in this memoir and called by Hæckel alleogenesis, has been ever since a stumbling block to all theories of genetic relationship among Medusæ. Two short papers recently published, the one by Schulze (Nat. Wiss. Ver. f. Steiermark, 1875, p. 125), and the other by Uljauin (Archiv f. Naturg., 1875, p. 333), have, however, proved conclusively that Hæckel's theory, like many other of his vagaries, had no foundation of truth. It was based not merely on an incorrect interpretation of facts, but the facts themselves existed only in his imagination. As, perhaps, with the exception of his monograph of the Radiolaria, no other memoir has contributed more than the one above quoted to give Hæckel the position he holds among zoologists, we may be allowed to remind the Hæckelian school of naturalists that this same genetic connection has furnished the text for many a sermon from their high priest. Infallible himself, he has been unsparing in his condemnation of the ignorance and shallowness of his opponents. Proved now to be in the wrong, we expect therefore justice without mercy from this stern scientific critic, and look forward in the next number of the Jenaische Zeitschrift for a thorough castigation of Hæckel by Hæckel, showing up the absurdity of allogenesis and all that hangs thereby. ALEXANDER AGASSIZ. 6. Animal Parasites and Messmates; by P. J. VAN BENEDEN. 274 pp. 12mo, with 83 illustrations. 1876. New York. (D. Appleton & Co.) The International Scientific Series.-The author of this work is an able Belgian zoologist, well versed in the subject of which he writes. The subject is treated in a popular style, and cannot fail to interest. The facts presented are some of the strangest that have been brought to light by recent investigations, and not the least marvelous are those relating to man's parasites. 7. The Journal of Anatomy and Physiology, conducted by G. M. HUMPHREY, M.D., F.R.S., Prof. Anat. Cambridge, Wm. Turner, M.B., Prof. Anat. Edinburgh, M. Foster, M.D., F.R.S., Prælector Physiol., Cambridge, and Wm. Rutherford, M.D., Prof. Inst. Med. Edinburgh. January, 1876, vol. x; part II, pp. 223– 458, with 8 plates. Cambridge and London. (MacMillan & Co.)— The tenth volume of this able scientific quarterly commenced in October. The January number, recently issued, contains the following papers: On the anatomy of the lens, by Dr. Thin and J. C. Ewart (pl. ix); anatomy of the Lineida (Nemerteans), by Dr. McIntosh (pl. x-xiii); experiments on the biliary secretion of the dog, by Dr. Rutherford and M. Vignal; the transformations of the pulse-wave in the different arteries, by Dr. Galabin (pl. xiv); on the broncho-œsophageal and pleuro-oesophageal muscles, by Dr. Cunningham; the summation of electrical stimuli applied to the skin, by Dr. Stirling; development of Elasmobranch fishes, by F. M. Balfour (pl. xv, xvi); craniofacial apparatus of Pteromyzon, by Prof. Huxley (pl. xvii, xvii); secondary arches of the foot, AM. JOUR. SCI.-THIRD SERIES, VOL. XI, No. 65.—May, 1876. by S. M. Bradley; note on the placental area in the cat's uterus after delivery, by Prof. Turner; notices of books; report on the progress of anatomy, by Prof. Turner and D. J. Cunningham, M.B. 8. Bulletin No. 2, of the U. S. Geological Survey of the Territories, contains two papers by R. Ridgway, entitled Studies of the American Falconidae, and Ornithology of Guadeloupe Island, illustrated by two plates. III. ASTRONOMY. 1. Observations of the planet Jupiter.-The Royal Astronomical Society of London have appointed a committee whose object shall be to endeavor to enlist observers in making drawings of the appearance of the planet Jupiter, and to obtain as extensive a series as possible of such drawings. The committee has issued a circular, and prepared, for the sake of uniformity and convenience, blank forms upon which the drawings can be made. Drawings and communications should be sent to the "Secretary of the Jupiter Committee," Royal Astronomical Society, Burlington House, London, W. 2. Repertory of works in Pure and Mixed Mathematics.-Doctors KOENIGSBERGER and ZEUNER of Dresden, propose to collect, as far as possible, and publish "longer or shorter detailed reports written by the authors themselves upon their own books and treatises" in the mathematics. The reports will comprise articles on the entire field of mathematical research: Pure mathematics, and all the collateral branches of the mixed science, such as: astronomy and geodesy, mathematical physics, analytical and technical mathematics, all mathematical branches of engineering, mathematical statistics, etc.; besides which the editors intend to have the reports printed in the language in which they are sent to them by the author, taking it for granted that such reports in German, English, French, or Italian will be intelligible to scientific men of all countries. 99 They propose to begin with reports on all books and memoirs which have appeared since Jan. 1st, 1875. The "Repertory will at first be issued in numbers, at irregular intervals. IV. MISCELLANEOUS SCIENTIFIC INTELLIGENCE. 1. The American Cyclopædia. Vol. xv. SHO-TRO. D. Appleton & Co., New York. 1876.-The first volume of this edition of Appleton appeared in July, 1873. One volume more will complete the work, making in the aggregate nearly 15,000 pages of text. Among the articles in the fifteenth volume interesting to scientific readers we note particularly steel, by Dr. Droun; silver, by Dr. Raymond; sound, spectrum and stereoscope, by Professor Mayer; sun, by Professor Langley; tides, by Mr. Hilgard; snow, storms and trade-winds, by Cleveland Abbe; telegraph, by Professor Lovering; steam, steam-boiler, carriage, engine and navi gation, and strength of materials, by Professor Thurston. Numerous astronomical articles are furnished by R. A. Proctor, of London: e. g. spectrum analysis, sun (in part), &c. The medical and physiological articles are mainly by Dr. J. C. Dalton, while other well-known names add authority to the contents of this volume. We have in former notices called attention to the large amount of special work performed for this edition of Appleton's Cyclopedia by men of acknowledged ability and original research in the departments of which they treat. The foregoing list is in evidence that this character is fully maintained. The maps and wood-cuts are numerous and excellent in quality. B. S. 2. Annual Report of the Light-House Board to the Secretary of the Treasury for the year 1875. 136 pp. 8vo. Washington, 1875.-The executive members of the Light-House Board are Professor Henry, Commander J. G. Walker, U. S. N., Naval Secretary, and Major P. C. Hains, Engineer Secretary. The report for 1875 contains "an Account of the investigations of the LightHouse Board relative to illuminating materials, by the Chairman of the Committee on Experiments." Lard-oil had been in former experiments found to be the best illuminating oil; and this conclusion is sustained as regards the large lamps by new comparisons of lard oil with the best mineral oil, though not as regards the smaller. On account of the increased expense of lard oil, the mineral oil will hereafter be introduced. There is also another of Professor Henry's valuable. papers containing the "Investigations of the Board relative to sound in its applications to fog-signals," made under his direction in 1875. 3. Meter-Diagram.-Messrs. A. & T. W. STANLEY, of New Britain, Conn., well known as makers of accurate measures of length, levels, etc., have lately prepared a neat meter-diagram, printed on heavy paper faced with linen, with the scales and tables on both sides, and 44 inches wide. It gives in a complete manner the entire metric system, with the relations of feet and inches to the meter and its subdivisions, and in the appended tables the equivalents in denominations in use, with rules for conversion. Professor Newton says of it: "I know of no easier way by which anyone desirous of learning the system can do it, than by studying this scale, and keeping it in a place where he will frequently see it." It is put up in a paper case, and sold at the moderate price of three dollars per dozen, for use in schools, etc. Handbook of Architectural Styles. Translated from the German of A. Rosengarten by W. Collett Sandars. 502 pp. 8vo, with 639 illustrations. 1876. New York. (D. Appleton & Co.)-An excellent, and profusely illustrated work. A Short History of Natural Science and of the Progress of Discovery from the time of the Greeks to the Present Day, for the use of Schools and Young Persons; by Arabella B. Buckley. 488 pp. 12mo, with illustrations. 1876. New York. (D. Appleton & Co.)-An instructive work. Physics of the Ether. By S. Tolver Preston. London. (E. and F. N. Spon.) 1875. 8vo, pp. 136. Geological Survey of Pennsylvania. Report of Progress in the Clearfield and Jefferson District of the Bituminous Coal-field, by F. Platt, 296 pp. 8vo, with maps and sections. OBITUARY. A. R. MARVINE.-Mr. Archibald R. Marvine, the geologist, died in Washington, March 2d, 1876. He was born at Auburn, N. Y., Sept. 26, 1848, and while a youth attended the military school at Sing Sing, and subsequently the School of Technology at Philadelphia. He then entered the Hooper Mining School of Harvard University, from which he graduated in 1870, when he was appointed instructor in the same school, a position which he held until July, 1871. He was one of the students who went with Professor Whitney, to make practical studies in geology and geography in the Park Mountains of Colorado, in 1869. In the summer of 1870, Mr. Marvine was appointed assistantgeologist to attend the celebrated Santo Domingo Expedition, and on his return he prepared a brief report on the geology of the island, which was published, with the other reports relating to Santo Domingo affairs, by order of Congress. In July, 1871, he received the appointment of astronomer to the Wheeler Expedition, in which capacity he served several months, while that work was in progress, and then continued as a member of the Expedition in the capacity of geologist. His report on the geology of a district of country through which he passed, embraced in southern Nevada, northwestern Arizona, and southern California, has lately been published by authority of Congress. His next geological work was in the Keweenaw copper region on the shore of Lake Superior, under the direction of Professor Pumpelly, and his report was published by authority of the legislature of Michigan. In March, 1873, he was given a position as geologist in the corps of the U. S. Geological and Geographical Survey of the Territories under Dr. Hayden. In this capacity he made a careful survey of a region embracing Middle Park and extending eastward across the Front Range to the foot hills. His published report on this work gives evidence of thorough preparation, great labor and much skill, in the collection of material, and ability in its use. After preparing his report on the Middle Park district, he returned to Colorado Territory for the purpose of extending his investigations into a region of country west of Middle Park on the headwaters of the Grand, White, and Yampa rivers, and entered into his labors with great vigor and enthusiasm. But a long summer of toil and privation in that wilderness of cañons, crags, and peaks, undermined his health, and shortly after his return, early in the winter of 1874-5, he was prostrated with an attack of rheumatic meningitis from which, after many weeks of suffering, he partially recovered, but was not again able to resume his work, and early in December last he relapsed into a condition that was soon found to be hopeless. Mr. Marvine leaves behind a large circle of friends, among the working scientists of the country, who had learned to expect great and valuable results from his researches. G. K. G. APPENDIX. ART. LIII.-On some Characters of the genus Coryphodon Owen; by O. C. MARSH. THE lower Eocene deposits of England and France have yielded a few remains of an interesting genus of ungulate mammals to which Owen, in 1846, gave the name Coryphodon.* Hébert subsequently published a memoir on the subject, in which he figured and described the more important specimens found in France.† Although comparatively little is yet known in Europe of the structure or near affinities of these animals, the portions preserved are characteristic, and the genus is well marked. The geological horizon, also, is fully determined, viz: the London clay of England, and, in France, the base of the Argile plastique. While in Wyoming with the Yale College exploring party in 1871, the writer had his attention called to a deposit at the base of the Eocene containing mammalian remains, and subsequently obtained a number of the fossils, mainly through the kindness of Wm. Cleburne, Esq., who sent other specimens to the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. Some of the latter fossils were described by Prof. Cope as Bathmodon radians and B. semicinctus; and in the same paper another generic name, Loxolophodon, was proposed for the same lower molar named as the second species. Since this time, other similar remains have been found in Utah and New Mexico, and their principal characters can now be determined. An examination of an interesting series of these fossils now in the Yale Museum, including some portions of the same individuals described by Prof. Cope, clearly shows that they all belong to the genus Coryphodon of Owen. This is especially important, as the geological horizon of the remains is essentially the same in both countries, and the American specimens promise to clear up many doubtful points in regard to the animals themselves. One of the specimens in the Yale collection is a nearly perfect skull, representing an undescribed species * British Fossil Mammals and Birds, p. 299. Annales des Sciences Naturelles, tome vi, p. 87, Plates III and IV, 1856. |