University and Educational Intelligence. CAMBRIDGE.-Honorary degrees are to be conferred on the Prince of Wales, Marshal Foch, Admiral Sims, and Lord Plumer on May 31. The Crown Prince of Japan received an honorary degree on Wednesday, May 18.

The voting on the alternative schemes (1) admitting women to membership of the University with limited 'rights or (2) granting them merely titular degrees-is to take place on June 16.

A lecturer is to be appointed in physics as applied to medical radiology.

The first Ph.D. degree has been approved, Mr. C. G. L. Wolf, of Christ's College, being the first successful candidate.

The examination in anatomy in the Natural Sciences Tripos is to be on a wide scale to cover the general morphology of vertebrates, a general knowledge of vertebrate (including human) embryology, and special knowledge of the morphological side of human anatomy.

a

EDINBURGH.--The following lecturers have been appointed as readers in the Faculty of Science: Dr. H. S. Allen in physics, Dr. R. Campbell in petrology, and Dr. L. Dobbin in chemistry.

Dr. Beard, lecturer in comparative embryology, has resigned for reasons of health, and Dr. Balsillie, on being transferred to the Royal Scottish Museum, has resigned his lectureship in chemistry.

It has been resolved to re-institute the special tutorial course in German for students of science.

It was reported that the new Ordinance for Degrees in Pure Science (Ordinary and Honours) had been approved by his Majesty in Council, and had now come into force.

LONDON.-A lecture will be given at King's College on Thursday, June 9, at 5.15 p.m.. by Prof. Einstein on "The Development and Present Position of the Theory of Relativity." The chair will be taken by Viscount Haldane. A charge of 2s. 6d. will be made for admission, and the proceeds will be given to the Imperial War Relief Fund. The lecture will be delivered in German. Tickets can be obtained on application to the lecture secretary at the college.

66

to

The following advanced lectures addressed students of the University and to others interested in the subjects have been arranged. Admission is free, without ticket :-A course of four lectures on "Recent Developments in Legislation for the Prevention of Disease, by Dr. Charles Porter, at University College at 5.30 p.m. on May 30 and June 3, 6, and 10. A course of four lectures on Some Actions of Foodstuffs in the Production and Treatment of Disease," by Prof. E. Mellanby, at the Royal College of Surgeons, Lincoln's Inn Fields, W.C.2, at 5 p.m. on June 6, 7, 13, and 14. A course of three lectures on "Recent Advances in Experimental Embryology,' by Prof. E. W. McBride, at the Imperial College, Royal College of Science, Exhibition Road, S.W.7, at 5 p.m. on June 7, 8, and Q. A lecture on Permeability in Physiology and Pathology, by Prof. H. J. Hamburger, at the rooms of the Royal Society of Medicine, 1 Wimpole Street, W.1, at 5 p.m. on June 8 (this lecture is the last of a series of six arranged under the scheme for the exchange of lecturers in medicine between England and Holland). A course of four lectures on "The Therapeutic Use of Digitalis," by Prof. F. R. Fraser, in the surgical lecture theatre, St. Bartholomew's Hospital Medical School, West Smithfield, E.C.1, at 5 p.m. on June 13, 15, 17, and 20.

MR. H. J. DAVIS has been appointed to a lectureship in mathematics in the Bradford Technical College. He is at present senior lecturer in mathematics in the University College, Southampton, and has specialised on the theory of statistics.

THE Secretary of State for India in Council has made the following appointments to the Indian Educational Service :-To be professor of physics in Presidency College, Madras, Dr. Shankar Rao Ullal Savoor; to be professor of biology in the University of Rangoon, Dr. J. Brontë Gatenby.

PROF. E. G. COKER, professor of civil and mechanical engineering, University College, London, has accepted invitations from the Universities of Ghent and Louvain to lecture there next week on "Recent Researches in Photo-Elasticity," and also one from the Société Belge des Ingénieurs et des Industriels to lecture in Brussels on "The Applications of PhotoElasticity to Engineering."

THE Anglo-Swedish Society (10 Staple Inn, W.C.1) has awarded two scholarships of 50l. each to be spent on travelling in Sweden: one to Miss Dorothy Cridland, to enable her to study the industrial economy of the country; the other to Mr. G. R. Carline, to aid his study of the open-air and folk museums of Sweden and their influence on national life. Similar scholarships will be awarded in the spring of each year.

the

THE Ramsay Memorial Trustees will at the end of June consider applications for two Ramsay Memorial fellowships for chemical research. One of fellowships will be limited to candidates educated in Glasgow. The value of the fellowships will be 250l. per annum, to which may be added a grant for expenses not exceeding 50l. per annum. Full particulars

as to the conditions of the award are obtainable from Dr. Walter W. Seton, secretary, Ramsay Memorial Fellowships Trust, University College, London, W.C.1.

THE Science Masters' Association, in response to an invitation to co-operate with the staff of the Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden, has issued to its members, representing upwards of three hundred schools, a circular outlining the types of research work in which it is believed that school science and natural history clubs can best give the assistance solicited by the Rothamsted experts. The lines suggested are:-(1) The weed-flora of arable land, its relation to the type of soil, to the geological formation, to the system of manuring, to the crop rotation, and so on; (2) the physical properties (texture, porespace, water-content, etc.) of the soil; and (3) the carbonate-content and the nitrogen-content of the soil. These have the merit of presenting a certain degree of finality that is within the reach of a boy in the course of one or two school terms. The weed-flora problems should appeal to the field club, while the other two should be attractive to boys whose bent is chemical and physical rather than biological. It is a step entirely in the right direction thus to link up the work of those still in statu pupillari with that of experts seriously engaged in research. The moment is very opportune for bringing home to the minds of bovs that their amateur efforts in research may speedily be of real benefit to mankind and add to the sum of knowledge relating to the complex problems of plant-life. The work is of high educational value, and also of very practical utility; it deserves warm encouragement for both educational and utilitarian reasons. It is not beyond hope that industries other than agriculture may ere long enlist the services of schools in their several research problems.

Calendar of Scientific Pioneers.

May 27, 1914. Sir Joseph Wilson Swan died.-A partner in a firm of chemical manufacturers at Newcastle, Swan became famous by his invention of the carbon process in photography and by his pioneering work on the incandescent electric lamp. His first carbon filament lamp was shown at Newcastle in 1879. He received many honours, and in 1898-99 was president of the Institution of Electrical Engineers. May 28, 1893. Charles Pritchard died.-Graduating as a Wrangler in 1830, Pritchard from 1834 to 1862 was headmaster of a successful grammar school at Clapham. In 1870, at the age of sixty-three, he became Savilian professor of astronomy at Oxford. He was a pioneer in the photographic measurement of stellar parallax, invented the wedge photometer, and in 1885 published his "Uranometria Nova Oxoniensis.

May 28, 1906. Rudolf Knietsch died. A native of Silesia, Knietsch in 1884 became a director of the Badische Anilin- & Soda-Fabrik at Mannheim, where he played an important part in the manufacture of artificial indigo and in that of sulphuric acid by the contact process.

May 29, 1829. Sir Humphry Davy died.-Already famous for his discovery of nitrous oxide, in 1801 at the age of twenty-three, and at a salary of 100l. a year, Davy became the first professor of chemistry at the Royal Institution. His great discoveries of sodium and potassium were made there in 1807. In 1815 he invented his miners' safety-lamp. Knighted in 1818, he was president of the Royal Society from 1820 to 1827. His death occurred at Geneva.

May 29, 1896. Gabriel Auguste Daubrée died.Trained in Paris as a mining engineer, Daubrée became professor of geology in the Musée d'Histoire Naturelle and Director of the School of Mines. He carried out an important series of experimental researches in geology.

May 29, 1897. Julius von Sachs died.-Professor of botany at Würzburg from 1868, Sachs contributed to all branches of botany, and especially to plant physiology. His well-known text-book was published in 1865 and his "History of Botany ten years later. May 29, 1898. Sir Lyon Playfair, first Baron Playfair of St. Andrews, died.-Chemist to the Geological Survey and the School of Mines, Playfair from 1856 to 1869 was professor of chemistry at Edinburgh. He entered Parliament, held public office, and did much to further the study and application of science. He was knighted in 1883 and raised to the peerage in 1892.

May 31, 1867. Théophile Jules Pelouze died.—Joint author with Frémy of an important treatise on chemistry, Pelouze made researches in organic chemistry, lectured at the Collège de France and the Ecole Polytechnique, and became President of the Mint.

June 1, 1812. Richard Kirwan died. Of independent means and possessing many accomplishments, Kirwan was the correspondent of many scientific men, and in 1799 became president of the Royal Irish Academy. His "Elements of Mineralogy" (1784) was the first systematic treatise on that subject in English, and his essay on Phlogiston (1787) was one of the last attempts to defend Stahl's theories. Kirwan acknowledged his conversion to Lavoisier's views four years later.

June 1, 1903. J. Peter Lesley died.-Born at Philadelphia and educated for the ministry, Lesley assisted in geological work and ultimately became professor of geology in the University of Pennsylvania, and from 1874 to 1893 directed the Geological Survey of that State.

E. C. S.

Societies and Academies.

LONDON.

Royal Society, May 12.-Prof. C. S. Sherrington, president, in the chair.-G. W. Walker: The problem of finite focal depth revealed by seismometers. Observations of the emergence angle of P waves at Pulkovo suggest that the depth of focus is of order one-fifth of the earth's radius. Important modifications are necessary in the interpretation of seismograms and in the attempt to determine how speed of propagation depends on depth. A test of the accuracy of the Pulkovo values can be made by a scrutiny of seismograms for distances > 11,000 kilometres. Corresponding measures of the angle of emergence of S waves by means of three component seismometers are required.-E. A. Griffiths A liquid oxygen vaporiser. The liquid oxygen is contained in a metal vacuum vessel. The emission of gas is governed by bringing a flexible portion of the outer wall into contact with the inner; the degree of contact determines the rate of transmission of heat. Any desired rate of gas evolution can be obtained up to 10 litres per minute, and the delivery remains constant.Dorothy M. Palmer and W. G. Palmer: Some experiments on the catalytic reduction of ethylene to ethane. The hydrogenation of ethylene in the presence of nickel has been quantitatively examined. The mixture of ethylene and hydrogen was brought into contact with nickel in motion in an electrically heated tube. The rate of hydrogenation was measured by the rate at which a mixture of ethylene and hydrogen in equal proportions by volume had to be passed into the tube to maintain the gas therein at constant pressure. The effects of varying conditions were studied. The curves showing rate of reaction against time display "induction" periods during which no hydrogenation took place, varying in duration from a few seconds to many hours, according to the conditions of the experiment. Then the rate of reaction increases rapidly to a sharp maximum, and decreases less rapidly to a lower value, which decreases slowly. A theory is advanced to account for these effects.-W. G. Palmer: The catalytic activity of copper. Part ii. The activity of copper when prepared from oxide by reduction with carbon monoxide and methyl alcohol vapour is discussed. Constant-boiling mixtures of several alcohols with water were used as reactants. Water acts as a positive, and hydrogen as a negative, auxiliary catalyst when adsorbed on the copper. The activity-temperature curves for a catalyst prepared by carbon monoxide obey a simple exponential law. Between 270° and 280° C. the activity curves generally undergo a sudden change of direction corresponding to a great reduction of the temperature coefficient. This is attributed to the diminution in the thickness of the adsorbed alcohol laver to at most two molecular diameters. The activity of the catalyst does not increase continuously, as the temperature of its preparation from oxide is lowered.-Prof. C. F. Jenkin and D. N. Shorthose : The total heat of liquid carbonic acid. The total heat of carbonic acid between temperatures of +10° C. and +100° C. and between pressures of 900 lb. and 1800 lb. per square inch was measured. The values hitherto accepted, based on the assumption that the specific heat at constant volume does not change over this range, require slight correction. Dr. A. O. Rankine The viscosity and molecular dimensions of gaseous cyanogen. The viscosity of gaseous cyanogen has been measured at 15° C. and 100° C., the values obtained being, respectively, 0.985 × 10-4 and 1.264 × 10- C.G.S. units. Assuming Sutherland's law of temperature variation, the data have been used

area

to calculate Sutherland's constant (C. =280) and the viscosity at o° C. (n.−0·935 × 10- C.G.S. units). The mean collision of the molecule of cyanogen deduced, 1.31 x 10-15 cm., proves to be practically the same as that of a bromine molecule, 128 x 10-15 cm. This is consistent with the evidence from crystal examination, for the molecular volumes of KBr and KCN are nearly equal. If X-ray crystal examination should prove that KCN and KBr are strictly isomorphous, the results here obtained are consistent with the Lewis-Langmuir view that the cyanogen molecule has a size and shape nearly the same as those of two nitrogen molecules linked together by sharing one pair of outer electrons.

Linnean Society, May 5.-Dr. A. Smith Woodward, president, in the chair.-Prof. A. Dendy: Hexactinellid sponges. The origin on certain elongated siliceous spicules of discs at regular intervals corresponds almost exactly with the nodal points of a vibrating body as determined by Prof. J. W. Nicholson.-Six papers dealing with various groups of insects collected by the Percy Sladen Trust Expedition :-C. G. Lamb: Diptera (iii.). A report chiefly on the Dolichopodidæ, a large family of small- or middlesized flies, usually of beautiful metallic green or golden colours. The general affinities of the Seychelles forms are discussed. Most of them belong to a subfamily largely represented in the tropics, the Chrysosomatinæ or Psilopinæ; some of these flies, with dazzlingly brilliant golden-green bodies, settle in bright sunlight on broad leaves; another group of smaller and much duller-coloured species is almost entirely confined to the damp, shady mountain forests. A new genus, characterised by the males having at the base of the abdomen a pair of remarkable hollow spherical bulbs, with a round opening at the top through which can be seen a rod rising from the bottom of the bulb, is described. The bases of the wings are also highly modified. The Asilidæ and the Syrphidæ are also discussed.-H. Gebien: The Tenebrionidæ. A large family, mostly of large- or middle-sized beetles. The known Tenebrionid fauna of the island is increased from twelve to forty-one species of these twenty-one are probably endemic, and eleven belong to endemic genera. The endemic genera are isolated and specialised forms. The idea previously advanced by Kolbe, that certain of these peculiar forms indicate relationships between the fauna of the Seychelles and those of New Zealand and South America, is not upheld, for the endemic species which do not belong to endemic genera present Oriental affinities. There is a much less pronounced Madagascan element, while the African element is represented only by a single widespread form. Mr. Schenkling: The Clerida.

A strong affinity exists

with the fauna of Madagascar, four out of the six Seychelles species being new and having strongly Madagascan affinities, while the two remaining species are cosmopolitan. One of the new Seychelles forms has a superficial resemblance to an Anthribid beetle from the same islands. Both belong to new genera, Cleranthribus and Anthriboclerus. There are no data to show relationship between them.-Dr. M. Bernhauer: The Staphylinid beetles. The known Staphylinid fauna of the Seychelles is increased from twenty-eight to eighty-one species. The report also includes one species from the Chagos Islands and two from Aldabra. The conclusions of earlier writers were that the affinities of the Seychelles Staphylinida were, on the whole, Oriental, but that a smaller Madagascan element and a very small African element were included. These conclusions are in the main upheld, but generalisations must be accepted with

reserve, for the smaller forms are still practically unknown in surrounding continents, and it is not known which species have reached the islands by natural means and which through human agency. A summary of observations on habits is given.—Dr. H. Scott Clavicorn and other beetles. A great deal of fine work on the external anatomy was done in describing these forms. Numerous interesting points in the structure of tarsi, antennæ, mouth-parts, etc., and some remarkable secondary sexual characters, came to light. The geographical distribution is shown by a tabulated comparison of the numbers of representatives of these families in the Seychelles with the faunas of the Hawaian and of the Atlantic islands. The Seychelles have a great number of families and genera, usually represented by a few clearly separable species. The Hawaian islands have several families altogether wanting, while in other groups they possess great "endemic complexes."-Florence E. Jarvis : The Hydroids of the western Indian Ocean. An account of the collections obtained during the voyage of H.M.S. Sealark at varying depths to 130 fathoms and of some shallow coastal collections made by Mr. C. Crossland off East Africa. There are eleven Gymnoblastea and seventy-four Calyptoblastea. The number of new species is relatively small, the influence of depth and currents being emphasised as having a marked effect on the habit of colonies. All the larger families are represented, the group being practically cosmopolitan; there are no new genera, but the species comprise a number of new Plumularians. Dr. C. I. van der Horst Madreporaria, Agariciidæ. Twenty-nine species are recorded belonging to the genera Agaricia, Pavona, Podabacia, Leptoseris, Siderastrea, Coscinaræa, Psammocora, and Pachyseris. The type-specimens of previous authors have generally been consulted. Three species are described as new. The examination of the collection has resulted in many species, previously described as different, being shown to be connected by transitional forms.-E. R. Speyer: Insects in relation to the reproduction of coniferous trees. The destruction of the cones of Pseudotsuga Douglasii, Carr., Pinus bonderosa, Dougl., and P. echinata, Mill., by various insects was discussed.

Zoological Society, May 10.-Dr. A. Smith Woodward, vice-president, in the chair.-R. I. Pocock : The auditory bulla and other cranial characters in the Mustelidæ (martens, badgers, etc.).-G. S. Thapar The venous system of the lizard, Varanus bengalensis, Daud.

:

Royal Meteorological Society, Mav 18.-Mr. R. H. Hooker, president, in E. the chair.-J. Clark and H. B. Adames: Report on the phenology of the British Isles, December, 1919, to November, 1920. The abnormal mildness and wetness up to mid-April ruined fruit-tree crops through too early blooming. Field crops suffered through drought in May and June and the cold sunlessness of July and August, with excessive wet in the former month. After June, in England, the accumulated temperature above 42° (that at which wheat will grow) fell more and more behind the mean until October, which, by its warmth, sunshine, and dryness, gave a wonderful seeding time in earlier districts and helped to save crops in the later. In 1920 the four spring flowers were, in England and Wales, 13 days early (February_27); 10 days (March 3) for the whole of the British Isles. The latter date for 1919 was March 15. The succeeding flowers became less and less early, until the two of July were just average. From 1921 on observers are asked to include the Devil's-bit scabious in order to

Calendar of Scientific Pioneers.

May 27, 1914. Sir Joseph Wilson Swan died.-A partner in a firm of chemical manufacturers at Newcastle, Swan became famous by his invention of the carbon process in photography and by his pioneering work on the incandescent electric lamp. His first carbon filament lamp was shown at Newcastle in 1879. He received many honours, and in 1898-99 was president of the Institution of Electrical Engineers. May 28, 1893. Charles Pritchard died.-Graduating as a Wrangler in 1830, Pritchard from 1834 to 1862 was headmaster of a successful grammar school at Clapham. In 1870, at the age of sixty-three, he became Savilian professor of astronomy at Oxford. He was a pioneer in the photographic measurement of stellar parallax, invented the wedge photometer, and in 1885 published his "Uranometria Nova Oxoniensis."

May 28, 1906. Rudolf Knietsch died.-A native of Silesia, Knietsch in 1884 became a director of the Badische Anilin- & Soda-Fabrik at Mannheim, where he played an important part in the manufacture of artificial indigo and in that of sulphuric acid by the contact process.

May 29, 1829. Sir Humphry Davy died. Already famous for his discovery of nitrous oxide, in 1801 at the age of twenty-three, and at a salary of 100l. a year, Davy became the first professor of chemistry at the Royal Institution. His great discoveries of sodium and potassium were made there in 1807. In 1815 he invented his miners' safety-lamp. Knighted in 1818, he was president of the Royal Society from 1820 to 1827. His death occurred at Geneva.

May 29, 1896. Gabriel Auguste Daubrée died.Trained in Paris as a mining engineer, Daubrée became professor of geology in the Musée d'Histoire Naturelle and Director of the School of Mines. carried out an important series of experimental researches in geology.

He

May 29, 1897. Julius von Sachs died.-Professor of botany at Würzburg from 1868, Sachs contributed to all branches of botany, and especially to plant physiology. His well-known text-book was published in 1865 and his "History of Botany ten years later. May 29, 1898. Sir Lyon Playfair, first Baron Playfair of St. Andrews, died.-Chemist to the Geological Survey and the School of Mines, Playfair from 1856 to 1869 was professor of chemistry at Edinburgh. He entered Parliament, held public office, and did much to further the study and application of science. He was knighted in 1883 and raised to the peerage in 1892.

on

May 31, 1867. Théophile Jules Pelouze died.-Joint author with Frémy of an important treatise chemistry, Pelouze made researches in organic chemistry, lectured at the Collège de France and the Ecole Polytechnique, and became President of the Mint.

June 1, 1812. Richard Kirwan died. Of independent means and possessing many accomplishments, Kirwan was the correspondent of many scientific men, and in 1799 became president of the Royal Irish Academy. His "Elements of Mineralogy" (1784) was the first systematic treatise on that subject in English, and his essay on Phlogiston (1787) was one of the last attempts to defend Stahl's theories. Kirwan acknowledged his conversion to Lavoisier's views four years later.

June 1, 1903. J. Peter Lesley died.-Born at Philadelphia and educated for the ministry, Lesley assisted in geological work and ultimately became professor of geology in the University of Pennsylvania, and from 1874 to 1893 directed the Geological Survey of that State.

E. C. S.

Societies and Academies.

LONDON.

Royal Society, May 12.-Prof. C. S. Sherrington, president, in the chair.-G. W. Walker: The problem of finite focal depth revealed by seismometers. Observations of the emergence angle of P waves at Pulkovo suggest that the depth of focus is of order one-fifth of the earth's radius. Important modifications are necessary in the interpretation of seismograms and in the attempt to determine how speed of propagation depends on depth. A test of the accuracy of the Pulkovo values can be made by a scrutiny of seismograms for distances > I1,000 kilometres. Corresponding measures of the angle of emergence of S waves by means of three component seismometers are required.-E. A. Griffiths : A liquid oxygen vaporiser. The liquid oxygen is contained in a metal vacuum vessel. The emission of gas is governed by bringing a flexible portion of the outer wall into contact with the inner; the degree of contact determines the rate of transmission of heat. Any desired rate of gas evolution can be obtained up to 10 litres per minute, and the delivery remains constant.Dorothy M. Palmer and W. G. Palmer: Some experiments on the catalytic reduction of ethylene to ethane. The hydrogenation of ethylene in the presence of nickel has been quantitatively examined. The mixture of ethylene and hydrogen was brought into contact with nickel in motion in an electrically heated tube. The rate of hydrogenation was measured by the rate at which a mixture of ethylene and hydrogen in equal proportions by volume had to be passed into the tube to maintain the gas therein at constant pressure. The effects of varying conditions were studied. The curves showing rate of reaction against time display “induction" periods during which no hydrogenation took place, varying in duration from a few seconds to many hours, according to the conditions of the experiment. Then the rate of reaction increases rapidly to a sharp maximum, and decreases less rapidly to a lower value, which decreases slowly. A theory is advanced to account for these effects.-W. G. Palmer The catalytic activity of copper. Part ii. The activity of copper when prepared from oxide by reduction with carbon monoxide and methyl alcohol vapour is discussed. Constant-boiling mixtures of several alcohols with water were used as reactants. Water acts as a positive, and hydrogen as a negative, auxiliary catalyst when adsorbed on the copper. The activity-temperature curves for a catalyst prepared by carbon monoxide obey a simple exponential law. Between 270° and 280° C. the activity curves generally undergo a sudden change of direction corresponding to a great reduction of the temperature coefficient. This is attributed to the diminution in the thickness of the adsorbed alcohol laver to at most two molecular diameters. The activity of the catalyst does not increase continuously, as the temperature of its preparation from oxide is lowered.-Prof. C. F. Jenkin and D. N. Shorthose : The total heat of liquid carbonic acid. The total heat of carbonic acid between temperatures of +10° C. and +100° C. and between pressures of 900 lb. and 1800 lb. per square inch was measured. The values hitherto accepted, based on the assumption that the specific heat at constant volume does not change over this range, require slight correction.-Dr. A. O. Rankine The viscosity and molecular dimensions of gaseous cyanogen. The viscosity of gaseous cyanogen has been measured at 15° C. and 100° C., the values obtained being, respectively, 0.985 × 10-* and 1.264 × 10- C.G.S. units. Assuming Sutherland's law of temperature variation, the data have been used

to calculate Sutherland's constant (C. =280) and the viscosity at o° C. (n.−0·935 × 10-* C.G.S. units). The mean collision area of the molecule of cyanogen deduced, -1.31 x 10-1 cm., proves to be practically the same as that of a bromine molecule, 1.28 x 10-15 cm. This is consistent with the evidence from crystal examination, for the molecular volumes of KBr and KCN are nearly equal. If X-ray crystal examination should prove that KCN and KBr are strictly isomorphous, the results here obtained are consistent with the Lewis-Langmuir view that the cyanogen molecule has a size and shape nearly the same as those of two nitrogen molecules linked together by sharing one pair of outer electrons.

Linnean Society, May 5.-Dr. A. Smith Woodward, president, in the chair.-Prof. A. Dendy: Hexactinellid sponges. The origin on certain elongated siliceous spicules of discs at regular intervals corresponds almost exactly with the nodal points of a vibrating body as determined by Prof. J. W. Nicholson.-Six papers dealing with various groups of insects collected by the Percy Sladen Trust Expedition :-C. G. Lamb: Diptera (iii.). A report chiefly on the Dolichopodidæ, a large family of small- or middlesized flies, usually of beautiful metallic green or golden colours. The general affinities of the Seychelles forms are discussed. Most of them belong to a subfamily largely represented in the tropics, the Chrysosomatinæ or Psilopinæ; some of these flies, with dazzlingly brilliant golden-green bodies, settle in bright sunlight on broad leaves; another group of smaller and much duller-coloured species is almost entirely confined to the damp, shady mountain forests. A new genus, characterised by the males having at the base of the abdomen a pair of remarkable hollow spherical bulbs, with a round opening at the top through which can be seen a rod rising from the bottom of the bulb, is described. The bases of the wings are also highly modified. The Asilidæ and the Syrphidae are also discussed.-H. Gebien: The Tenebrionidæ. A large family, mostly of large- or middle-sized beetles. The known Tenebrionid fauna of the island is increased from twelve to forty-one species; of these twenty-one are probably endemic, and eleven belong to endemic genera. The endemic genera are isolated and specialised forms. The idea previously advanced by Kolbe, that certain of these peculiar forms indicate relationships between the fauna of the Seychelles and those of New Zealand and South America, is not upheld, for the endemic species which do not belong to endemic genera present Oriental affinities. There is a much less pronounced Madagascan element, while the African element is represented only by a single widespread form.-Mr. Schenkling: The Clerida. A strong affinity exists with the fauna of Madagascar, four out of the six Seychelles species being new and having strongly Madagascan affinities, while the two remaining species are cosmopolitan. One of the new Seychelles forms has a superficial resemblance to an Anthribid

beetle from the same islands. Both belong to new genera, Cleranthribus and Anthriboclerus. There are no data to show relationship between them.-Dr. M. Bernhauer: The Staphylinid beetles. The known Staphylinid fauna of the Seychelles is increased from twenty-eight to eighty-one species. The report also includes one species from the Chagos Islands and two from Aldabra. The conclusions of earlier writers were that the affinities of the Seychelles Staphylinidæ were, on the whole, Oriental, but that a smaller Madagascan element and a very small African element were included. These conclusions are in the main upheld, but generalisations must be accepted with

reserve, for the smaller forms are still practically unknown in surrounding continents, and it is not known which species have reached the islands by natural means and which through human agency. A summary of observations on habits is given.-Dr. H. Scott Clavicorn and other beetles. A great deal of fine work on the external anatomy was done in describing these forms. Numerous interesting points in the structure of tarsi, antennæ, mouth-parts, etc., and some remarkable secondary sexual characters, came to light. The geographical distribution is shown by a tabulated comparison of the numbers of representatives of these families in the Seychelles with the faunas of the Hawaian and of the Atlantic islands. The Seychelles have a great number of families and genera, usually represented by a few clearly separable species. The Hawaian islands have several families altogether wanting, while in other groups they possess great "endemic complexes."-Florence E. Jarvis : The Hydroids of the western Indian Ocean. An account of the collections obtained during the voyage of H.M.S. Sealark at varying depths to 130 fathoms and of some shallow coastal collections made by Mr. C. Crossland off East Africa. There are eleven Gymnoblastea and seventy-four Calyptoblastea. The number of new species is relatively small, the influence of depth and currents being emphasised as having a marked effect on the habit of colonies. All the larger families are represented, the group being practically cosmopolitan; there are no new genera, but the species comprise a number of new Plumularians.-Dr. C. I. van der Horst: Madreporaria, Agariciida. Twenty-nine species are recorded belonging to the genera Agaricia, Pavona, Podabacia, Leptoseris, Siderastrea, Coscinaræa, Psammocora, and Pachyseris. The type-specimens of previous authors have generally been consulted. Three species are described as new. The examination of the collection has resulted in many species, previously described as different, being shown to be connected by transitional forms.-E. R. Speyer: Insects in relation to the reproduction of coniferous trees. The destruction of the cones of Pseudotsuga Douglasii, Carr., Pinus bonderosa, Dougl., and P. echinata, Mill., by various insects was discussed.

Zoological Society, May 10.-Dr. A. Smith Woodward, vice-president, in the chair.-R. I. Pocock : The auditory bulla and other cranial characters in the Mustelidæ (martens, badgers, etc.).-G. S. Thapar The venous system of the lizard, Varanus bengalensis, Daud.

Royal Meteorological Society, May 18.-Mr. R. H. Hooker, president, in the chair.-J. E. Clark and H. B. Adames: Report on the phenology of the British Isles, December, 1919, to November, 1920. The abnormal mildness and wetness up to mid-April ruined fruit-tree crops through too early blooming, Field crops suffered through drought in May and with excessive wet in the former month. After June, June and the cold sunlessness of July and August, in England, the accumulated temperature above 42° (that at which wheat will grow) fell more and more behind the mean until October, which, by its warmth, sunshine, and dryness, gave a wonderful seeding time in earlier districts and helped to save crops in the later. In 1920 the four spring flowers were, in England and Wales, 13 days early (February 27); 10 days (March 3) for the whole of the British Isles. The latter date for 1919 was March 15. The succeeding flowers became less and less early, until the two of July were just average. From 1921 on observers are asked to include the Devil's-bit scabious in order to