Abstract
Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science, vol. xxxvi. part 4, August.—In the first of a series of “Studies on the Nervous System of Crustacea,” Mr. Edgar J. Allen gives the results of a careful investigation of the structure of the brain and gan-glionic chain in lobster embryos. By the employment of Ehrlich's methylene blue method he has been able to demonstrate the course of the constituent nerve-fibres, both co-ordinating, motor, and sensory, with remarkable success. The author's observations agree with those of Retzius, Kölliker, and other recent investigators, as to the absence of any form of anastomosis between the fibres of different elements. Nervous discharges must, however, pass from one element to another by means of the finer terminal fibrils, which are shown to be frequently arranged in the form of distinct tufts, having a constant position relative to each other. On this account the author hazards the suggestion “that the nervous energy resembles a static electrical charge, in the fact that the discharge takes place most readily through points,” the opposing tufts of fibrils of different elements being thus comparable to the “brushes” of an electrical machine. In the second and third of his “Studies,” Mr. Allen deals with the Stomatogastric System of Astacus and Homarus, with the Beading of Nerve-fibres, and with End Swellings.—Other papers in the same number are by Mr. E. A. Andrews, on some abnormal annelids, and Mr. W. E. Collinge, on the sensory canal system of Ganoids. All these papers are admirably illustrated.
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Scientific Serials. Nature 50, 611–612 (1894). https://doi.org/10.1038/050611b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/050611b0