Abstract
THE Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science for December 1888 contains the following:—Note on a new organ, and on the structure of the hypodermis, in Periplaneta orientalis, by Edward A. Minchin (plate xxii.). The new organ consists of two pouch-like invaginations of the cuticle lying close on each side of the middle line, between the fifth and sixth terga of the dorsal surface of the abdomen. They are covered by the fifth tergum; when exposed they are seen to open by two slit-shaped openings, which open backwards. They are lined by a continuation of the chitinous cuticle, which forms within the pouches numerous stiff, branched, finely-pointed hairs, below which are numerous glandular epithelial cells. As to their function, it is suggested that they are stink glands.—On certain points in the structure of Urochæta, E.P., and of Dichogaster, nov. gen., with further remarks on the nephridia of earthworms, by Frank E. Beddard (plates xxiii. and xxiv.). The important facts recorded about the anatomical structure of the species of these two genera, and on the nephridia in earthworms, do not admit of being further condensed. Dichogaster damonis, nov. gen. et sp., is described from Fiji.—On the development of Peripatus novæ-zelandiæ, by Lilian Sheldon (plates xxv. and xxvi.). A further supply of living specimens was obtained in January 1888. Twenty-seven out of forty-nine were females. The uteri of all but nine of these were filled with embryos. The stages of development did not allow of all the gaps left in Miss Sheldon's previous paper being filled up, but this paper is a welcome addition to our knowledge. A useful summary of the author's investigations is appended.—Note on the development of Amphibians, chiefly concerning the central nervous system; with additional observations on the hypophysis, mouth, and the appendages and skeleton of the head, by Dr. Henry Orr, (plates xxvii. to xxix.).—Studies on the comparative anatomy of Sponges, ii. on the anatomy and histology of Stelospongus flabelliformis, Carter; with notes on its development, by Arthur Dendy (plates xxx. to xxxiii.). This interesting paper may be regarded as the first-fruits of Mr. Dendy's researches into the anatomy and embryology of recent Australian Sponges, and we hope to be long favoured with such. The embryos, “each as large as a small pea,” of S. flabelliformis, Carter, were found in abundance. Though varying in diameter from about 3 to almost 5 mm., they exhibited nearly the same stage of development. Doubtless we may expect at some future time the whole story of their evolution. The membrane connecting the fringes of the “choanocytes,” which have been so clearly demonstrated by Sollas in the Tetractinellida, and the occurrence of which in Leuconia aspera has been described by George Bidder, also occurs in this Sponge, and has been called by Mr. Dendy “Sollas's membrane.”—On some points in the natural history of Fungia, by J. J. Lister.
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Scientific Serials . Nature 39, 357 (1889). https://doi.org/10.1038/039357b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/039357b0