If thermodynamical considerations are excluded. The author regards some of M. Müller's assumptions as unjustifiable. -The hydrolytic dissociation of bismuth iodide: René Dubrisay. The effects of temperature and dilution have been studied. Two oxyiodides have been shown to exist, the red compound being BiOI; the second black oxyiodide gives a ratio of bismuth to iodine corresponding to Bi,O,: 5HI.—A simplified method and apparatus for determining the calorific power of gaseous combustibles: P. Lemoult. The method is based on the fact that the combustion of molecular proportions of hydrogen and oxygen or carbon monoxide and oxygen gives nearly the same heat evolution, and after absorption of carbon dioxide formed in the latter case, the contractions are the same. carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methane are present, the contraction (a) after combustion and absorption of CO2 is measured, and also the oxygen consumed (b). The approximate calorific value is P-0-914a+3.405b.-The pseudopolychroism of sphærolites: Paul Gaubert.-The extension and retrogression of the virgin forest of tropical Africa: Aug. Chevalier. The Mesoplodon of la-Hougue (November 2, 1908): R. Anthony. The proof of experimental ammoniuria in epilepsy: J. E. Florence and P. Clément. Ammonium acetate, administered in 4-gram to 6-gram doses, is in healthy individuals excreted mainly as urea. In epileptics under the influence of bromides the method of elimination is similar; in epileptics not under bromide treatment a marked elimination of ammonia coincides with the very frequent attacks.-Alcoholic fermentation in presence of sulphurous acid: P. Martinand. The specificity of oxydases: J. Wolff. NEW SOUTH Wales. Royal Society, June 2.--Mr. H. D. Walsh, president, in the chair.-A pitchblende probably occurring in New South Wales: T. H. Laby. The viscosity of water: R. Hosking. A contribution to the experimental study of the large ions in the air: S. G. Lusby.-The mobility of the large ions in the air: Prof. J. A. Pollock." Lope de Vega": L. Hargrave.-Note on the determination of the free acid in superphosphates: F. B. Guthrie and A. A. Ramsay. July 7-Mr. H. D. Walsh, president, in the chair.Description of a new hæmoprotozoa from birds in N.S. Wales: Dr. J. B. Cleland and T. H. Johnston.-A new melanin-producing hæmatozoon from an Australian tortoise T. H. Johnston and Dr. J. B. Cleland.-A new reptilian cestode: T. H. Johnston.-The discrepancy between the results obtained by experiments in manuring, &c., in pots and in the field: L. Cohen. Linnean Society, July 28.-Mr. C. Hedley, president, in the chair.-New Australian Lepidoptera belonging to the family Noctuidae: Dr. A. J. Turner. One genus, and twenty-five species referable to twenty-two genera, are described as new, and new habitats are recorded for a number of species previously known.-Notes from the botanic gardens, No. 14: J. H. Maiden and E. Betche. Three species, referable to the genera Halorrhagis, Bæckea, and Olearia, are described as new; Rutidosis leiolepsis, F. v. M., Ageratum conyzoides, L., Prunella vulgaris, L., var. laciniata, Benth., Gleichenia flagellaris, Spreng., Angiopteris erecta, Hoffm., and Cassytha filiformis, L., are recorded as new for New South Wales; it is suggested that Acacia Dorothea, Maiden, should be transferred from the Uninerves to the Juliflora; and notes on, or new records for, certain rare or interesting plants are appended.-Studies of the life-histories of Australian Odonata. No. 2. The life-history of Diphlebia lestoides, Selys R. J. Tillyard. The genus Diphlebia contains the only Australian representatives of the family Calopterygidæ. The discovery of the larva is of great importance to ontogenists. The ova were found in the tissue of water-weed one foot below water, the female having deposited them by descending the reed under protection of an air-film. Larvæ were successfully hatched out in October, and some of them were kept until March. In November four exuviæ were found clinging to rocks in the stream-bed of the Rodriguez Pass, at Blackheath. The larva is of most remarkable form, quite unlike any other calopterygid larva known, and having some points in common with agrionid larvæ. It must be regarded, not as a synthetic type, but as a highly specialised and successful development from the main calopterygid stock, such development having taken place on lines parallel to that of the agrionid type.Some hæmogregarines from Australian reptiles: T. H. Johnston. Four Australian species of Hæmogregarina have been described. Three additional species, from snakes or from a tortoise (Chelodina), are described as new, and some observations on H. shattocki, Samb. and Seligm., are offered. The influence of the dilution of serum upon the phagocytic index: Dr. R. Greig-Smith. Several 'factors have each an influence in modifying the nature of the curve representing the opsonic and phagocytic effects obtained upon progressively diluting normal serum. It would be possible to obtain the phagocytic indices so that their ratios lie upon a straight line, by using a 10 per cent. to I.I per cent. solution of sodium chloride for making the dilutions and suspensions. With weaker strengths of normal saline the curve rises above, and with increased strengths it falls below, the straight line. The thickness of the bacterial suspension, the nature of the phagocytes, and the time of incubation influence the results, and have to be taken into account. Prof. Emil Christian Hansen. By Arthur R. 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