Societies and Academies

Abstract

PARIS Academy of Sciences, August 31.—M. Bouley, President, in the chair.—On the cyclonic character of the solar spots, in reply to M. Tacchini's objection, by M. Faye. In their normal state the spots, like terrestrial cyclones, are described as of circular form, with funnel-shaped penumbra, concentric circumferences, and vertical axis, varying in size from almost imperceptible pores to abysses large enough to engulph the earth. The mechanical identity of the two phenomena is thus established, while the absence of this special disposition in the penumbra of certain spots proves nothing against the author's theory, which accounts both for the development and occasional disappearance of the cyclonic form.—Note respecting M. Bochefontaine's experiment on the origin of cholera, by M. Trécul. A pill containing the comma bacillus having been swallowed by M. Bochefontaine with impunity, the author infers that Koch's germ may not after all be the active principle of cholera. In any case he protests against the ridicule cast upon the experimenter, whose courageous act is worthy rather of admiration and reward.—On the part played by the bacilli in the ravages of the vine attributed to Phylloxera vastatrix, by M. Luiz de Andrade Corvo. From his experiments the author concludes that the disease, to which he gives the name of “tuberculosis,” is quite distinct from, and independent of, Phylloxera, that it is constitutional and hereditary, and may also be transmitted by contagion, the insect merely playing a secondary part in its propagation.—Octahedrons of sulphur with square base, which is physically a rhombus, by M. Ch. Brame.—On certain points in the physiological action of tanguin, the poison used at ordeals in Madagascar, by M. Ch. E. Quinquand.—Influence of the sun on the vegetation, the vegetable functions and virulence of the cultivated virus of Bacillus anthracis, by M. S. Arloing.—A letter was read by the Perpetual Secretary from King Oscar of Sweden, to the effect that on attaining his sixtieth year, in 1889, he proposes offering a prize of 2500 francs, with a gold medal valued at 1000 francs, to the author of the most important contribution to mathematical science. The already nominated judges are a German, a Swiss, and M. Hermite of the Academy. —Experiments with various kinds of wheat, with a view to ascertain the most productive variety under normal conditions, by M. P. P. Dehérain. Five varieties yielded the following returns per hectare (2½acres):—