Sbe TUntverstts of CbtcagoPrice $1*00 founded by john d. rockefeller Single CopiesPer Year 5 CentsUniversity RecordPUBLISHED BY AUTHORITYCHICAGOZhe *mntvet8itE of Gbicago pxceeVOL. Ill, NO. 45. PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY AT 3:00 P.M. FEBRUARY 3, 1899.Entered in the post office Chicago, Illinois, as second-class matter.CONTENTS.I. Reports from the Zoological Club:Polymorphic Nuclei in Embryonic Germ-cells.By Mary M. Sturges - 295Larvae of Arenicola Cristata. By R. S. Lillie - 295-296II. The University Elementary School - - - 296-298III. The Calendar 298Reports from the Zoological Club*POLYMORPHIC NUCLEI IN EMBRYONIC GERM-CELLS.While studying the oogenesis of Loligo pealei Les.,the squid common at Wood's Holl, Mass., I noticedthat the embryonic germ -cells showed nuclei muchlobed and contorted, a condition which has been observed in other germ-cells and variously accountedfor, as due to amitosis, to deterioration with accompanying fragmentation, to increase of the assimilatingsurface, etc. I wish here briefly to call attention tothis condition in the squid. An account of theoogenesis will soon be completed.Sex first becomes distinct shortly after hatching theembryonic germ-cells being apparently indifferent.During and for a short time after the embryonic periodthe genital gland rests upon the left tongue of theinternal yolk-lobe. Nourishment is evidently directthrough the yolk epithelium, the genital blood vesselsdeveloping toward the end of this period. Duringthis time the nuclei of the germ-cells enlarge rapidlyand show marked lobes, bays and contortions, a cen-* Meetings of the Autumn Quarter 1898. See UniversityRecord, "Vol. Ill, Nos. 4 and 16. trosome being usually visible in one bay of each nucleus.The descendants of these cells, the oogonia and spermatogonia, also show a polymorphism of their nucleiwhich becomes less striking as the number of generations increases and the size of the cells decreasesThese cells always lie near the blood vessels of thegland and their chromatin, like that of the parent-cells, is not finely divided but massed in clumps, alarge clump lying near each bay of the nucleus. Asimilar though less marked polymorphism exists innearly all the somatic nuclei at this embryonic periodand is conspicuous in these rapidly proliferatingstroma-cells at the hilum in which the blood vesselsform.This condition of the nuclei in the germ-cells of thesquid is due neither to deterioration nor to amitosis,for it is shown by all the germ-cells which after attaining a large size divide by mitosis, giving rise to theoogonia and spermatogonia. It seems probable that itis here caused by the rapid growth of the nucleus together with the retention of the centrosome and massedcondition of the chromatin in these rapidly dividingembryonic cells. Mary M. Sturges.LARVAE OF ARENICOLA CRISTATA.The highly resistant organization of these larva©renders them remarkably well fitted for artificial rearing. They may be reared from the egg in sea waterkept aerated by Viva up to a stage where the structure and habits of the adult are practically complete.Addition of carmine powder to the sea water seems toaccelerate development up to a certain point, probably296 UNIVERSITY RECORDon account of the increased food-supply which is thusfurnished to the developing larvae.They leave the egg-strings as slightly elongated,strongly heliotropic larvae with two eye-spots and threebody-segments, each with two pairs of setae. Prototrochand paratroch together with a median ventral band ofcilia are present, and by their aid the larvae swimabout actively, rotating on the long axis at the sametime. After a day or two they settle down and beginto form the tubes in the interior of which they undergothe remainder of their development. These tubes areof very simple construction being composed of anyconvenient foreign particles united by a glutinoussubstance secreted apparently by certain large clearcells, situated anteriorly, which are to be regarded asgland-cells. From now on development progressesuniformly and growth proceeds as usual by the additionof segments at the posterior end. The opacity resulting from the presence of the yolk gradually diminishesas the yolk becomes absorbed, and when twelve segments or so are present the larvae have become almostperfectly transparent. By this time the mouth and anushave appeared and the three divisions of the intestineare established, the mid-gut or stomach, which is veryearly distinguishable, being sharply marked off fromthe fore and hind-guts, the latter of which is ciliated.The anterior part of the fore-gut is eversible andforms a proboscis, which appears at an early stage,and by its activity the neighboring particles of debrisare taken into the intestine and as they pass throughthe latter the food material is extracted, just as in theadult. The essential habits of the adult are thusassumed at a very early stage. As the larva growsolder the uniform segmentation of the body undergoesan alteration and by the time thirty segments or so areattained there is perceptible a division of the body intotwo quite distinct regions which correspond to asimilar division in the adult, where the anterior partof the body, including the first eighteen segments, isof considerably greater diameter than the remainingposterior part which consists of a large and inconstantnumber of very short segments of similar structure.This division gradually becomes more definitelyestablished, and at the same time the gills make theirappearance as simple thin- walled outgrowths of thebody- wall which gradually become branched in a moreand more complex manner. There are thus formedeleven pairs of these structures, situated in segments8 to 18 inclusive and containing looped blood vesselsderived from the main vascular trunks. The nephridiaare already visible through the transparent body-wallas six pairs of somewhat elongated sac-like structuressituated in segments 5 to 10. The otocysts are now clearly visible ; the circulation of the blood with thecontractions of the dorsal vessel and of the two "hearts"can be readily seen, as can also the secondary externaldivision of each of the anterior segments into five bysuperficial circular grooves. At this stage in fact apartfrom their small size (12 to 18 mm.) and completetransparency the larvae are in both habits and structure practically identical with the adult.R. S. Lillie.The following papers were also presented during theQuarter : " Caspar Friedrich Wolff and the TheoriaGenerationis," by Assistant Professor W. M. Wheeler;"Field Work at Turkey Lake, Ind., and a Series ofTurtle -Embryos from that Locality," by Miss E. R.Gregory; "Recent Literature on Spermatogenesis,"by M. F. Guyer ; " Eisig on the Development of theCapitellids," by Dr. C. M. Child; "Early History ofof the Optic Vesicles and Accessory, Eye-like Vesiclesin Vertebrates," by Professor W. A. Locy of Northwestern University ; " Characteristic Features ofMitosis and Amitosis," by Assistant Professor S.Watase ; "The Field Columbian Museum Expeditionto Africa in 1896," by Professorial Lecturer D. G.Elliott, Director of the Expedition ; " ProtectiveColoration," by Dr. W. H. Dudley.The University Elementary School.group VII.[Continuation of work reported in the University Record,November 25, 1898.]In Latin simply forms of stories in Roman Historyhave been studied. Romulus and Remus, Corneliaand her sons, and Horatius were given them, newwords being illustrated by drawings or action, orsuggested by English equivalents. Questions areasked in Latin, and the reply of the child in Latinshows whether he understands the meaning of theword and has caught the inflection. No formal grammar is taught, the children being expected to get thisunconsciously.In history the story begun by the class' in theautumn was finished. It covered the early development of life from the cave period to the time of themaking of cloth, discovery and use of metals, andbeginning of agriculture. The class as a whole discussed the points that were to be written about, theneach child developed these as best he could with thehelp of his imagination or general knowledge. Theresults were criticised in class, the first test appliedbeing whether the paper described what was probable.UNIVERSITY RECORD 297This criterion served to curb those whose imaginations led toward the marvelous. The best papers,were incorporated in the story, typewritten, and readby the class. In the story the children had workedout the gradual improvement in forms of homes, inweapons, and in tools, by using and adapting thecrude materials which man found about him. Theysaw the reason for combination of groups into tribes,the necessity for laws, the advantages of trade, andthe control over animals and training of them to serveman's needs. In trying to reason back from a claydish or an iron axe to discover how it was made, thechildren realized that they had an easier task than theman who felt the need of a dish and of an axe and hadto discover the materials from which to make them.The tribe chosen for study was superior to all othertribes about it, and only those impulses which led toward higher civilization were studied. Every thoughtthat might result in improvement of weapon, tool orhome life was told to the chief, and shared by thewhole tribe, the one who suggested or invented receiving due honor. Bravery was a virtue because it servedthe whole tribe, and cowardice reprehensible becauseit endangered all. Much of the atmosphere of life ina forest was gained by the children as they tried towrite a description of a solitary man exploring an unknown country to discover a new home for the tribe,when the old home had become unable longer to support life. Or they followed a single hunter, or groupof hunters, along a river bank, through a deep anddangerous forest, to secure food without which thewhole tribe must die, and understood how essential akeen observation of the habits of animals, and of skillin the use of such weapons as they had must have been.When other tribes disputed with them the huntingground, their power to hold it depended upon theirbetter means of defense or attack, or upon braver men.So the use of the long spear, of the shield, of fortification, and the simplest military tactics, were thoughtof. The desire for inventions or the possessions ofanother man or tribe too strong to be attacked,led to trade as an easier method of obtaining them,and to a degree of respect for the rights of others.They saw the sudden death of some one of theirnumber, and speculated about the future life, whichthey suspected from vivid dreams. And when thegreat chief died they decided to raise a mound abovehim, so that the memory of his deeds might be preserved., With the beginning of the winter quarter we tookup first a brief account of the Lake Dwellers — in orderto show the result of a permanent location in leisurefor improvement in pottery, basket-making and knowl edge of animals, seeds, etc. — and then began thestudy of peoples now living, who are still in the primitive stage, or have developed a civilization differentfrom our own. The study of the autumn quarter hasenabled the children to understand the difficultiesthat confront an isolated people, and to know what tolook for as a criterion of degree of civilization. Thepresent quarter's work will give them an idea of thegeography of the world and the peoples of differentcontinents, and some idea of how forms of civilizationare dependent upon adaptation to environment.In science the group has studied the adaptation ofinsects for the winter* the adaptation of plants forfood of insects, pollination, and cross fertilization.This study enabled the children to see the relation ofplants and animals to one another and the dependence of both upon inorganic matter. In the study ofpollination they incidentally learned the names of theparts of a flower, and how each is adapted to aspecific end.In another class in science they have taken up thesimplest principles of machines as a means of utilizing or overcoming force in nature. They began bystudying wheels and springs. All the different uses towhich these were put wrere suggested and discussed ;then a clock was taken apart and put together, inorder to see the relation of small cogwheels to largerones, and the effect of the pendulum in regulating themotions of the wheel. Experiments were tried withthree lengths of the pendulum, in order to find outhow the length of the pendulum is related to time,how it affects the rotation of the wheel, and the principle on which it depends. In working out this theydiscovered what a square of a number is and what adirect and an indirect ratio is.The work in cooking has been the same as that reported for Group VI last week. The food cooked forthe luncheon of the group is supplemented by sandwiches and fruit brought by two children in turn forthe whole group. The setting of the table, assigningof places, and waiting on guests is done by two of thegroup assigned to the task in order. One or two fromother groups are invited guests, and the luncheon isregarded as a social event which requires care andmanagement. Guests are given seats of honor andentertained.In sewing work has been practically the same asthat of Group VI. The group is now at work on rattan baskets, which are needed for various purposes inthe school.In the shop a variety of articles has been made aspresents. Some of these were small hand blotters,made from solid wood sawed in a semi-ellipse on the298 UNIVERSITY RECORDunder side, and furnished with a knob handle. Finding the center point for the knob brought in a littleconstructive geometry. Small trays for toilet articleswere made, involving chip carving. Some of the grouphave made book -racks for a table, and small easels. Allhave made book-binders for records of cooking lessons.In music individual drill has been given in voiceand ear training. They have written a group songand have learned songs for chorus singing.Their work in the art department has been theillustrating of stories studied in Latin. They are nowtrying to draw Horatius at the bridge. Before beginning to draw, pictures of river scenery were shownthem and talked about. Then each child drew hisidea of the scene. Many of the drawings were without perspective and the children were led to seethat Horatius could easily step across the Tiber. Theythen began to plan the horizon line and place thedetails of the foreground in proper perspective.In French the vocabulary of the children has beengradually enlarged by learning new words and theforms they would assume in sentence structure. Thesimpler verbs have been taken up in three persons ofthe singular and plural, and the interrogative andnegative forms of sentence. Words are given the children and they are asked to write sentences in whichthe words are used. Some of the lessons are given inconnection with sewing, and the children are taughtto describe in French what they are doing.The work in the gymnasium is continued along thelines of physical development and games which develop alertness. The game of bean bag, recently introduced, requires counting by fives and tens. Number work is introduced in connection with all studieswherever practicable.Calendar.february 3-11, 1899.Friday, February 3.Chapel- Assembly : Divinity School. — Chapel, CobbHall, 10:30 a.m.Mathematical Club and Physics Club hold a jointmeeting in Ryerson Physical Laboratory, Room 32,4:00 p.m.Discussion : " Can a Fourier Series represent a Discontinuous Function?" to be opened by Head ProfessorMichelson.Note: "On the Mechanical Solution of Equations," byAssistant Professor Young.Philological Society meets in Cobb Lecture Hall,Room 8 B, 8:00 p.m.Head Professor Manly will read on "Another HamletProblem." Saturday, February 4.Regular Meetings of Faculties and Boards :Meeting of the Administrative Board of PhysicalCulture and Athletics, 8:30 a.m.The Faculty of the Junior Colleges, 10:00 a.m.The University Senate, 11:30 a.m.Sunday, February 5.Vesper Service, Kent Theater, 4:00 p.m.Head Professor Burton will speak.Union meeting of the Y. M. C. A. and Y. W. C. A.,Haskell Museum, 7:00 p.m.Monday, February 6.Chapel-Assembly : Junior Colleges. — Chapel, CobbLecture Hall, 10:30 a.m. (required of Junior CollegeStudents).Geological Club meets in the Lecture Room of WalkerMuseum, 4: 30 p.m.Professor C. R. Van Hise will discuss " Some Battlefieldsof American Stratigraphy."Sociology Club meets with Head Professor Small,5731 Washington av., 8: 00 p.m.Miss Annie M. MacLean will read on "Life behind theCounters."Tuesday, February 7.Chapel-Assembly : Senior Colleges. — Chapel, CobbHall, 10:30 a.m. (required of Senior College Students).Division Lectures before the Junior Colleges by Associate Professor MacClintock, in Kent Theater,10:30 a.m.Botanical Club meets in Botanical Building, Room 23,5:00 p.m.A paper on "The Morphology of Gnetum," written by Dr.Lotsy of the Botanical gardens at Buitenzorg, will bereviewed by W. R. Smith.H. F. Roberts will review a paper by Schind on "TheFunction of Amus in Cereals."Wednesday, February 8.Division Lectures before the Senior Colleges by thePresident in the Chapel, Cobb Hall, 10: 30 a.m.Meeting of the Y. M. C. A., Haskell Museum, 7:00 p.m.Thursday, February 9.Graduate Assembly.— Chapel, Cobb Hall, 10:30 a.m.Friday, February 10.Chapel-Assembly : Divinity School. — Chapel, CobbHall, 10:30 a.m.Saturday, February 11.Regular Meetings of Faculties and Boards :The Administrative Board of the University Press,8:30 a.m.Administrative Board of University Affiliations,8:30 a.m.The Faculty of the Senior Colleges, 10:00 a.m.The University Council, 11:30 a.m.