Evolution in reverse: clean air and the peppered moth

Between 1848 and 1895 the melanic form f carbonaria of the peppered moth increased in Manchester from 0 to 98%. The reverse process is now occurring in one locality in Memyside where a year-to-year survey has shown that the pale form f. typica has increased from 6 to 30% between 1959 and 1984. Supporting information also comes from two studies in N Wales. The Clean Air Acts and the consequent decline in air pollution levels are probably responsible but there are many ill–understood problems, not the least being how, and the extent to which, non-visual selection operates.     

Effect of Salt Concentration on Regeneration Rate in Blepharisma Acclimated to High Salt Levels*

SYNOPSIS. Individuals of Blepharisma intermedium (Rao A race) acclimated by prolonged growth in axenic medium containing 8X, 16X, 24X and 32X the concentration of salts in unit standard balanced salt solution (USBSS) used for fresh-water protozoans were tested for rate of regeneration at various salt concentrations, the time for 50% regeneration being used for comparisons. Blepharismas acclimated to axenic medium (of osmolality 10 × USBSS) containing 16X USBSS regenerated at about the same rate as those grown in axenic medium but were delayed at higher salt concentrations. The same was true for those grown in axenic medium containing 32X USBSS, except that the range of higher salt concentration tolerated was much greater. Those acclimated to higher salt concentrations were delayed in regeneration by exposure to lower salt concentrations tolerated by controls. Because growth was very slow in media of higher osmolal concentration, it was not possible to determine the internal concentration of salts in acclimated cells. The morphogenetic process as measured by rate of regeneration, appeared to be less sensitive to increased salt concentration than growth, as measured by cell division.     

Protein Bodies from Developing Seeds of Barley, Maize, Wheat and Peas: The Effects of Protease Treatment

When isolated protein bodies of barley were treated with proteinase-kthey were almost completely digested. Similar results were obtainedwhen fresh homogenates, prepared by rapid chopping of barleyor wheat endosperms into isolation medium, were incubated withthe protease. In contrast, the protein bodies of developingmaize endosperms, or pea cotyledons were resistant to proteaseattack. The results are interpreted as indicating that isolatedprotein bodies of developing wheat and barley endosperms arenot surrounded by a complete membrane whereas those of the peacotyledons and maize endosperms are.     

Associational-Metaphorical Activity: Another View of Language and Mind

This paper extends Sapir's idea that language embodies intertwined and isolable patterns of two distinct orders—patterns of reference (in my terms, communication) and patterns of expression (associational-metaphorical activity). Viewing language as a continuum of usages ranging from schizophrenic usage, at one extreme, to objective, representational usage at the other, associational-metaphorical activity is seen as variously operative throughout. There are illustrations of how this dimension is woven into normal communication. Finally, there is speculation on the source of associational-metaphorical activity and the light it throws on human mentality as projected in language.