino Benzophenone, Mr A. Angel ; 'The nomical record before 1906, for he held inclined to dogmatize on remote and un-
Chemistry of the Glutaconic Acids. ' Part III. , Nessrs. N.
Bland and J. P. Thorpe; Asymmetric Quinquevalent the Sheepshanks Astronomical Exhibition certain things than the folk-lorists, but
Nitrogen Compounds of Simple Molecular Constitution,'
Messrs. W. J. Pope and J. Read; The Interaction of Pbog- when at Trinity College, Cambridge, and even he is sometimes betrayed into a
nhorus and Potassium Hydroxide solution, Mr. M. N.
Banerjee; and other Papers.
served as Hon. Secretary of the Royal trenchant judgment like the following :-
Astronomical, 5.
koyal Academy, 8. -'The Chernistry of Building Stones and
Astronomical Society for five years, but
Royal Institution, 9. – The Effects of the Thirty Years' War,'
his tastes evidently lie in the direction of " It has often been popularly and lightly
mathematics and physics rather than in maintained that the Hellenic deities were
Royal Institution, 8. -'Molecular Physics,' Lecture III. , Prof.
that of practical astronomy.
subordinate to a power called Fate. This
MEETINGS NEXT WEEK.
Mox. Royal Institution, 5. -General Meeting.
Kailless Traction,' Mr. H. O. Adams.
Shelton.
Institute of British Architects, 8.
Laurie.
Future,' Lecture II. , Mr. L. Looper. (Cautor Lecture. )
Prof. E. G. Coker.
Pletcher
Goodman.
-
Blood-Parasites found in the Zoological Gardens during the
Wales, Mr. A. Vallance.
8.
Prof. A. P. Laurie.
6
Thorne Baker,
0. Oman.
a
W. Crookes; 'An Optical load. Extension indicator, to-
gether with some Dingrams obtained therewith,' Prof. W. H.
W. W. Lackie.
Genus and Remarks on its Athoities,' Mr. E. A. Newell
Fai
Dernents,' Prof. A. P. Laurie.
Dr. A. W. Ward.
SAT.
Sir J. J. Thomson.
## p. 262 (#208) ############################################
262
THE ATHENÆUM
No. 4401, MARCH 2, 1912
some
66
a
is a shallow misjudgment based on the with contempt, if not with profound from the picture than a study for it. The
misinterpretation of some phrases in Homer.
amusement. Nevertheless the compara-
indifference to truth of tone in the painting
We may be certain that the aboriginal
tive method has made
conclu-
of the nuns' coifs detracts much from the
Hellene was incapable of so gloomy an
sions probable, and if the further study
sentiment of the scene.
abstraction,” &c.
of comparative religion be carried on Among the original etchings shown at
Dr. Farnell may be right, but we cannot with the patience, the candour, and the Messrs. Connell & Sons' Gallery are many
go with him so easily. The feeling of a caution that Dr. Farnell displays, this which have the virtues current among con
dreadful Fate hanging over the house of inquiry may, after some time, have a temporary etchers-a tolerable technical
Edipus or of Atreus, which no god could claim to be called a science. If we could capacity, acquaintance with good models,
The
and in a negative sense good taste.
avert, is surely immanent in the great but find a key to the Cretan scripts, it Tate Gallery (11), by Mr.
positive and negative ions in dried hydrogen and The whole evidence points to the truth of the cases, like the trematode pearls in the common
carbon dioxide. The results obtained are com- local tradition that the mound was thrown up mussel, that the cause of the pearl-sac-i. e. , in
pletely parallel to those already obtained in a at the time of the threatened Spanish invasion this case the trematode-remained to form the
previous investigation on air "(R. T. Lattey, in 1588. Within the enclosed area were found “ nucleus” of the pearl and tell the tale of
Proc. Roy. Soc. , vol. lxxxiv. p. 173). The two fragments of walls and quantities of building its origin. The author had found that, as
velocity of positive ions is but little affected by materials, of which the few worked stones are observed by Prof. Herdman, a minority of Ceylon
the presence of moisture in the gas, and is pro- chisel-tooled. Of the smaller finds, the most pearls may have foreign bodies, such as sand-
portional to the force (x), and inversely propor interesting was a small bronze belt' tag of the grains, in their centres.
tional to the pressure (p). The same relation tenth century, ornamented with human figures, Mr. R. Shelford communicated & paper on
approximately holds good for the velocity of apparently unique.
'Mimicry amongst the Blattidæ, with a Revision
negative ions in moist gases. When the gas is
of the Genus Frosoplecta Sauss. ,' in which he
extremely dry, however, the negative ions are
dealt with a number of exceptions to this usually
apparently very easily deprived of their cus- Zoological. - Feb. 20. —Dr. A. Smith Wood-cryptically coloured type of cockroach, and in
tomary envelope. Their velocity, therefore, does ward, V. -P. , in the chair. -Dr. A. T. Masterman
greater detail with the Prosoplecta, nearly all
not increase proportionately to s/p, but at a very gave a demonstration, illustrated by a large number the members of which present a remarkably
much greater rate.
of lantern-slides, of recent investigations on age- close and detailed resemblance to other insects.
Prof. T. H. Laby and Mr. P. W. Burbidge determination in the scales of salmonoids, with
read a paper on 'The Observation by means of special reference to Wye salmon.
A paper entitled ' A Contribution to the Know-
a String Electrometer of Fluctuations in the
ledge of the Spiders and Other Arachnids of
Dr. H. Lyster Jameson read a paper. On the Switzerland' was contributed by the Rev. 0.
Ionization produced by 7-rays. The authors Structure of the Shell and Pearls of the Ceylon Pickard-Cambridge.
claim to have demonstrated that there are fluctua-
It was based on a number
Pearl-Oyster (Margaritifera vulgaris, Schum. ),
tios in the ionization produced by y-rays, and
of specimens collected for the author by various
with an Examination of the Cestode Theory of
have worked out the technique for future experi- Pearl Production. The author began by review- description of one new species.
persons at different times, and contained the
ments, where the absolute amount of the fluctua-
ing the work on the subject of pearl production
tion is very small. Further experiments are carried out in Ceylon by Prof. Herdman and his
necessary before the experiments can be said to
successors. He examined the theory, enunciated
support either a corpuscular or pulse theory of by Prof. Herdman, that most Ceylon “fine
Y-rays.
pearls had for their nuclei the remains of cestode MICROSCOPICAL. -Feb. 21. -Mr. H. G. Plimmer,
Mr. F. B. Pidduck read a paper on “ The Wave- larvæ, and that these larvæ, which are abundant President, in the chair. — Mr. E. J. Spitta,
Problem of Cauchy and Poisson for Finite Depth in the liver and connective tissues of the pearl- with the help of the projection lantern, demon.
and Slightly Compressible Fluid. ' The paper is oyster in Ceylon, were the
” of the most strated the principles which should influence the
in some respects a completion of a former one on valuable pearls. Dr. Jameson maintained that photographer in the preparation of negatives
the propagation of a disturbance in a fluid under the evidence adduced in support of this theory
from which coloured lantern - slides were sub-
gravity. The solution of the two-dimensional by Prof. Herdman and Mr. Hornell was insuffi- sequently to be made.
Cauchy-Poisson problem for finite depth is worked cient, and that the only drawings in Prof. Herd- Mr. Rousselet communicated the Fourth List of
out numerically, the effect of limiting the depth man's 'Report on the Ceylon Pearl-Oyster New Rotifera since 1889' (i. e. , the date when
being very considerable. The fact is brought to Fisheries, published by the Royal Society, that Hudson and Gosse's ‘Monograph of the Rotifera'
light that up to a certain point a limitation of the purported to show the remains of cestodes in the was completed by the issue of the supplement,
depth causes an increase in the elevation at a given centres of pearls, were capable of other interpreta- recording altogether 400 species at that time).
point for a short interval of time after the begin- tion. Moreover, he could not find in any of the
ning of the motion. The wider question presents sections of pearls by Prof. Herdman, numbering
itself as to the sense in which the initial disturb- some twenty-five or more, which the Professor
ance can be said to be confined to a definite por- had kindly allowed him to examine, a single
tion of the fluid. Difficulties connected with the instance of a cestode larva forming the nucleus.
METEOROLOGICAL. -Feb. 21. -Dr. H. N. Dick-
assumption of incompressibility are avoided by This observation was borne out by the results of
son, President, in the chair.
considering a heavy compressible fluid. The the examination of between 300 and 400 pearls Mr. J. Fairgrieve read a paper on 'The Thunder-
application of an extension of Fourier's theorems, from Margaritifera vulgaris, mostly from Ceylon, storms of May 31, 1911. '. He dealt with the
due to Orr, gives the solution of the problem of but also comprising examples from the Persian thunderstorm which visited the London district
such a fluid held with every part in a given state Gulf, the Gulf of Cutch, the Mediterranean, Mada- on the Derby Day, and especially with the move-
of compression and then released, the free surface gascar, New Caledonia, &c. , none of which, on ment of the rain which accompanied the storm.
being maintained at constant pressure. The decalcification, showed cestode or other platy. Having obtained information from nearly 700
known formulæ for incompressible fluid for both helminthian larvæ as nuclei. The centre of such observers as to the time of rainfall or absence
finite and infinite depth follow as limiting expres- a pearl was (where it consisted of material other of rain, he has been able to prepare an interesting
sions, and it is possible to detect the existence of than the nacre or other normal constituents of series of maps for each quarter of an hour from
an advancing wave-front when the compressi- the shell) nearly always composed of an abnormal 12. 30 to 8. 45 P. M. , showing the areas over which
bility is different from zero.
form of shell-substance, analogous to that formed rain was actually falling.
Some papers originally announced for the to repair an injury to the shell, which, owing to Mr. R. G. K. Lempfert read a paper on 'The
meeting of February 15th, which was adjourned its opacity, might easily be mistaken for a foreign Thunderstorms of July 29, 1911. ' This storm was
on account of the death of Lord Lister, were taken body. These repair-substances were sometimes of the line-squall type. The author has been
as read.
associated with granular matter, the origin of able to trace the spread of the phenomenon
which was obscure ; this matter might perhaps across the British Isles, and he showed by a map
be derived from the tissues, or might possibly be of isochronous lines that it first struck the extreme
SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES. -Feb. 22. -Mr. W. of parasitic origin, but Dr. Jameson saw no end of Cornwall about 2 P. M. on July 29th, and
Dale read a paper on “The Implement-bearing reason for regarding it derived from a passed across Shetland at 3 P. M. the next day.
Gravel Beds of the Valley of the Lower Test,' in cestode larva. He considered the presence of He pointed out that the disturbance may be
which he described the gravel pits which occur these cestodes as a disease parallel to, but inde- regarded as the displacement of an easterly by a
near Ramsey and Dunbridge, and showed a large pendent of, margarosis and compared the southerly current, but the process of displace-
quantity of palæolithic implements from them.
case of a pearl-oyster containing both cestodes ment was unusually complicated. The general
Îhese implements are diverse in form and in the and pearls to that of a man suffering simul- sequence of events seems to have been somewhat
condition of their patination. The gravel is usually 'taneously from echinococci and scabies, or of a as follows. A moderate east wind was interrupted
cause
as
## p. 261 (#207) ############################################
No. 4401, MARCH 2, 1912
261
THE ATHENÆUM
6
suddenly by a squall from the south. After the
squall had passed, the wind returned temporarily
to an easterly direction, to be again interrupted
Science Gossip
by another squall from the south. A period of
FINE ARTS
several hours of light and variable wind, during THE problems of genetics are coming
which easterly directions predominated, super-
very rapidly to the front, and seem likely
vened, and finally the wind settled down to a steady
southerly or south-westerly wind of moderate
to receive a great deal of attention in the
force. In many cases the squalls were not accom-
present year. M. Blaringhem, in his in Greece and Babylon : a Comparative
panied by rainfall. What appears to have augural address at the Sorbonne published Sketch of Mesopotamian, Anatolian,
struck observers most forcibly was the way in last Saturday, summed up recent discus-
which huge quantities of dust were whirled up
and Hellenic Religions. By Lewis R.
by the wind. Accounts from Cardiff state that
sions on the subject by declaring that sudden Farnell. (Edinburgh, T. & T. Clark. )
dust was brought from the south side of the
and transmissible changes in pure stocks
Bristol Channel by the squall winds, which did are the way in which the characteristics THESE very interesting and suggestive
much structural damage.
of species and varieties make their appear. lectures are the work of a master who
Mr. S. Skinner read a paper on 'The Drosometer,' ance; and that the cause of these must
an instrument for measuring the amount of dew. be looked for in differences of the chemical has devoted years to the study of ancient
constitution of the protoplasm. We are religions, and published standard books
therefore brought back to chemistry to on the subject. His style is easy and
BRITISH NUMISMATIC. -Feb. 21. -Mr. Carlyon- discover the ultimate cause of the differen- correct, though he does use the word
Laughlin and Messrs. H. J. Farrow, J. H. Searey, tiation of species, which, as M. Blaringhem phenomenal loosely when he speaks
and L. A. Woodward were elected Members. reminded his audience, is what M. Armand
of the keeping of sacred prostitutes about
Mr. H. A. Parsons read a paper on
The Dun- Gautier predicted twenty-three years ago.
a temple as a “phenomenal practice. ”
wich Mint,' in which, after reviewing the history
of the city in Saxon times, when, after attaining “Institute” nowadays; and the foundation
EVERY new science seems to demand an It seems to have been a very real one,
the height of its prosperity in the closing years
"Institute" nowadays; and the foundation and widely spread through Semitic lands.
of Ethelred II. , its decline gradually set in owing at Brussels is announced of one for what is
He rightly distinguishes it from the
to the denudation by the sea, he attributed four magniloquently called Universal Plasmology
coins to the mint, namely, one of each of the and Bio-mechanics. Its committee claims
sacrifice of virginity,
of which Herodotus
last two types of Ethelred II. , and one of each of to be international, and the names upon it tells us among the Babylonians, and he
the first two types of Canute. The author
explained that the coins thus synchronized with
which should be most familiar to readers of is much perplexed concerning its meaning.
its history, for only at that particular period The Athenæum are those of M. Raphael Quite apart from mystical explanations,
would Dunwich be likely to have exercised its Dubois (of Lyons), Dr. Stéphane Leduc (of there is an obvious, but probably too
privilege of a mint.
Nantes), Dr. von Schrön (of Naples), and
Mr. B. Roth exhibited the contents of a remark. Prof. Jacques Loeb (of New York). To
vulgar solution. Such a class was un-
able archæological hoard found at Peterborough
doubtedly a perennial source of income
in 1886. It comprised Roman coins and other judge by the recent work of these distin.
relics, a bronze torque, and three ancient British guished scholars, the Institute will chiefly to the temple. A city like Corinth was
coins.
One of these was a gold stater similar to concern itself with researches into the origin exactly the place where these people would
Evans, Plate B, No. 8, and the other two were of life, as illustrated by the experiments in be most profitable. It is, indeed, among
silver money of the Iceni. . Amongst other exhi. the production of artificial cells by M.
tions were a copper siege-piece issued at Cork in Dubois and Dr. Leduc, in the formation of that in some highly civilized societies
the curious vagaries of the human mind
for the obverse of William Moesop's medal to Dr. crystals by Dr. von Schrön, and in partheno-
sexual asceticism was not in high esteem,
Henry Quin, by Mr. F. W. Yeates. Mr. Henry genesis by Dr. Loeb. It will issue a periodical
Symonds presented a series of numismatic works review, and the Secretary is Prof. Léon
and the opposite was practised as a reli-
to the Society's library.
Guinet of Brussels.
gious rite, while in others the latter was
THE BRITISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION
regarded as the lowest degradation, and
has just published a memoir of original
the repression of all such animal instincts
observations of variable stars made by as the ideal of purity and piety.
Victoria and Albert Museum, 5. - The Later English Renais.
twenty-five of its members in the five years On the other hand, the likenesses
sance : Inigo Jones and his Works, Mr. B. Fletcher,
1905–9 inclusive. This particular branch
Society of Engineers, 7. 30. - The Trolley Vebicle System of
between the religious beliefs and practices
of astronomy, which is likely to prove of
Aristoteliaa, 8. -Å Theory of Material Fallaciet,' Mr. H. S. much value in the study of stellar physics, primitive conditions at least, so great
of widely separate nations are often, in
-
Royal Academy, 8. –Vils, Varnishes, and Mediums,' Prof. A. P.
hypotheses, is not practised at the national that it requires all Dr. Farnell's authority
Society of Arts, 8. -'The Loom and Spludle: Past, Present, and
observatories, that at Harvard College being to prevent us from assuming that there
Tres. Royal Institution, 3. - Optical Determination of Stress, and
some Applications to Engineering Probleins,' Lecture II. ,
the only large observatory where it is fol. must be a common origin. Take, for
British Museum, 4. 80. - Early Christian Architecture,' Mr. B.
lowed systematically, and this amateur example, the Babylonian and the Greek
organization ably fills the want, so far beliefs about the next or lower world :-
Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies, 4. 30.
Institution of Civil Engineers, 8. -Roller and Ball Bearings,' as its resources allow, for Great Britain.
and The Testing of Anti-Friction Bearing Metals,' Prof. J. That its task is worthily done may be “ Both accept as an undoubted fact the
Anthropological Institute The Tribes of the Central judged from the facts that the Royal Society continued existence of the soul after death,
Zoological, 8. 30:- The Classification, Morpbology, and Evolu. made a substantial grant towards the ex- and both imagine this existence as shadowy,
tion of the Echipoidea Holectypoida," Mr. H. L. Hawkins ;
pense of publication of this memoir, and profitless, and gloomy. Both also vaguely
Four Years 1908-11,' Mr. H. 6. Plimmer; and other Papers.
WED. Archeological Institute, 4. 30. - Old Bridges in Eagland and
that the observations of the Association locate the abode of the soul under the earth,
receive full recognition from the leading with a downward entrance somewhere in
- Royal Academy: 8. -"Grounds, and the Methods of Painting. ' astronomers of other countries, as well as the West. In both we find the idea of a
Society of Arts, 8. -'Bome odern Problems of Illumination : of our own. The present volume contains nether river to be crossed, or the waters
the Measureinent and Comparison of Light sources,' Mr. T.
observations of twenty-five long ; period of death ’; of a porter at the gates of hell,
Tatrs. Royal Institution, 3. -'Wellington's Army,' Lecture II. , Prof. variables, including the “wonderful star and of a god or goddess rulers of the lower
Royal, 4. 30. --'On the Devitrification of Silica Glass,' and Omicron Ceti, the first recognized as world. ”
The Volatility of Metals of the Platinum Group. Hir
variable, which is sometimes as bright as
Dalby; The Velocity of the Hecondary Cathode Particles
the Pole star, but fades after a few weeks.
Yet all this likeness is worth nothing as
ejected by the Characteristic Röntgen Kays," Mr. R. Whid.
dington; and other Papers.
DR. E. T. WHITTAKER, who has been evidence, if we find some strong contrasts,
British Archieological Association, 3. - The site of the Globe
appointed Professor of Mathematics in because such similarities are perpetually
Institution of Electrical Engineers, S. -'Tarifa for Electrica! Edinburgh University in succession to the cropping up in all ethnological studies.
with Particular to ,
late Dr. Chrystal, has filled since February, Striking differences weigh far more
Linnean, 8. -'Internodes of Calamites,' Prof. P. Groom : 'On
Psygmophyllum majus, sp. n. , from the Lower Carboniferous 1906, the Chair of Andrews Professor in the
with Dr. Farnell, and we are disposed to
Rocks of Newfoundland, together with a Kevision of the
University of Dublin, which carries with it
Arber: Historic Doubts about Vaunthompsonia," Rev. the Directorship of the Observatory at agree with him, but it were well if we had
T. R, X. Stebbing.
Chemical, 8. 30. - Isomeric Change of Diacylanilides into Dunsink, and the title of Royal Astronomer from him some general discussion on this
Aoylaminoketones : Transformation of Dibenzoylpanchloro-
and parabromo-) aniline into the Isomeric Benzoylchloro-
of Ireland. Dr. Whittaker had an astro. curious subject. We find him much less
and bromo-) amino Benzophenone, Mr A. Angel ; 'The nomical record before 1906, for he held inclined to dogmatize on remote and un-
Chemistry of the Glutaconic Acids. ' Part III. , Nessrs. N.
Bland and J. P. Thorpe; Asymmetric Quinquevalent the Sheepshanks Astronomical Exhibition certain things than the folk-lorists, but
Nitrogen Compounds of Simple Molecular Constitution,'
Messrs. W. J. Pope and J. Read; The Interaction of Pbog- when at Trinity College, Cambridge, and even he is sometimes betrayed into a
nhorus and Potassium Hydroxide solution, Mr. M. N.
Banerjee; and other Papers.
served as Hon. Secretary of the Royal trenchant judgment like the following :-
Astronomical, 5.
koyal Academy, 8. -'The Chernistry of Building Stones and
Astronomical Society for five years, but
Royal Institution, 9. – The Effects of the Thirty Years' War,'
his tastes evidently lie in the direction of " It has often been popularly and lightly
mathematics and physics rather than in maintained that the Hellenic deities were
Royal Institution, 8. -'Molecular Physics,' Lecture III. , Prof.
that of practical astronomy.
subordinate to a power called Fate. This
MEETINGS NEXT WEEK.
Mox. Royal Institution, 5. -General Meeting.
Kailless Traction,' Mr. H. O. Adams.
Shelton.
Institute of British Architects, 8.
Laurie.
Future,' Lecture II. , Mr. L. Looper. (Cautor Lecture. )
Prof. E. G. Coker.
Pletcher
Goodman.
-
Blood-Parasites found in the Zoological Gardens during the
Wales, Mr. A. Vallance.
8.
Prof. A. P. Laurie.
6
Thorne Baker,
0. Oman.
a
W. Crookes; 'An Optical load. Extension indicator, to-
gether with some Dingrams obtained therewith,' Prof. W. H.
W. W. Lackie.
Genus and Remarks on its Athoities,' Mr. E. A. Newell
Fai
Dernents,' Prof. A. P. Laurie.
Dr. A. W. Ward.
SAT.
Sir J. J. Thomson.
## p. 262 (#208) ############################################
262
THE ATHENÆUM
No. 4401, MARCH 2, 1912
some
66
a
is a shallow misjudgment based on the with contempt, if not with profound from the picture than a study for it. The
misinterpretation of some phrases in Homer.
amusement. Nevertheless the compara-
indifference to truth of tone in the painting
We may be certain that the aboriginal
tive method has made
conclu-
of the nuns' coifs detracts much from the
Hellene was incapable of so gloomy an
sions probable, and if the further study
sentiment of the scene.
abstraction,” &c.
of comparative religion be carried on Among the original etchings shown at
Dr. Farnell may be right, but we cannot with the patience, the candour, and the Messrs. Connell & Sons' Gallery are many
go with him so easily. The feeling of a caution that Dr. Farnell displays, this which have the virtues current among con
dreadful Fate hanging over the house of inquiry may, after some time, have a temporary etchers-a tolerable technical
Edipus or of Atreus, which no god could claim to be called a science. If we could capacity, acquaintance with good models,
The
and in a negative sense good taste.
avert, is surely immanent in the great but find a key to the Cretan scripts, it Tate Gallery (11), by Mr.
