Scientific Serials

Abstract

THE Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science for June 1890 contains:—On the embryology of a scorpion (Euscorpius italicus), by Malcolm Laurie (Plates xiii.–xviii.). The development of this scorpion, of which very elaborate details are given, would appear not to agree closely with any other Arachnid type as yet described; the development of the central and lateral eyes entirely confirms the descriptions of Lankester and Bourne, as well as those of Parker, but Patten's conclusions are shown to be without foundation. The mode of formation of the ventral nervous system is exceptional among Invertebrates, resembling rather that of Chordata.—On the morphology of the compound eyes of Arthropods, by S. Watase (Plate xix.). Reprinted, with a short introduction by the editor, from a recent number of the “Studies from the Biological Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University.”—On the structure of a species of earthworm belonging to the genus Diachæta, by Frank Beddard (Plate xx.). This new species, D. windlei, is from the Bermudas.—On Hekatero-branchus shrubsoli, a new genus and species of the family Spionidæ, by Florence Buchanan (Plates xxi. and xxii.). This worm was found at Sheppey in soft mud, usually covered by an inch or so of brackish water; in addition to the figures of the anatomical details there are coloured portraits of this Annelid.—An attempt to classify earthworms, by Dr. W. B. Benham. Some idea may be formed of the progress made within the last twenty years in our knowledge of this group when we state that the author enumerates and gives analyses of nine families of Lumbricomorpha, containing thirty-two genera and over 200 species. The author wishes the following correction made:—In Fig. 39, which illustrates the anatomy of Lumbricus, the œsophageal pouch (CP) is placed in somite xi.; followed by a pair of calciferous glands in the same somite and a second pair in somite xii. The pouch (CP) should be in somite x.