I Had last winter the honour of laying before the Royal Society a few hasty remarks on what are called the Parallel Roads of Glen Roy, suggested to me by an accidental ramble through that valley, in the course of a pedestrian tour in the West Highlands, during the previous August. My curiosity having been much excited by what I then saw, I was induced to revisit the highly interesting district of Lochaber, in the beginning of last June, and had thus an opportunity of devoting three whole days to a more complete inspection of these remarkable shelves, which I was surprised to find, were to be traced through a much more extensive stretch of country than former observation had led me to imagine. My first visit to Glen Roy was accidental; but upon this late occasion, I went with the purpose of endeavouring to put myself in possession of all the facts I could possibly collect, regarding these curious appearances; and in doing this, I had several advantages which I did not formerly enjoy.

In the year 1819 the University of Edinburgh acquired by purchase a large zoological collection from M. Dufresne, of Paris, including a cabinet containing upwards of 12,000 specimens of insects. Some years later (in 1855), when the whole of the University collections were formally transferred to the Science and Art Department, the Dufresne cabinet became public property.

While consulting lately the volume by Godart devoted to the article “Papilio” in the famous Encyclopédie Méthodique, I was surprised to see a reference to the “Dufresne cabinet” in one of the descriptions of new species, and it immediately occurred to me that the specimen in our possession must be the actual “type” of the species, which discovery led me to search carefully through the whole of the volumes devoted to insects in this well-known work, with a view to finding as many types as possible. At the same time, I thought it possible that Olivier, who wrote his great Histoire Naturelle des Insectes—Coléoptères about the same time, might also mention some of Dufresne's specimens, and this I found to be as I had anticipated.

It has been long known that contractile tissue presents itself in the human body in two forms, one composed of fibres of considerable magnitude, and therefore readily visible under a low magnifying power, and marked very characteristically with transverse lines at short intervals, the other consisting of fibres much more minute, of exceedingly soft and delicate aspect, and destitute of transverse striæ. The former variety constitutes the muscles of the limbs, and of all parts whose movements are under the dominion of the will; while the latter forms the contractile element of organs, such as the intestines, which are placed beyond the control of volition. There are, however, some exceptions to this general rule, the principal of which is the heart, whose fibres are a variety of the striped kind.

Radiolarian chert and associated siliceous claystone in the Southern Uplands of Scotland are examined, in order to study the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event of benthic animals on the pelagic ocean bottom. Trace fossils which are uncommon, but convincing, are found in the grey chert and siliceous claystone of Gripps Cleuch. These observations constitute firm evidence that large benthic animals which could leave visible trace fossils had colonised the Iapetan Ocean by the late Middle Ordovician, confirming previous studies from Australia for Panthalassa, the other huge ocean. Red chert is, however, a poor recorder of trace fossils, probably because the highly oxidising environment breaks down organic matter, both inhibiting high-density activity of large benthic animals and removing clear traces of benthic animal life.

The Lower Devonian Posongchong Formation (Wenshan, Yunnan Province, southwestern China) consists of a series of continental deposits with an outstanding plant megafossil diversity. More than 20 years ago, this formation was interpreted as ‘Siegenian' (∼Pragian) in age based on palynology. However, such interpretation needs further evidence because of the known differences between the dispersed spore assemblages from South China and Euramerica/northwestern Gondwana. Here, we present new dispersed spore assemblages recently recovered from the Posongchong Formation. The isolated spore diversity is highly diverse, with 18 genera and 32 species. The recognised taxa include, among others, Ambitisporites avitus, Aneurospora conica, Aneurospora posongchongensis sp. nov., Aneurospora xujiachongensis, Apiculiretusispora plicata, Archaeozonotriletes chulus, Concentricosisporites agradabilis, Dibolisporites echinaceus, Emphanisporites rotatus, Gneudnaspora divellomedia, Latosporites ovalis, Retusotriletes triangulatus, Tetrahedraletes medinensis and Verrucosporites polygonalis, with Aneurospora and Retusotriletes being the most abundant forms. The known Posongchong palynoflora (previous spore data included) suggests that the Posongchong Formation assemblages can be correlated with the Pragian interval of the polygonalis–wetteldorfensis Oppel Zone (PoW). This age determination is supported by the presence of index species of PoW, such as Verrucosporites polygonalis, Dictyotriletes subgranifer and Camarozonotriletes parvus (sensu Steemans, 1989), the latter being known only from the Pragian of Belgium and Germany. Recent advances in the study of the marine faunas in the overlying sequences also indicate a Pragian age for the Posongchong Formation. This new investigation of the Posongchong palynoflora highlights differences of abundance at species level between the Gondwanan–Laurussian floras during the Early Devonian.

The unique specimen of the Early Carboniferous lungfish Straitonia waterstoni is described in detail. As the only articulated lungfish currently described from the Viséan, it is of particular interest for lungfish evolution. It retains some plesiomorphic features of the skull, and shows some derived features in common with later Carboniferous forms. A thorough description is provided for future phylogenetic analyses. Straitonia has a number of diagnostic features. These include: a relatively narrow B-bone with a broad and curved anterior margin; an unpaired, parallel-sided C-bone whose margin is convex anteriorly; a B-bone approximately the same width as the single C-bone; the I-bones are relatively small compared with the B- and J-bones; the J-bones are tri-lobed; the XY bone is elongate along a posteromedial–anterolateral axis. Elongate fins dorsally and ventrally suggest a condition similar to those of later Carboniferous forms with confluent second dorsal, caudal and anal fins. It may thus be the earliest lungfish to show this condition. The ventral tail fin includes some fused elements, probably haemal and infrahaemal spines. The identity of one of the skull bones is discussed, and concluded to be a C-bone rather than a D-bone as previously described. The D-bone is absent, as in later Carboniferous forms. The history of the D-bone is considered.

We describe four newly discovered and three-dimensionally preserved specimens of the discosauriscid seymouriamorph Discosauriscus pulcherrimus from the Lower Permian lacustrine sediments of the Boskovice Basin (Czech Republic). Their excellent preservation revealed new cranial features that allowed us to present a new skull reconstruction of middle-sized specimens of this tetrapod. The new features include: (1) the sculpturing of the anterior wedge-like process of the parasphenoid consisting of irregular ridges, grooves, low elevations and pits; and (2) the presence of a pair of semicircular crests on the posterodorsal surface of the parasphenoidal plate. We discuss the intraspecific variability of several characters, such as the type of dermal cranial ornamentation, and the morphology of the sensory grooves, nasolacrimal canal, dentition on the pterygoids and parasphenoid. The lengths of the skulls of four new specimens range from about 18 to 31mm and represent larval ontogenetic stages.

This research evaluated the variability of current characteristics and seawater properties in the middle part of the southern shelf of the Caspian Sea. The effect of the coastal flow on marine debris dispreading was assessed in the southern Caspian Sea for the first time. The findings showed the existence of thermal stratification containing seasonal thermocline with thickness of about 40 m in the water column. Maximum monthly along-shore current velocities around 1.3 m s−1 were observed in November and December. Monthly variations were clearly found in both flow velocity and local wind components. However, no significant levels of correlation between wind and current speeds were observed during the study in the region. In some cases, the mean monthly cross-shore component velocities were measured at about 29 cm s−1 in November. The findings indicated that there was no upwelling phenomenon associated to the regional wind in the study area. In situ current measurements indicated dominant east and north-northeast directions, presumably related to the effect of general circulation in the southern basin. Current profiles in the water column displayed similarity in directions at 10, 15 and 20 m depths over the continental shelf. The field samples and analysis revealed that the soft and smaller-scale seawater litters can be carried long distances by the current along the coast. Most coastal based and marine litters originated from the tourist activities (in the middle and western parts of the shores) and waste emanated from the river (Tonekabon-Nowshahr).

Here is described the oldest known species of Trichoceridae, from Sogyuty, near lake Issyk-Kul (Kyrgyzstan; Lower Jurassic: Sinemurian). The species is placed in the genus Mailotrichocera Kalugina, 1985in Kalugina & Kovalev (1985), based on isolated wings. The venation of fossil and Recent Trichoceridae is discussed in terms of the biomechanical properties of the wings. The wings of the stem lineage of the family, characterised by a short subcostal vein, also had a larger distal supporting sector than younger lineages, including Recent representatives.

Glencartholm in Dumfries and Galloway, Southern Scotland, is one of the most important Palaeozoic fossil fish sites in the world, with a fauna containing more than 30 species. Originally discovered in the bank of the River Esk in 1879, further collecting in the 1930s removed all the accessible fossiliferous strata. These strata were not known to occur elsewhere and despite the site's international importance, details of the section including the fossil bearing beds have not been described. An excavation of a new exposure at Mumbie, 50 metres east of the original site, was undertaken by Stan Wood in the 1990s. Sediments were logged over an 18-metre section. Three separate fish beds were identified and more than 200 specimens of ray-finned fish collected, including one possible new species. Differences in scale colour enables fishes from the different horizons to be distinguished. This should allow material collected previously to be more accurately assigned and assist palaeoecological analysis of the site. In addition to ray-finned fish, cartilaginous fishes were collected together with plants, bivalves, crustaceans, scorpions and horseshoe crabs which have not previously been reported from Glencartholm.

An Ordovician subvolcanic intrusive complex hosted by Neoproterozoic metasediments crops out at Souter Head about 6km S of Aberdeen, Scotland. The complex is composed mainly of two-mica red granite and breccia with minor dykes of pegmatite, quartz porphyry, felsite and dolerite, and widespread quartz veining, hydrothermal alteration and minor molybdenite mineralisation. Anomalous levels of bismuth (Bi), arsenic (As) and gold (Au) occur in quartz–pyrite veins. The complex has been mapped and the major- and minor-element geochemistry, including rare-earth elements of intrusives and mineralisation, has been determined. These data reveal a complex tectonic, intrusive and hydrothermal history. The intrusives are peraluminous and magnetite-, muscovite- and garnet-bearing. The youngest member, a quartz porphyry, is highly fractionated. There are two stages of hydrothermal activity: the first is linked to the explosive release of volatiles from a granite cupola and breccia formation; and the second, widespread quartz veining. Mo is associated with both stages, and Bi–As–Au anomalies are found in late quartz–pyrite veins. The mineralisation is classified as a granite-related vein-type Mo system. The unique preservation, in the Grampian terrane, of an Ordovician subvolcanic complex may be attributed to pre-Devonian movements on the nearby Dee fault and possibly also the collapse of the magma chamber following the explosive release of volatiles. The combination of large size, poor exposure and abundant multi-stage hydrothermal activity suggests that there is potential for further Mo and possibly Au mineralisation in this complex. Further mineralisation of this style may be present in the NE Grampian terrane.

In a recent paper published in these Transactions I gave an account of certain experiments upon the change of electric resistance of nickel due to magnetization at different temperature up to 100·C.

In the autumn of last year Sir Archibald Geikie, F.R.S., Director-General of the Geological Survey of the United Kingdom, Kindly placed in my hands for determination a number of specimens of Cephalaspis, collected by his officers in the Lower Old Red Sandstone of the neighbourhood of Oban. On examining them, I found that they all belonged to one species, which was, however, new to science.

Accordingly I drew up a brief diagnosis of this new form, which was included by Sir Archibald in his Summary of Progress of the Geological Survey for 1897, and it is now my privilege, with his sanction, to offer to this Society a more detailed description of the species, accompanied with figures.

Though the genus Lepidophloios, in regard to species, is a comparatively small one, yet it derives considerable importance from its occurring throughout the whole of the Carboniferous Formation, as well as in the peculiar characteristics of the plants comprised in it.

The fragmentary condition in which the specimens are usually found has given rise to the creation of several genera, which can all be shown to merely represent different conditions of growth and preservation of one generic type. There are, also, other points in the structure of Lepidophloios which require further investigation, and the object of the present paper is to attempt to clear up some of these, about which much confusion still exists.

Forty years ago Kolbe showed that a strong aqueous solution of potassium acetate, when subjected to the influence of the electric current, is decomposed with formation of the following products. At the anode a gaseous mixture is evolved which consists chiefly of carbonic acid and ethan; while at the cathode hydrogen escapes, and potassium hydrate is formed in the solution. When dilute solutions of the same substance are electrolysed under similar conditions, the decomposition products at the cathode are the same as in the previous case, but at the anode the gas evolved is now oxygen, and free acetic acid makes its appearance in the solution. The difference between the two cases must, on modern views of electrolysis, be attributed to the occurrence of secondary reactions. The primary process is in all cases the transference of the electrically-charged submolecules or ions to the corresponding poles, where they lose their charges, and thereby become capable of reacting with one another or with neighbouring molecules. As a general rule they are, when discharged, themselves incapable of independent existence.

Two new genera and species of haplolepids (Chondrostei), Protohaplolepis scotica and Blairolepis loanheadensis, are described from the ironstones of Loanhead, Midlothian (Namurian A, E1); this represents the earliest known record of the family. Protohaplolepis scotica (= Traquair's nomen nudum “Eurylepis scoticus”) shows many features in common with Westoll's hypothetical haplolepid “common ancestor X”, and is possibly ancestral to the Haplolepis–Microhaplolepis line within the family. Blairolepis loanheadensis, known only from a skull roof, shows greater similarities to Parahaplolepis and Pyritocephalus, but differs from these genera in having separate dermopterotics and parietals. Two subfamilies, the Haplolepinae and the Parahaplolepinae, are suggested to reflect the distinct evolutionary lines within the family.

A new species, Parahaplolepis westolli, is also described from Newsham, Northumberland (Westphalian B). This species shows a close resemblance to the American species Parahaplolepis tuberculata from Linton, Ohio.

A brief discussion of the evolutionary history of the family is presented, along with a summary of its stratigraphical and geographical distribution.

In former papers on the pharmacological action of Strophanthus, dating from 1869, I selected for description, from the considerable number of experiments that had been made, merely those experiments which sufficed to illustrate the general features of the action, and especially such effects as seemed likely to form a basis for the application of Strophanthus to the treatment of disease.

I had intended to have followed, at no distant date, these preliminary and somewhat fragmentary notices by a more complete description of the pharmacological action, for which, indeed, nearly all the required experimental data had several years ago been obtained; but unavoidable circumstances prevented this intention from being fulfilled. In this part of the present paper the fuller description will be given; and if any excuse were required for doing so, it may perhaps be found in the circumstance that the anticipation of the therapeutic value of Strophanthus has been amply confirmed by the important position now occupied by it as a therapeutic agent.

I had added (at p. 140 of my paper on “Gaseous Spectra”) to the “small dispersion” account therein given of the above mentioned spectrum of luminous oxygen gas,—that two, if not four, of its very few and scanty lines appeared, when viewed with much higher dispersion, to be double; but that I hoped to give a more exact account of them, after completing some arrangements then in progress for increasing both the dispersion and magnifying power of my spectroscope.

1. The Council of the Royal Society of Edinburgh having, on my application in 1832, entrusted me with Hansteen's Magnetic Intensity Apparatus, in their possession, I feel it to be my duty to communicate to the Society the results then and subsequently obtained with it.

2. The instrument consists of a mahogany box 5 inches long, 4 broad, and 2 deep, with sides and top of glass, having also a wooden tube, screwing into the top, for containing a silk-worm's fibre about 5 inches long, by which the magnetic needle is suspended so as to place itself horizontally, and after being caused to deviate from its point of rest, the time of any given number of oscillations in a horizontal plane is measured,—whilst a graduated circle in the bottom of the box indicates its arc of vibration.

The analogy between certain properties of the co-ordinates of elliptic and hyperbolic sectors, which forms the subject of this memoir, was observed by the early writers on the fluxional or differential calculus, and employed by them in its improvement. But, independently of this important application, the propositions in question are some of the most elegant theorems in geometry, and highly interesting as abstract truths.

Maclaurin, in the third chapter of the second book of his Treatise of Fluxions, has proved the truth of this theorem: “Supposing n to be any number, let E and n × E be elliptic sectors, which stand on arcs that begin at a vertex of either axis, and H and n × H hyperbolic sectors, which stand on arcs that begin at the extremity of the transverse axis: the algebraic equation which expresses the relation between x and z, ordinates drawn to the other axis from the extremities of the arcs, must be the very same in the two curves.”