Porter, James P. A Preliminary Study of the Psychology of the English Sparrow. Amer. Jour. Psychology, Vol. XV, pp. 313-346, 1904. As the author remarks, the psychology of the sparrow is of special interest because of the remarkable degree of success which this bird has attained in its struggle for existence in America. If adaptability is taken as a measure of intelligence the sparrow certainly ranks well in the psychic scale. PORTER'S preliminary paper is characterized by admirable clearness and accuracy of statement. His experiments are thoroughly scientific in plan and execution, and his results, although as yet limited to only one or two individuals, are as valuable as they are interesting. The present paper contains observations on general behavior and characteristics, and reports of experiments to test association and perception of number, form, color and design. The association tests, with food boxes and a maze, indicate that the bird is able to profit by experience very rapidly. In fact the habit curve given by the author's tests is strikingly like those of the rat and monkey. The sparrow evidently learns by trial and error; there is some evidence of imitation, but "no sign of reason or looking ahead and suiting of means to an end." There is notable persistency in the efforts to obtain food, whether it be by opening the door of a food box or finding the way through a maze. Memory appears to be good. There is evidence of perception of number similar to that of monkeys. As the author suggests this may be "sense of position" rather than "sense of number." The few experiments described indicate little ability to distingush forms; but colors and designs were distinguished readily by the single individual tested. A comparative study of bird psychology is promised by PORTER as a continuation of this preliminary paper. R. M. Y. Uexküll, J. v. Studien über den Tonus. II. Die Bewegungen der Schlangen Sterne. Zeitschrift f Biologie, Bd. 46, 1904. This paper is noteworthy as evidence of the value of kinematographic photography in the study of animal reactions. The author succeeded in obtaining series of photographs of the serpent star (Ophioglypha lacertosa) which show splendidly the manner of locomotion, of turning over, of taking food, of freeing members from encumbrances, etc. One is able to see clearly in these series of pictures the different phases of movement, and to determine precisely what part each member plays in the reaction, as well as the way in which the movements of the parts are coördinated. In addition to descriptions of the normal activities of the organ ism v. UEXKÜLL gives accounts of certain experiments which had to do with food taking and various forms of behavior which are apparently intelligent, and with the forms of reaction of one, two, three or four armed animals. The descriptions of the reactions, which cannot be summarized within the few sentences of this notice, are followed by a consideration of the structure of the animal in its relation to reaction. The mechanics of movement are discussed. In connection with an examination of the principles of action in the nervous system the author takes occasion to show that the nerve impulse always passes in the direction of the expanded muscle (p. 28). The paper is a valuable contribution to our knowledge of the workings of the nervous and muscular systems in this form. Considering the great possibilities of the kinematographic method for the investigation of reactions and their reproductions on paper or on a screen, it is surprising that it is not more widely used. Photographs taken at the rate of 20 to 30 per second make possible the careful analysis of movements which are too rapid for the naked eye to follow satisfactorily. Moreover, a series of photographs will often make clear at a glance what pages of description may fail to make intelligible. R. M. Y. Binet, A. L'Année Psychologique. Tenth year, 1904. Paris, Masson et Cie, Editeurs. The tenth issue of the Année contains the Bibliography for 1903 (about 3000 titles) and the annual abstracts of the more important works. The original memoirs include several of interest to our readers, notably the paper by LECAILLON, "La biologie et la psychologie d'un araignée" and ZWAARDEMAKER'S "Sur la sensibilité de l'oreille aux différentes hauteurs des sons." Besides these features, we have the announcement of systematic annual digests of cytology, anatomy, physiology, pathology, anthropology and a number of other collateral fields, each by a specialist, which promise to be of great value. Twelve such digests are given in this issue. Attention should be called to the fact that the publisher of the Année has been changed since the last issue. C. J. H. Smallwood, W. M. Notes on the Natural History of Some of the Nudibranchs. Bulletin of Syracuse University, Series IV, No. 1, pp. 14-17. Oct. 1, 1904. Data on the copulation and eggs. C. J. H. THE ANÆMIAS yield readily to organic, or true animal iron treatment. A resort to inorganic iron preparations or tonics, serves only to stimulate corpuscular proliferation without supplying sufficient nutrition to mature the blood cells. BOVININE contains 10% ANIMAL IRON, 20% coagulable albumen, and every element of nutrition of the animal, mineral, and vegetable kingdoms. BOVININE administration causes quick increase of the leucocytes, and a consequent arrest of all pathological processes. BOVININE is advertised to the Profession only. Its formula is open to all. A postal brings you our Hand-book on Haematherapy, giving valuable information to both the general practitioner and the specialist. THE BOVININE COMPANY 75 W. HOUSTON STREET, NEW YORK Leitz's Microscopes Are the Standard of Excellence. Sliding and Rotary Microtomes Of Latest Improved Form. Bacteriological Apparatus Laboratory Supplies Duty free prices to Educational Institutions. New York: 411 W. 59th E.Leitz Chicago: 32 Clark cor. Lake St. CONTENTS. Retrograde Degeneration in the Corpus Callosum of the White The Relation of the Chorda Tympani to the Visceral Arches in Recent Contributions to the Body-Mind Controversy. By C. 390 411 418 L. HERRICK. Literary Notices. 421 432 THE JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY AND PSYCHOLOGY is published bi-monthly. The annual volume of six numbers comprises about 500 pages, with plates and text-figures. The subscription price is $4.00 a year, strictly net (foreign subscription, $4.30, 18 s., M. 18, 22 fr., L. 22), postage prepaid. Authors receive 50 reprints of their papers gratis and additional copies are supplied at cost. All MSS. and matter for review relating to the Structure of the Nervous System and all business correspondence should be addressed to the MANAGING EDITOR AT DENISON UNIVERSITY, GRANVILLE, OHIO. Editorial Matter relating to Comparative Psychology and the Physiology of the Nervous System should be sent directly to DR. ROBERT M. YERKES, PSYCHOLOGICAL LABORATORY, HARVARD UNIVERSITY, CAMBRIDGE, MASS. Entered as second-class matter in the Postoffice at Granville, O. Philos The Journal of Comparative Neurology and Psychology (Continuing the Journal of Comparative Neurology) J. MARK BALDWIN, Johns Hopkins University 6. 1. FRANZ, McLean Hospital, Waverley, Mass. 8. J. HOLMES, University of Michigan B. F. KINGSBURY, Cornell University ADOLF MEYER, N. Y. State Pathological Inst. C. LLOYD MORGAN, University College, Bristol Published bi-monthly DENISON UNIVERSITY, GRANVILLE, OHIO |