Page:Proceedings of the Royal Society of London Vol 4.djvu/396

Rh the 21st of June and 21st of September 1841." By Arthur Utting^ Esq. Communicated by Captain Edward J. Johnson, R.N., F.R.S.

2. " On the Anatomy and Physiology of the Decidua." By Ro- bert Lee, M.D., F.R.S.

In this paper, the author describes some appearances which he has observed in the structure of the human decidua, and which ap- parently prove that the circulation of the maternal blood in the ovum is carried on during the early months of gestation, chiefly by the different layers of this membrane, and the cells of the chorion. He has been led by his observations to the belief, that the veins of the uterine decidua convey blood from the decidual cavity into the veins of the uterus ; and that, in all probability, a current of ma- ternal blood is constantly flowing from the cells of the chorion, through the decidua reflexa, into the decidual cavity.

His Majesty the King of Prussia came to the Society, accompa- nied by Baron Alexander von Humboldt: whereupon the Vice- President in the Chair addressed him in the following words : — " May it please Your Majesty,

" It is my duty to express to Your Majesty the great regret which we feel, and which we are confident that the Marquis of Northamp- ton the President of this Society will participate in, that, being in a distant country, he is unable to be present upon this auspicious oc- casion, so interesting to the members, and which will long be grate- fully remembered in the history of the Society.

" In his absence, therefore, I must endeavour, however imperfect- ly, to express to Your Majesty, the great gratification with which the Society will see the august name of Your Majesty, who is vene- rated as the encourager of art, of literature, and of science, enrolled in our Charter book in the same page with those of our most gra- cious and beloved Sovereign and her illustrious Consort ; and we beg leave accordingly to present the Charter book to Your Majesty for that purpose."

His Majesty then signed his name in the Charter book, and was duly admitted a Fellow of the Society.

His Majesty expressed his gratification at having his name en- rolled among the Fellows of the Royal Society.

Baron Alexander von Humboldt, formerly elected a Foreign Member, also signed his name in the Charter book, and was duly admitted a Fellow.