THE annual meeting of the Hunterian Society for the election of officers took place on Wednesday, the 10th inst., when the following list, proposed by the Council, was unanimously adopted :--President: Mr. Hutchinson. Vice-Presidents: Dr. Fotherby, Dr. Braxton Hicks, Mr. Corner, and Mr. Allingham. Treasurer: Dr. Cooke. Librarian: Dr. Fowler. For the Oration of 1870: Mr. Bryant. Secretaries: Dr. Phillips and Mr. J. E. Adams. Council: Mr. J. Arthur, Mr. Gordon Brown, Mr. T. Brown, Mr. Brownfield, Dr. Burchell, Mr. Clapton, Dr. Daldy, Mr. Jackson, Dr. Kingsford, Mr. Maunder, Dr. Peacock, and Dr. Williamson. The oration was delivered on the same evening by Dr. Fotherby; and on Friday a large number of the members and their friends dined together at the London Tavern, celebrating the jubilee of the Society, Mr. Hutchinson, the President Elect, in the chair. TESTIMONIAL TO MR. WILLIAM WALLFORD.-On Wednesday evening, the 10th inst., the parish officers and a number of other inhabitants of St. Botolph, Aldersgate, assembled at the schools, in Aldersgate-street, for the purpose of presenting a testimonial to Mr. William Wallford, M.R.C.S., as a recognition of the efficient manner in which he discharged the duties of churchwarden, and of his kindness to the poor as a guardian of the parish and otherwise. The chair was taken by the Rev. W. C. F. Webber. The testimonial consisted of a very beautiful and valuable tea and coffee service in silver. The inscription was as follows:-" Presented to W. Wallford, Esq., by the parishioners of St. Botolph, Aldersgate, in the City of London, in general vestry assembled, as a mark of their high appreciation of his worth in the discharge of his duties as churchwarden. 1868." DEATH OF PROFESSOR GRISOLLE.-This able clinical Professor died on his birthday, February 10, in the 58th year of his age. To science and practice, in fact, he had been long dead, having suffered from a stroke of apoplexy three years since. Chef de clinique of Chomel and an ardent follower of Louis, he was educated in the best practical school, and became himself one of the most accomplished clinical teachers who have ever held chairs in the Faculté. His career through the various concours was uniformly and promptly successful, and at the time of his attack he was in the enjoyment of a large private and consultation practice. His monograph on pneumonia has become elassical, and his Traité de Pathologie Interne has gone through ten editions without exhausting the demand. TRUSSES FOR INGUINAL HERNIA.-M. Huguier, referring to a report on a new truss at the Académie de Médecine, observed that inguinal hernias are far more difficult of retention by means of a truss than femoral. The cause of the difficulty in inguinal hernia especially depends upon the more or less marked development of the spine of the pubes, which is very prominent in some subjects and scarcely observable in others. The inguinal hernia passes over the pubic spine, and in order to retain it after reduction the pad is obliged to compress, and to some extent to crush, the portion of the integument covering this spine, giving rise to such severe pain as to compel the patient to leave off the truss. M. Huguier has been enabled to remedy this inconvenience by having a notch made at the edge of the pad, which, thus admitting the spine of the pubes into its concavity, leaves it free and uncompressed, without preventing compression being effectually exerted on the portion of the abdomen which gives issue to the hernia.-Union Méd. Feb. 1. NOTES, QUERIES, AND REPLIES. He that questioneth much shall learn much.-Bacon. Dr. Berryman.-Received with thanks. T-The erratum shall be taken care of. Queen's Hotel, Aberystwith.-We are, glad to learn that this well-ordered and hospitable building was not swept away by the late gales. Birmingham Friends are thanked. Aris's Gazette of February 13 contains an admirable article on the late Mr. Hodgson. Bookworm.-A very fine copy of Aretaus is to be found in the Medical Society of London. J. W. (Bolton) will find the article in the last volume of the Medical Times and Gazette. Dr. Edwards Crisp.-We are fully aware that our correspondent has reason for complaint; but as we entered fully into the matter at the time, we now think that bygones had better be bygones. Dr. Crisp's character and attainments stand too high to be affected in the slightest degree by any such decision as that alluded to. A Stranger.-If a stranger in London, being a Medical man, but not knowing any member of a given Medical society, present himself at any of the meetings, and send in his card to the Secretary, we have not the smallest doubt but that he would be readily admitted. The evenings of meeting are regularly announced in our diary for the week. A Country Surgeon.-Much is to be said in favour of carrying about readyprepared medicines in the new boxes made for the purpose, and something against it. In its favour must be mentioned the saving of time and trouble, and in cases of emergency its great importance to the welfare of the patient. But against this plan it may be urged that the patient might place less confidence in medicine so furnished than when it was prepared and sent in the old-fashioned way. One case in point. A Surgeon in one of the midland counties was in the habit of carrying about with him, in times when diarrhoea was prevalent, an astringent mixture, which he administered as occasion required. A gentleman came to reside in the neighbourhood, and sent for the Surgeon in question, who repaired to the newcomer bottle in pocket. The interview closed with the bottle being left for its contents to be swallowed by the patient. The Doctor retires; the patient throws the physic into the fire, and sends for another Practitioner, remarking that he "did not care to be prescribed for before his ailment was known." MEMORIAL FROM THE MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS OF BIRMINGHAM TO THE POOR-LAW BOARD. We, the Physicians and Surgeons of the public institutions and general Practitioners of Birmingham, seeing that the Board of Guardians of the parish of Birmingham have resolved to reduce the number of the parochial Medical officers from eight to five, respectfully request you at once to make such public inquiry on oath as will prevent such an injustice to the poor of this parish. Taking into consideration the fact that the number of inhabitants of the parish is upwards of 220,000, we are of opinion the number of Medical officers is not at present at all too many to properly perform the work incident to so large a population. We therefore respectfully request you will take such steps as will place the parochial Medical relief on a permanent and satisfactory basis. We are induced to adopt this course from the fact that two years ago the late Board of Guardians, after a long and patient inquiry, found that the number of Medical officers (then six) was inadequate for the duties required of them, and we fear that any diminution in the numbers of the present staff would be attended with calamity to the poor. We are, &c. Bell Fletcher, M.D., Waterloo-street, Honorary Senior Physician, W. F. Wade, M.B., 16, Temple-row, Honorary Physician, Birmingham Samuel Berry, F.R.C.S., Professor of Midwifery. B. W. Foster, M.D., 4, Old-square, Physician, Birmingham General James Vose Solomon, Honorary Surgeon, Eye Hospital, Birmingham. M. H. Clayton, M.R.C.S. T. W. Williams. T. H. Bartleet, M.B., Honorary Surgeon, Birmingham General Hospital. Charles J. Bracey, M.B., Honorary Surgeon, Children's Hospital. Arthur Bracey, Honorary Surgeon, Birmingham Eye Hospital. James Hickinbotham, L.R.C.P., Nechells. Charles Warden, M.D., Honorary Surgeon, Lying-in Hospital. Arthur Oakes, M.R.C.S., etc., Old-square. Dr. Owen, M.R.C.S. Richard Thomason, M.R.C.S., 45, Whittall-street. Henry Denne, L.R.C.P. Lond., Birmingham. Charles Townsend, Honorary Surgeon, Birmingham Eye Hospital Alfred Hill, M.D., Professor of Chemistry, Queen's College. Charles Bracey, M.R.C.S., 43, Bristol-street. S. T. Badger, M.R.C.S. and L.A.C. Alexander Mackay, Great Brook-street. Edwin Griffiths, M.D., Grove House, Vauxhall-road. Charles Denny, M.R.C.S., 109, Ashted-row. John Warnock, L.R.C.S.I., Bloomsbury. John St. S. Wilders, Honorary Surgeon, Queen's Hospital. T. P. Heslop, M.D., Honorary Physician, Queen's Hospital. R. Middlemore, F.R.S., Consulting Surgeon, Eye Hospital, Birmingham. George Hawkesford, late District Medical Officer. Thomas Thompson, M.R.C.S., Bristol-road. Frederick Ellis, M.R.C.S., Bristol-road. MEDICAL EDUCATION AND MEDICAL CHARGES. TO THE EDITOR OF THE MEDICAL TIMES AND GAZETTE. SIR,-A great deal is being said and done with regard to the improvement of Medical education at the present day, and numerous are the schemes that may be, and have been, brought forward for that purpose; but, at the same time, is it not necessary to keep in view the fact that when this most desirable object is attained and the future Medical man has become as proficient as is possible, or as is considered necessary, there should be a like improvement in the scale of remuneration he may receive from the patients that may put themselves under his care, to recompense him for the immense amount of money, trouble, and anxiety that he has gone through! I myself, although a young beginner in the Medical Profession, have, nevertheless, been long enough in it to find out and observe that it is not by the amount of knowledge a inan may possess, but by the scale of his charges, that he succceeds or otherwise when entering into private practice. Wherever a man may go, he will always find that there is some brother Professional not far distant who will get all the practice in the neighbourhood from the simple fact that the inhabitants say Mr. A. is so much more reasonable in his charges than Mr. B.; and never mind how many honours Mr. B. may have carried off while at college, or however greatly he may have distinguished himself when a student, Mr. A., although perhaps the passing his examinations was a sheer piece of good fortune, will be the man that will succeed from a pecuniary point of view. The public, taken as a body, are surprisingly ignorant with regard to the relative worth of the different degrees and diplomas that are offered to the student. They style all "Doctors;" whether they be M.D.'s of London, or merely Licentiates of the Apothecaries' Company, it matters little to them; and how annoying it must be for a man who has worked hard and well, and obtained every degree and honour that is possible, nevertheless to find that a simple L.S.A., or perhaps a man with no diploma at all, is succeeding far better in practice than himself by reason of the fact before stated-viz., " difference in the scale of his charges." I have no doubt many would consider my view of the matter a very mercenary one, but it is of no use disguising the fact that, however noble and unselfish the Medical Profession may be, yet many, if not nearly all its members, enter it with the view of making a living by it; therefore I consider, when it is thought desirable to increase what is even now a large outlay of money, to give a man a good sound Medical education, some scheme should also be set on foot whereby that man can rest assured that, by diligence and attendance to his Professional duties, he will in time recoup himself for the large outlay imposed upon him at the outset of his Medical career. There should be a scale of uniform charges to which every Medical Practitioner would be bound to adhere, and so not be subjected, as he now is, to the almost certainty, if he wishes to keep up the dignity and honour of his Profession, of having the ground cut from under him by a man who will do the same amount of work in a very inferior manner, but for half the remuneration. I am, &c. A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER IN A NORTHERN SUBURB. COMMUNICATIONS have been received fromMr. THOMAS HALES; A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER IN A NORTHERN SUBURB; Dr. McVICAR; Mr. LAURENCE; A STRANGER; Dr. EDWARDS CRISP; Mr. WALLFORD; T. O. D.; A GENERAL PRACTITIONER; Dr. PITMAN; Dr. PHILLIPS; Mr. FREDERICK MAY; Mr. ADAMS; Mr. BALCOMBE; Mr. SERJEANT; Mr. J. H. WATHEN; Dr. ROGERS; Mr. R. B. CARTER; Dr. BUCKLE; Mr. GASKOIN; Dr. R. DOUGLAS POWELL; Dr. DAY; Dr. CHAPMAN; Mr. J. CHATTO; Dr. GERVIS; Dr. JOHN WHITMORE; Mr. R. R. GOOD; Mr. R. COOPER TODD; Dr. B. W. RICHARDSON. BOOKS RECEIVED Pringle on Vaccination-Bulletin de Thérapeutique-Nomenclature of Discases Cameron's Lectures on Health-Rosebrugh on Chloroform, and a New Method of administering it-Pharmacopoeia of the Royal Hospital for Diseases of the Chest-Kidd on Oxide of Nitrogen-Anglada sur les Maladies Eteintes et les Maladies Nouvelles-Causeries Scientifiques-Anger sur l'Anatomie Chirurgicale-Report of Industrial Employment Association-Civiale sur les Calculs Urinaires-Pennetier sur l'Origine de la Vie-Angus Smith on Disinfectants-Cullerier's Atlas of Venereal Diseases-Brandt's Nouvelle Méthode Gymnastique et MagnétiqueFlux on the Law to regulate the Sale of Poisons within Great BritainDe la Saignée, Effets Physiologiques et Indications Thérapeutiques, par Dr. F. Bricheteau. At the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, the mean height of the barometer in the week was 29 762 in. The barometrical reading increased from 29:13 in. on Friday, February 12, to 30 24 in. at the end of the week. The general direction of the wind was W.S.W. and S.W. Note.-The population of Cities and Boroughs in 1869 is estimated on the assumption that the increase since 1861 has been at the same annual rate as between the censuses 1851 and 1861; at this distant period, however, since the last census it is probable that the estimate may in some instances be erroneous. The deaths in Manchester and Bristol include those of paupers belonging to these cities who died in Workhouses situated outside the municipal boundaries. February 20. Saturday (this day). Operations at St. Bartholomew's, 14 p.m.; St. Thomas's, 9 a.m.; King's ROYAL INSTITUTION, 3 p.m. Prof. Odling, "Hydrogen and its Analogues." 22. Monday. Operations at the Metropolitan Free Hospital, 2 p.m.; St. Mark's Hospital for Diseases of the Rectum, 1 p.m.; St. Peter's Hospital for Stone, 2 p.m. MEDICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON. 8 p.m.: Casual Communications. 8 p.m.: 23. Tuesday. Operations at Guy's, 1 p.m.; Westminster, 2 p.m.; National Orthopedic, Great Portland-street, 2 p.m. ETHNOLOGICAL SOCIETY, 8 p.m. "On Ceremonies connected with Childbirth in Australia and New Zealand"-communicated by Dr. Hooker, F.R.S. Don Alonzo Steffens, "On some Ethnological Remains found in the Pearl Islands of the Bay of Panama." ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS OF ENGLAND, 4 p.m. Prof. Huxley, "On the Construction of Vertebrated Animals." ROYAL INSTITUTION, 3 p.m. Rev. F. W. Farrar, "On Comparative Philology." ROYAL MEDICAL AND CHIRURGICAL SOCIETY, 8 p.m. Mr. Furneaux Jordan, "Severe Wound of the Knee-joint treated by Counter-irritation of the Thigh and Leg." Mr. J. Birkett, "On a Dislocation of the Head of the Femur complicated with its Fracture." 24. Wednesday. Operations at University College Hospital, 2 p.m.; St. Mary's, 14 p.m.; Middlesex, 1 p.m.; London, 2 p.m.; St. Bartholomew's, 14 p.m.; Great Northern, 2 p.m.; St. Thomas's 13 p.m.; Ophthalmic Hospital, Southwark, 2 p.m.; Samaritan Hospital, 2.30 p.m. HUNTERIAN SOCIETY (Mecting of Council, 7 p.m.), 8 p.m. Mr. Maunder, "On the Theory and the Method of the Cure of Surgical Aneurism." Dr. Daldy, "On Death in Scarlet Fever from Coagula in the Right Side of the Heart." ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS, 5 p.m. Gulstonian Lectures-"Oa certain Points in the Study and Classification of Diseases of the Nervous System," by Dr. J. Hughlings-Jackson. ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS OF ENGLAND, 4 p.m. Prof. Huxley, "On the Construction of Vertebrated Animals." 25. Thursday. Operations at St. George's, 1 p.m.; Central London Ophthalmic, 1 p.m. Operations at Westminster Ophthalmic, 1 p.m.; Central London Oph thalmic Hospital, 2 p.m. ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS, 5 p.m. Gulstonian Lectures-" On certain Points in the Study and Classification of Diseases of the Nervous System," by Dr. J. Hughlings-Jackson. ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS OF ENGLAND, 4 p.m. Prof. Huxley, "Oя the Construction of Vertebrated Animals." ROYAL INSTITUTION, 8 p.m. Dr. John Bridges, "On Civilisation and Public Health." NEW MUSTARD PLASTER. RIGOLLOT'S MUSTARD LEAVES Combine Cleanliness, Efficiency, and Convenience. They are as portable as a Card-case. They have been adopted by the Administration of the Paris Hospitals, and by the Imperial Navy of France. See THE LANCET, Feb. 22nd, 1868 : "In the Mustard Leaves of Mr. Rigollot we have, it is believed, a reliable and very ready means of obtaining the epispastic effects of mustard." See MEDICAL TIMES, Feb. 8th, 1868: This preparation has the advantage of being portable, cleanly, convenient, and effective." Sold in Tin Cases and Packets by all Chemists and Druggists. Special prices for Hospitals and Charitable Institutions. Wholesale-23, HENRIETTA-STREET, COVENT-GARDEN. THE ONLY GENUINE PARRISH'S CHEMICAL OR SYR. FERRI PHOSPH. CO. (AMERICAN), P. & P. W. SQUIRE, FOOD, CHEMISTS IN ORDINARY то THE QUEEN AND THE PRINCE OF WALES. Mr. SQUIRE introduced into Medicine (Vide "Lancet," March 4th, 1839) SOLUTION OF BIMECONATE OF MORPHIA, Which has been employed by all branches of the Medical Profession. Dr. Roots thus writes of it:-"I have taken it myself daily now for very nearly four years, and during that period I have frequently prescribed it in my private practice. The result of my observations on its effects on myself and others amounts to this-namely, that it disturbs the head less, that it distresses the stomach less, and that it constipates the bowels less, than any other preparation of Opium. I have taken every other preparation of Opium, but from none of them have I obtained the same degree of quiet rest that I have enjoyed from this Bimeconate of Morphia." ASTRINGENT RED GUM LOZENGES, MURIATE OF AMMONIA LOZENGES, to insure that it is genuine. Enternational Exhibition, 1862.-The only Prize Medal "WATER FOR CUSHIONS AND BEDS" WAS AWARDED TO W. HOOPER, 7, Pall Mall East, and 55, Grosvenor-street, London. Circular Water Cushion, for sitting on. Crescent Water Cushion, for the Sacrum. ELASTIC BAGS, for applying dry cold or dry heat, maintaining their elasticity under all temperatures, from zero to 212° Fahr. WATERPROOF SHEETS, INDIA-RUBBER URINALS, ENEMAS, &c. LECTURE V. CONTRACTILE TISSUES CONTINUED STRIPED OR VOLUNTARY MUSCLE-SARCOLEMMA-RUPTURE OF CONTRACTILE TISSUE WITHIN GERMINAL MATTER OF MUSCLE-FORMATION OF CONTRACTILE MATERIAL "PROTOPLASM"-YOUNG, MATURE, AND OLD MUSCULAR FIBRE-JUNCTION OF MUSCLE AND TENDON-FIBROUS AND FATTY DEGENERATION OF MUSCLE. OF NERVE TISSUE - GERMINAL MATTER AND FORMED MATERIAL OF NERVE-NO ENDS TO NERVE FIBRES-ULTIMATE NETWORKS DIFFERENT KINDS OF NERVE FIBRES NERVE CENTRES ACTION OF NERVE FIBRES AND NERVE CELLS. THE fibres of voluntary or striped muscle differ from those of the involuntary muscular tissue, considered in the last lecture, in many particulars. They exhibit transverse as well as longitudinal markings, and easily cleave or are split up in these directions. The fibres vary very much in size and general arrangement in different animals, and in different muscles of the same animal. The elementary fibres of one muscle may be less than the both of an inch in width, while those of other muscles attain a diameter of as much as the 6th of an inch. The elementary fibres of insect muscle exhibit the general characters of this beautiful texture very distinctly, and specimens may be prepared without difficulty. In this lecture, however, I shall not attempt to describe minutely the ultimate structure of muscle, but restrict myself as far as possible to the consideration of the mode of formation and growth of the tissue, and especially the arrangement and function of the masses of germinal matter. Striped or voluntary muscle may consist of wide or narrow fibres arranged perfectly parallel to one another, or the muscle may consist of two or more layers, the constituent fibres of which cross one another at right angles. In some cases the fibres are very irregularly arranged, and cross in various directions. Striped muscular tissue also exists in the form of conical fibres which gradually taper towards one extremity into a tendon. The fibre in some cases divides and subdivides almost like the branches of a tree, in which case it is termed branching muscle. This is found in the frog's tongue. Lastly, striped muscular tissue may be arranged so as to form a network, a beautiful example of which exists in the auricle of the frog's heart. A good general idea of the structure of an elementary fibre of striped muscle will be formed if a specimen from the large water-beetle, Dytiscus marginalis, be carefully examined. Here the transverse markings are seen upon a considerable scale, and the elementary fibre is very large (preparation 77). In one fibre in the centre of the field the contractile tissue has ruptured within the sarcolemma, and it has cleaved transversely in several places. Two of Bowman's disks are detached from the rest of the contractile tissue, and lie free in the tube of the sarcolemma. The masses of germinal matter concerned in their formation are seen in the centre of the disks. The contractile tissue, with the delicate closed tube of sarcolemma forming its outer limit, constitutes an elementary fibre or fasciculus of striped or voluntary muscle. The contractile material which occupies the tube of the sarcolemma may be split up in two directions-longitudinally into fibrille, and transversely into disks -as was first demonstrated by Bowman. In specimen 83* from the frog the contractile tissue is fractured transversely. Shortly before death the spasm of the muscular tissue was so violent as to cause its rupture, and portions of the broken and contracted sarcous matter may be VOL. I. 1869. No. 974. seen within the sarcolemma of every fibre of the muscle. A corresponding result is often seen in the muscles of persons who have died of tetanus. Sarcolemma.-The sarcolemma of muscle appears as a transparent tube composed of very delicate membrane, which is thick in old and fully formed muscles, but very thin in young muscular fibres, while during development, and in the case of some forms of adult muscular tissue (heart, tongue), no sarcolemma can be detected. Upon its outer surface the sarcolemma is connected with the delicate intermuscular connective tissue; and capillary vessels and nerve fibres, and in insects the trachea are adherent to it, and in some cases are almost embedded in its substance. The greater number of the masses of germinal matter on the surface of the sarcolemma of the muscles of vertebrata are those of the numerous nerves and capillary vessels distributed to the elementary fibre. These are extremely numerous upon the sarcolemma of the elementary muscular fibres of small rodents, as the mouse, but they are seen in connexion with the sarcolemma of almost all muscles. These masses of germinal matter, which I have proved belong to capillary vessels and nerves distributed to this tissue, have been generally regarded as "connective tissue corpuscles," and the same erroneous conclusion has been arrived at concerning the masses of germinal matter belonging to vessels and nerves distributed to many other tissues, and essential to their formation, growth, and action. Development of Muscular Tissue.-At an early period of development the masses of germinal matter which take part in the development of striped muscle divide and subdivide so as to form rows. The delicate formed material which is produced upon the outer surface of these gradually acquires consistence and exhibits contractility. At first there are indications of faint longitudinal striations, but transverse markings become visible as soon as the tube of contractile tissue thus produced acquires the thickness of about the 5th orth of an inch. A beautiful specimen of developing muscular fibre, in which all these points are clearly demonstrated, is seen in prep. 79, from the calf at an early period of development. These elementary fibres, however, only serve a temporary purpose, and gradually give place to elementary fibres of a different structure. The fully formed muscular fibres of some insects exhibit precisely the characters of the embryonic fibres of the higher vertebrata. Some of the muscular fibres of the adult frog and hyla have masses of germinal matter in the centre of the elementary fibre, as just described; so also have the muscular fibres of the heart of the human subject. The fibre increases in diameter by the formation of new contractile tissue within, which is formed upon the surface of the germinal matter, and the contractile tissue which had been produced previously is pushed outwards. Many muscular fibres-as, for instance, those of the delicate muscles of the eye of the smallest animals-exist at an early period as spindle-shaped bodies, which taper at either extremity into the tendon. The large mass of germinal matter is in the centre, and is surrounded by formed material, which gradually accumulates upon its surface and at its two extremities. Thus the fibre increases in thickness and length. In the connective tissue of the nose of the nearly full-grown mole (prep. 80) the development of muscular fibre may be well studied, for in this situation are numerous bundles of very narrow, but distinctly transversely striated, muscular fibres, which taper at either extremity into tendons of great length which pass into the connective tissue. 1. 00 In most of the permanent elementary muscular fibres of the higher vertebrate animals the masses of germinal matter are seen at intervals embedded in the contractile tissue, and disposed in much the same manner as the masses of germinal matter (nuclei) of tendon. In exceedingly fine fibres, an oval mass of germinal matter is often present upon one side only. In fibres of about the th of an inch in diameter, and apparently composed of only a very few fibrilla, I have seen the oval mass of germinal matter situated a short distance from the side of the contractile tissue, with which it was connected by a small quantity of exceedingly delicate granular matter, exhibiting here and there indications of transverse markings continuous with the transverse strise of the muscle. This delicate material was no doubt contractile sarcous matter imperfectly formed, which was gradually becoming condensed and assuming the characters and properties of the adjacent contractile tissue with which it was continuous; and I was led to conclude that, during the formation of the muscle, the oval mass of germinal matter moved parallel with the fibre, giving rise to the new tissue as it passed along. Many appearances afterwards observed confirmed this view. In the ordinary muscular fibres, as those of the frog, which are well adapted for observation, the oval nuclei in different parts of the fibre move upwards or downwards between several fibrillæ, and thus form new muscular tissue in every part of the substance of these large elementary fibres. (See fig. 1.) FIG. 1. into this soft material, and that this last is continuous with the contractile tissue of the muscle. The soft delicate tissue which intervenes consists of imperfectly developed formed material. This, like all the contractile tissue already formed, was once in the state of germinal matter. As in other cases, while the formation of tissue is proceeding, we are able to point out the living growing moving germinal matter, the imperfectly developed formed material, and the fully formed tissue. FIG. 3. The larger size and greater number of the masses of germinal matter in proportion to the amount of tissue in young muscular fibres, as compared with fully developed ones, is well seen in specimen 75, in which two elementary muscular fibres-one from a pig at birth, and the other from a pig three months old -have been mounted together for comparison. Such a specimen will, I think, convince any one that the masses of germinal matter are concerned in the production of the contractile material of muscle. By the accurate comparison of carefully prepared specimens of this kind, we are even able to form a notion of the rate of growth, and to prove that muscular tissue is not formed very quickly, or its elements removed and replaced within a short period of time. It is not improbable that in the higher vertebrata the very same elementary fibres continue in action for years. The idea that the contractile material is removed and replaced by new tissue within a few days or weeks is untenable, and could only have been suggested by those who had not taken the pains to acquaint themselves with wellknown facts, or who had determined to ignore the results of anatomical observation altogether. From what I have already stated, you will have inferred that the position of the masses of germinal matter varies very much in different kinds of striped muscle. In some forms we find a row of nearly spherical masses in the very centre of the elementary fasciculus of contractile tissue; in others an oval mass is seen FIG. 2. 50 FIG. 2.-Muscular fibre of muscle, mouse, showing capillary, nerve fibres, and masses of germinal matter belonging to these tissues. X 700. at the side of a very long narrow fibre consisting of very few fibrilla; and in many of the muscular fibres of the system of vertebrata we find numerous oval masses situated at short distances, and alternating with one another throughout the whole extent of the tissue within the sarcolemma. This variation in position, and the difference observed in the relative proportion of germinal matter and contractile tissue in muscles which act in the same manner, lead us to infer that the germinal matter is not immediately concerned in muscular contraction. The living or germinal matter is concerned in the formation of the original contractile tissue, and in the production of new tissue to take the place of that which is slowly removed, or to be added to that which exists in cases in which the muscle has to perform increased work. The living matter also determines currents of fluids towards it, and thus the contractile tissue is permeated in every part by fresh portions of fluid which transudes through the vascular walls from the blood. It is very important to consider the exact relation of the germinal matter to the contractile material of muscle. From young growing muscle taken quite fresh and carefully prepared with the carmine fluid and mounted in glycerine, germinal matter may be frequently detached with a portion of the sarcous tissue still adhering to it. If such a specimen be examined with a bigh power, it will be found that the germinal matter passes FIG. 3.-Very fine muscular fibre, showing relation of germinal matter to contractile tissue; a, b, germinal matter of muscle; d, nerve fibre (frog). x 1800. The proportion of germinal matter to the formed material in fully formed muscular tissue is considerably less than in many other textures-a fact which is conclusive in favour of the view that this is not a rapidly changing tissue. Many years ago I taught, contrary to the doctrine then in high favour, that muscular contraction was not due to the disintegration and oxidation of the tissue itself; and also showed that the view advanced from the chemical side, that muscular tissue was removed and replaced within a very short period of time, was untenable. Those who supported this strange doctrine did not attempt to show how so large a quantity of a highly elaborate tissue was removed and replaced. Had they inquired, they would soon have been convinced that no means existed by which the necessary amount of tissue could be replaced or developed within the time allowed. Further observation has, however, satisfied chemists that the conclusion was erroneous, and now a very different doctrine prevails, which, however, if not equally untenable, is almost as improbable as that which it replaces. "Protoplasm."-The contractile tissue of muscle has been considered to be a form of "protoplasm," and muscular contraction has been attributed to "contractility," or the "contractile property," supposed to be potentially resident in the original albumen or protein matter of which muscle is composed, just as the fluid property of water is to be referred to the properties of its constituent gases. But it is to be feared that many intelligent persons who examine muscle contracting, and the living matter of an amoeba, a white blood-corpuscle or a pus-corpuscle undergoing its varied and very remarkable movements, may not feel quite convinced that movements in many respects so very different are really due to one and the same property, or inclined to class them under the same head of movements dependent upon "contractility;" while it seems to me probable that at least a few people might not feel quite satisfied that a clear and sufficient explanation of either class of movements was afforded by referring them to the "contractile property." Very recently Professor Huxley has not only applied the term "protoplasm" to passive non-living matter and to active living moving growing matter, but to dead and roasted matter, so that he includes under the head of protoplasm not only matter which |