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it is chiefly, if not solely, from the nitrates that the crops build up their nitrogenous organic constituents. Dr. Völcker's analyses of drainage waters further showed that potash and phosphoric acid, which certainly are the most important mineral constituents for the plant, are almost entirely retained in the soil, whilst the less important, as lime or magnesia, or sulphuric acid, pass with greater readiness out of the land.

Entomological Society, May 1.-Prof. Westwood, M. A., F. L.S., in the chair. Mr. Higgins exhibited fine collections of exotic Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, &c., from Natal and Borneo, and a number of photographic coloured figures of larvæ from Natal. -Mr. Meek exhibited Nyssia lapponaria, Duponchel, captured in Perthshire by Mr. Warrington, and new to Britain. Mr. Champion exhibited Scydmanus rufus, captured by him in Richmond Park, a beetle new to Britain.-The Rev. R. P. Murray exhibited a collection of Swiss insects, including a singular variety of Lycana Eurydice.-Mr. Bicknell exhibited an extraordinary specimen of Conepteryx rhamni, captured by Mr. Cowan at Beckenham in March 1870; this individual had the central margin of both fore wings, and of the right hind wing, broadly suffused with deep crimson; it was considered that the colour was accidental, and probably owing to the wings having come in contact with some chemical substance. Mr. Bicknell exhibited varieties of other British Lepidoptera.-Mr. Stainton exhibited drawings of Micro-Lepidoptera from New Grenada collected by Baron von Noloken. -Mr. M'Lachlan exhibited the tusk of a female Indian elephant lent to him by Dr. Sclater. The root of this tusk was much eroded and blackened, and on the diseased part were long rows of eggs, apparently those of some insect. The elephant had been shot in Malabar by Mr. G. S. Roden, of the 1st Royal, and both its tusks were in the same condition. Furthermore, it appeared from the notes of a writer in the Field that this circumstance was not uncommon, but always occurred in the female elephant. None of the members could give any information respecting the parasite, but it was generally considered that the parasite had not caused the decay, but rather that it had taken advantage of a previously morbid condition. Mr. Lewis exhibited an earthern jar, like an ordinary tobacco jar, of Chinese manufacture. It had an enormously thick porous bottom, and it was stated that the inhabitants of Pekin use these jars for the purpose of confining large beetles, which they keep for fighting. The beetles are allowed no food but water, and become extremely ferocious. Prof. Westwood reminded the meeting that the Chinese were already known to keep mantides for fighting purposes.-M. Müller read notes on a gall on the common brake (Pteris aquilina) found by Mr. Rothway, and he remarked that Schenck had noticed the same gall in Germany, and referred it to Diastrophus rubi.-Prof. Westwood read descriptions of new species of Lucanida.-Mr. Bates read a description of a remarkable longicorn beetle from Matabili land, in the interior of South Africa, sent to him by Mr. T. Baines. This insect he proposed to call Bolbotritus Bainesii. It was especially remarkable for the enormously swollen third joint of the antennæ, the other joints being much shortened. Mr. Bates also read a description of a new species of Mallaspis from Chiriqui, which he named M. præcellens.-Mr. Kirby communicated synonymic notes on European Lepidoptera.-Attention | was called to paragraphs going the round of the London daily papers respecting a so-called storm of insects said to have occurred on two occasions recently at Bath. These records were characrised by the usual newspaper inaccuracy and vagueness on scientific matters. Prof. Westwood thought they probably referred to Branchypus stagnalis, a large fresh-water entromos.

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Buto, and is dated in the seventh year of Alexander (311 B.C.). It records the restoration to the priests of Buto of the district formerly given to them by Khabash, an Egyptian monarch, contemporaneous with the later years of Darius and Xerxes, which last monarch is mentioned in disparaging terms, probably to flatter Ptolemy, the Macedonian ruler of Egypt, who is styled on it, "The Satrap of Alexander." Dr. Birch also contribute.l a second paper, based upon communications received from Lieut. Prideaux, containing the interpretation by himself and the Baron de Moltzan, of three bronze tablets, with inscriptions in the Himyaritic character, recording adorations by Hanbaz, an Himyaritic monarch, to the deities Ath-tor and Wud on the conquest of the town of Kuderamelek. --A third paper was further read by Prof. Goldschmidt (of Copenhagen) on the derivation of the name AlyʊTTOs, from Ukh-hap-t, ie, "the land of the good stream-sending spirit." Some discussion followed the reading of these papers, Messrs. W. R. A. Boyle, S. M. Drach, Rev. T. Gorman, Rev. I. Mills, Sir Charles Nicholson, &c., took part.

CAMBRIDGE

Philosophical Society, May 1.-Mr. G. Hale, M. A., and Mr. C. Smith, B.A., Sidney College, and Mr. A. G. Greenhill, B. A., St. John's College, were elected Fellows. The following paper was read:-"On the Measurement of an arc of the Meridian in Lapland," by Mr. I. Todhunter, F. R.S. The object of this memoir was to draw attention to the numerous errors which have been made, even by distinguished astronomers, in their accounts of the two measurements of an arc of the meridian in Lapland. A comparison of the original authorities on the subject at once detects these errors, and supplies the necessary corrections.

EDINBURGH

Royal Physical Society, April 26.-Mr. C. W. Peach president, in the chair. After the appointment of committees for carrying on special investigations during the summer, Dr. M'Bain communicated a paper by Dr. John Kennedy Elis, "Remarks on a Japanese Skull."-Dr. Robert Brown read "Notes on the Breeding Places and Food of some Scottish Sea Birds," by Captain M'Donald, Fishery Cruiser Vigilant.-Mr. Peach exhibited a fine mass of gulf weed covered with small cirripedes, which he received on Monday last from Captain N. Leslie, of the ship Lady Milton, now lying at West Hartlepool, picked up on the homeward voyage; and then read the following extract from the captain's letter:-"I picked up a lot of gulf weed in 32 N. and 7 70 W., on the 9th of March. I send a sample; it looked very beautiful when fresh, so many little barnacles, and all full of life when in a bucket of water. I am now sorry that none of it was bottled, if only for curiosity; it might lead you to something of a knowledge of seasons, as I never saw so many barnacles on a voyage as I have this time, either on seaweed or wreck, and, strange to say, there are none on the ship's bottom. Last year we saw none on the seaweeds, &c., when the quarters of the ship were nearly covered with them, and this although we had not so much fine weather as this."-Mr. Peach stated that the cirripede most abundant in the parcel thus sent was covered with bars and spines, much like Oxynaselis celata of Darwin's monograph, but it differed in so many respects that it might prove to be a new species. Mr. Andrew Taylor read "Notes on the Geology of Inchkeith."

NEW ZEALAND

From

Wellington Philosophical Society, January 28.-Hon. W. B. D. Mantell, F.G.S., president, in the chair. the report of the Council it appears that out of fifty-nine communications made to the Society during the past year forty-four will appear in the forthcoming volume of the Transactions. The number of members has increased from 85 to 103, and the accounts show a balance in hand of tol. 10s. 7d. The chief item of expenditure has been a grant of 50%. in aid of the Botanic Gardens, for the purpose of having the collection of native plants completed by the addition of those found in other parts of the colony, and also in providing labels for the principal trees and shrubs along the paths, giving the scientific and native nam:es. The office bearers chosen for the ensuing year are W, T. L. Travers, F.L.S., President; J. C. Crawford, F.G.S.. and W. L. Buller, F.L.S., Vice-Presidents, with J. Hector, M.D., F.R.S,, and Messrs, J. Kebbell, W. Lyon, F.G.S., R. Hart, and W. Skey, as members of the Council. F. M. Ollivier, Esq., Hon. Secretary and Treasurer. Messrs. J. Prendergast, G. Allan, W. Colenso, F.Z.S., and Dr. Knox, were elected new

members. Dr. Hector called attention to a live katipo or poisonous native spider, with nest and young ones, on the table, and read a short notice by Mr. Duigan, of Wanganui, of an extraordinary flight of beetles that passed over that district in December last.-A paper was then read by Mr. Travers from Mr. Shand, of the Chatham Islands, describing the different kinds of Mokihi or flax stalk canoes that the natives used in former times, a model of one of which is in the Museum.-Dr. Hector gave an interesting account of the reports he had received from more than thirty stations respecting the magnificent meteor that passed over New Zealand on the Ist instant, at 8.30 P.M., which, he stated, had a general course from about a point west of north through the zenith of Picton, over which place it passed at less than thirty miles altitude above the surface of the earth, travelling with an apparent velocity of 12 miles per second. Its form was that of a ball intensely luminous, of a reddish hue, with a long very brilliant tapering tail, the light of which resembled burning magnesium wire, but giving off red sparks. It completely eclipsed the light of the moon which was shining brightly. The area over which it had been seen has a length of 700 miles, and width of 300, from lat. 36° S., long. 122° E., to lat. 45° S., long. 175° E. The apparent diameter of the head was 10', and the length of the tail tapering about 1° Some of the observations appear to indicate that its course must have descended towards the earth's surface, but this depends on mere estimates of angular altitude, which cannot be depended on. The prolonged detonation which followed the passage of the meteor does not appear to have been heard at all the stations, but chiefly at those in the vicinity of Cook Strait, where the path of the meteor intersected New Zealand, all the observers in the North Island having seen it to the west, and those in the South Island to the east. When nearest to Wellington it must have been at a distance in a direct line of fifty-five miles, which agrees with the time, five minutes, which elapsed before the report was heard. This shows that the report did not proceed from the final bursting of the meteor, but proceeded from it at the time it was nearest to the observer. Indeed, from the length of the path in which the meteor was seen, its sudden disappearance, as if by bursting, must have been an optical illusion in the case of all the northerly observers. Mr. Marchant stated that he had witnessed another meteor, almost equal in brilliancy to the above, on the previous evening (27th inst.), passing from east to west. Mr. Floyd of the Telegraph Department, stated that this meteor was reported at several stations in the North Island, and appeared to have passed over Napier on the east, to Patea on the west coast. Its colour was blue.-After some further discussion two important papers on the electromotive and conductive power of mineral sulphides, were read by Mr. Skey, in which he claims to have made some discoveries.

PARIS

Academie des Sciences, April 21.-Eighteen members present. The sitting was not devoid of interest, although the commu nications were far from numerous. M. Egger, professor of Greek at the Sorbonne and member of the Academie des Belles Lettres, availed himself of the privilege granted to the members of different academies. He read a very long dissertation on a papyrus found in 1866, which gave a great deal of information on the state of ancient Egyptian civilisation. It related chiefly to the prices of different articles used in those times. The bursting of the shells and the thunder of French artillery was distinctly heard. It was an impressive scene to see these learned men discussing a civilisation which was swept from the earth so many centuries ago at a time when their own country was threatened by ruin not less awful and perhaps more disgraceful. The Comptes Rendus of the 7th April had gone through the press as usual. Its most important article was a communication from Prof. Simon Newcomb on the new method invented by him for discussing the inequalities of the moon's motion. The extract, four pages in length, is an abstract from the original communication, which was left by the American astronomer in the hands of the Committee instructed to report upon it. These Comptes Rendus are printed by Gauthier-Villars, printer to the Academy, at a great expense, and with the greatest difficulty. The continuation of the publication is highly creditable to that firm, of which the head, M. Gauthier-Villars, is a former pupil of the Polytechnic School. To show how difficult the business must be to manage, we must say, moreover, that the publisher of the Connaissance des Temps for 1872 is stopped merely because it is impossible to find working men for the printing of the last four

sheets, which are ready to go through the press. If things continue for some time, French navigators sailing for distant Pacific Ocean expeditions will be obliged to resort to the Nautical Almanack.

DIARY

THURSDAY, MAY 11.

ROYAL SOCIETY, at 8.30.-An Experimental Inquiry into the Constitution of Blood, and the Nutrition of Mu cular Tissue: Dr. Marcet, F.R.S.-On Non-Spontaneous Generation. On the Influence of Heat on Protoplasmic Life. On the Preparation of Nitrogen: Prof. Crace-Calvert, F.R.S. SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES, at 8.30.-Sepulchral Remains at Rouen: The Abbé Cochet, Hon. F.S.A.-Letter to Mr. John Stanhope, from Sir Geo. Buck: Earl Stanhope, President S.A.-Sir James Tyrrell cleared (A. D. 1483 Rev. W. H. Sewell.

MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY, at 8.-On the Singularities of the Envelope of a
non-Unicursal Series of Curves: Prof. Henrici. -On the Resultant of a
large number of Vibrations of Irregular Phase, as applied to the Explana-
tion of the Coronas: Hon. J. W. Strutt.-A Question in the Mathematical
Theory of Vibrating Strings: W. Spottiswoode, F.R.S-On the Problem
of Finding the Circle which cuts Three given Circles at given angles
(communicated by Prof. Cayley, F. R.S.): J. Griffiths, M.A.
ROYAL INSTITUTION, at 3.—Ốn Sound: Prof. Tyndall.
LONDON INSTITUTION, at 7.30.-On Economic Botany: P.of. Bentley.
FRIDAY, MAY 12.

ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, at 8,
QUEKETT MICROSCOPICAL CLUB, at 8.
ROYAL INSTITUTION, at 9.-On the Defence of the United Kingdǝm: Col.
Jervo's, R. E.

SATURDAY, MAY 13.

ROYAL SCHOOL OF MINES, at 8.-Geology: Dr. Cobbold. ROYAL INSTITUTION, at 3.-On the Instruments Used in Modern Astronomy: J. N. Lockyer, F.R.S.

MONDAY, MAY 15.

LONDON INSTITUTION, at 4.-On Astronomy: R. A. Proctor, F.R A S. ANTHROPOLOGICAL INSTITUTE, at 8.—On Dreams, Sympathy, Presentiment, and on Divination and Analogous Phenomena among the Natives of Natal: Dr. H. Callaway.-Notes on a Cairn at Khangaum, and on a Kist in Argyleshire: Dr. A. Campbell.

TUESDAY, MAY 16. STATISTICAL SOCIETY, at 7 45-On the Influence of a High Bank Rate of Discount on Monetary Crises: R. H. Patterson. ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY, at 9.-A Description of the Madreporaria dredged up during the Expedition of H.M.S. Porcupine in 1869-70: Dr. P. Martin Duncan.-On Speke's Antelope and the allied species of the genus Tragelaphus: Sir V. Brooke, Bart.-On a new Humming-bird, discovered by Mr. Whiteley, in Peru: Mr. J. Gould.

ROYAL INSTITUTION, at 3.—On Force and Energy: Charles Brooke, F.R.S. WEDNESDAY, MAY 17.

SOCIETY OF ARTS, at 8.-On the Utilisation of Prison Labour: Captain E. F. Du Cane, R. E.

ROYAL SOCIETY OF LITERATURE, at 8.30.-On Shakespeare's Birthday: C. M. Ingleby, LL.D.

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A

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 1871

THE PEOPLE'S UNIVERSITY GIGANTIC and imposing educational scheme is about to be launched, which, whether it proves feasible or not, must attract the attention and enlist the sympathy of all well-wishers to the intellectual development and material welfare of the country. This is no less an idea than the establishment of a National Working Men's University, which is to be founded with special reference to instruction in those subjects which have a direct bearing on the arts and manufactures. That our workmen are, as a rule, altogether ignorant of the scien tific principles upon which the processes they ought to guide and govern are dependent, and that England in this respect stands in a much inferior position to continental nations, is now a well-recognised fact. The result of this lamentable ignorance is stated by certain authorities to be severely felt in those of our trades and manufactures in which we have to compete with other nations; and although this conclusion has been denied by many, yet concerning the necessity for scientific education amongst our artisans there has never been a difference of opinion. The question then arises, How are we to bring to our rising artisans on an extended and national scale the knowledge of scientific principles which they so much need, and for which the best of their class show so much desire and even aptitude? One solution to this problem is being attempted by the scheme of a National University for Industrial and Technical Training. The proposal is to establish a metropolitan institution in which complete and thorough instruction in all those branches of knowledge which are of importance to our manufacturing industry shall be given. It is proposed (1) to build ample lecturerooms, laboratories, art (as well as scientific) museums on the most extended scale; (2) to create professorships both of the pure sciences and of such more technical subjects as can be systematically treated, and we will also hope chairs of at least such literary subjects as the modern languages; and (3) to found scholarships by which artisans may be enabled to live during the years of their studentship. This central university is to be connected with other similar institutions scattered over the country in the foci of the industrial pursuits, each carrying out in its locality the same function which the central one is to perform perhaps on a somewhat higher scale for the metropolis and the country in general.

The idea is a noble and grand one, but the difficulties of carrying it out are immense, whilst the dangers of the scheme proving abortive are scarcely less so. The first requisite in such a scheme for artisan education is money, the second condition of success is good management. If the wealthy city guilds come forward to the good work

with subscriptions of tens and hundreds of thousands, and

if men of ability and of high views and of sound practical knowledge on educational questions undertake to work the scheme, the University of the People may possibly become a reality.

That the best of the English artisans value a scientific training when it is placed within their reach, is a matter which has now been satisfactorily proved, and if any system

VOL. IV.

of high science instruction can be inaugurated by which the force of thousands of powerful brains, now lying dormant, can be made productive, an increase of energy will be gained to the country of which we cannot form the slightest conception.

When, however, we come to count the cost, we may well doubt the accomplishment of the design, for we must set it down as a first principle that every artisan must not only be gratuitously taught, but also kept during the period of his studentship. This would necessitate a scholarship of at least 40%. per annum for each student; or 40,000l. for every thousand students; add to this a like sum (a moderate estimate) for the payment of professors, expenses of working the science departments, museums, &c. we see that each student will cost probably nearly 100l. There is, of course, plenty of money, even in the metropolis itself, which might with propriety be applied to this most laudable object, but whether such a sum can be raised as shall yield an annual income say of 80,000l. to 100,000l. large enough to support a People's University on a truly national scale (and anything less than this would be a practical failure) appears more than doubtful. For although the importance of this movement, in a national point of view, cannot in reality be overestimated, it is but too evident that this opinion is not held by the world at large, and certainly not (unless they are much belied) by rich corporations or city companies; and without aid from some such old and wealthy foundations, a scheme of this kind can scarcely be permanently supported.

The financial are, however, by no means the only or the most important difficulties which will beset the new University. These will only begin to be felt when the scheme has been started-such as dangers of giving an instruction too purely theoretic, or of running into the worse evil of teaching details without scientific aperçu.

In face of such difficulties it all the more behoves those who really believe the movement to be a wise and beneficial one, to exert themselves to support it. It is simply a duty to draw attention to a proposal which, if properly carried out, may improve to a very important extent the condition of Science in England.

THE SUN

H. E. ROSCOE

Le Soleil. Exposé des principales découvertes modernes sur la structure de cet astre, son influence dans l'univers et ses relations avec les autres corps celestes. Par le P A. Secchi, S.J. Pp. 422, 8vo. (Paris: Gauthier Villars, 1870. London: Williams and Norgate.) The Sun: Ruler, Fire, Light, and Life of the Planetary System. By Richard A. Proctor, B.A., F. R.A S. Pp. 480, crown 8vo. (London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1871.)

D URING the past few years the number of workers in the domain of solar physics has been so great, their progress so rapid, and the results of their labours have been published in so many forms, that it has been difficult to keep pace with them. Under these circumstances, a summary of these labours, which shall extract what is most valuable from all, and refer the reader to the original publications for the remainder, is a great desideratum.

D

The work of the Père Secchi seems designed not so much to supply this particular want as to give a general popular resumé, of what is known of the physical constitution of the Sun. It would therefore scarcely be just to measure it by the standard in question, and all the less just because the very branch of research in which the author is most eminent is that of which he speaks the least. Only one chapter and part of another are given to spectrum analysis of the solar light and its results, and as the operation of spectrum analysis itself is described at some length, there is little space left for the discussion of the results. Roughly speaking, one half the book is devoted to a description of purely optical phenomena as observed with a telescope. The appearances and movements of the solar spots are in particular treated at great length. The other half is devoted to radiation, temperature, gravitation, spectrum analysis, and the relation of the sun to the stars. The chapter on Radiation seems designed to save the reader the trouble of referring to elementary works on natural philosophy or chemistry, and the next has nearly the same object with respect to astronomy.

The chapter on Temperature is that which has most piqued our curiosity. The author calculates that the temperature of the sun must be at least ten millions degrees centigrade. On examining the process by which he reaches this conclusion, we find that he sets aside the law of radiation of Dulong and Petit, and substitutes that of radiation proportional to the simple temperature. He gives no reason for the adoption of this new law, and we were not aware that the other had been disproved. The question is of importance, for, if the law of Dulong and Petit were true, a sun at a temperature of ten million degrees would speedily reduce our earth to vapour. It would be interesting to measure the temperature of a furnace by the effect of its radiation upon a thermometer, in the same way that Père Secchi has measured that of the sun.

The paper and typography of the work are excellent, and among the illustrations are six finely-executed charts of stellar spectra, illustrating the author's classification of such spectra.

Mr. Proctor's work, while covering nearly the same general ground with the former, is much more complete in its account of recent observations and theories, especially of the phenomena of solar eclipses. It is, on the whole, better than might have been supposed from its stilted title. The first chapter is designed to give an historical discussion of the solar parallax. A history of this subject at the same time popular, accurate, and complete, is indeed much to be desired; but Mr. Proctor's is imperfect and inaccurate in a remarkable degree. He begins very well, but grows worse and worse as he approaches his conclusion. He suddenly stops his history with the year 1868, and ignores all that has been said or done since. Confining ourselves to two or three paragraphs and a note near the close of the chapter, we find the "ligaments," "black drops," and distortions sometimes seen in interior contacts of the limbs of Mercury or Venus with that of the Sun, described as if they were regular phenomena of a transit, without a mention of the facts and experiments which indicate that these phenomena are simple products of insufficient optical power and bad definition, which disappear in a fair atmosphere, with a good telescope well adjusted to focus; and this is followed up with a grave

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proposal to measure this product of bad definition during the next Transit of Venus. One might suppose, from his closing statements, that Mr. Stone was the first to "infer from the account given by the different observers, whether real or apparent contact was noticed," and to allow for the difference between the two. The subsequent examinations of the observations used by Mr. Stone are, with a single insignificant exception, entirely ignored. We cannot, therefore, but wish that the author, before printing this chapter, had submitted it for revisal to some one acquainted with the subject.

In the second chapter we find the author more at home. We rarely see the accuracy of the mathematician united with that vigour and clearness of style so desirable in the popular presentation of truth. Mr. Proctor, however, here seems to unite both qualifications in a high degree.

The third chapter gives a very clear and satisfactory account of the first principles of spectrum analysis. The historical and the logical development of this subject coincide remarkably with each other, and it is therefore that very properly adopted in its presentation. We find one statement which we must ask leave to doubt, until a more satisfactory proof is given than we have yet seen. It is that the intensity of the D light (if we may use the expression) of incandescent sodium vapour is not only apparently but actually diminished by passing sun-light through it. If this were so, it would follow that the sodium flame not only absorbed the light in question, but that, in doing so, it lost the power of emitting it. This would, indeed, be a remarkable result. We understand Kirchhoff, in the experiment alluded to, to speak only of relative light and darkness, and to assert that the D part of the combined spectrum is less bright than the surrounding and intermediate parts. But we cannot conclude from this that there was really less light there than when the sodium flame shone by itself, as Mr. Proctor does.

The succeeding chapters give a very full, classified summary of recent observations upon the sun, the protuberances, the corona, and the zodiacal light. The accounts of the phenomena observed during total eclipses are carried up to that of August 1869. From the preface it would seem that the work was passing through the press in December 1870, and it is a pity it could not have been completed by adding the observations of the eclipse during that month. The discussion of theories of the corona and protuberances is evidently honest, and perhaps intended to be complete. He tries to disprove the "atmospheric glare theory" by showing that no part of our atmosphere in the direction of the corona is illuminated by direct sunlight, a proposition which we apprehend no one ever maintained. But we know that every bright celestial object is surrounded by a certain amount of stray light, due to atmospheric reflection, which increases rapidly in intensity as we approach the object; and such a light must therefore surround the real corona and protuberances. We also know that every bright object of this kind appears larger than it really is, and of a different form, from mere optical illusion. Until these two effects are eliminated, we can gain no positive knowledge either of the exact form or the exact extent of the real objective corona. The "meteoric theory" of the corona and zodiacal light, sustained by the author, is subject to objections as grave as those he brings against other theories;

but we have no room to explain them at length in the present article. It is the less necessary to do so, as the final conclusion of the subject is very well embodied in two lines of the table of contents:-"The origin of the prominences still a mystery," "The corona's true nature also unknown."

Respecting the general spirit of the work, it may be remarked that while the author doubtless intends to do justice to all the investigators whose labours he describes, there is one feature of the work which may lead the reader to doubt whether he has really done so. We refer to the indications of personal feeling scattered here and there, and the depreciating tone adopted in treating of the labours of those he does not personally like. However this may be, there are few or no popular expositions of a scientific subject in which the observations, opinions, and labours of so many men of science have been collected and referred to their authors.

S. NEWCOMB

FOREIGN SCIENTIFIC ASSOCIATIONS Proceedings of the Scientific Association of Trinidad, 1866-69, Port of Spain. (London: Trübner and Co.)

sequently merged in the "Proceedings " and "Historical Collections" of the Institute, the former commencing in 1848, and the latter in 1859. It is only with the "Proceedings" that we have to deal at present, and the volumes now before us contain "The Records of the Meetings, the Written Communications on Natural History and Horticulture, and the Naturalist's Directory." Amongst the most important memoirs we may especially notice Morse "On a Classification of Mollusca based on the Principles of Cephalization; " Verrill's "Synopsis of the Polyps and Corals of the North Pacific Exploring Expedition from 1853 to 1856, collected by Dr. Stimpson;" Hyatt's "Observations on Polyzoa;" Dr. Wilder's "Revision of researches and experiments upon Silk from Spiders, and upon their Reproduction, by Raymond Mariâ de Termeyen, a Spaniard, translated from the Italian ;" Horace Mann, "On the Flora of the Hawaiian Islands;" Cowes's "Catalogue of the Birds of North America in the Museum of the Essex Institute;" Wood, "On the Phalangea of the United States;" and Packard "On Insects inhabiting Salt Water."

These quarterly "Proceedings" came to a close at the end of the year 1868, when the "Bulletin of the Essex Institute," which appears in monthly parts, took its place. The "Bulletin," which we shall take an early opportunity

General Interest, both of an Historical and Scientific character, made at the Meetings of the Institute, and the Records of the Meetings and Business of the Insti

Proceedings of the Essex Institute. Vols 4 to 6. 1864–70. of noticing, contains "All the short Communications of
Salem, U.S. (London: Trübner and Co.)
Journal of the North China Branch of the Royal
Asiatic Society. 1864-68. New Series. (Shanghai :
A. de Carvalho. London: Trübner and Co.)

THE

HE Scientific Association of Trinidad has now been in existence for some years. Its object is "the cultivation of scientific knowledge in the West Indies" and if we may judge by the character of most of the memoirs contained in the parts of the Proceedings hitherto published, it must be a very useful society.

Dr. Mitchell has communicated more papers than any other member. He has contributed articles "On the Use of Sulphites in Medicine," with an "Additional Note on the Use of Sulphites and Bisulphites, whether Medicinally or otherwise," "On Earth Closets," "Hints on the Breeding and Rearing of Horses," "On the Manufacture of Sugar by the Process of Drying the Cane," and "On the Manufacture of Sugar by Evaporation." Mr. Guppy contributes three papers, "On the Mollusca of Trinidad," "On Petroleum and Naphtha," "Remarks on the Cultivation of Scientific Knowledge in Trinidad," "On the Tertiary Fossils of the West Indies," and "On the Marine Shells found on the Shores of Trinidad." Amongst other articles of permanent interest we may especially mention Dr. Goding "On the Petroleum or 'Green Tar,' and the 'Manjack' of Barbadoes," the Hon. Richard Hill, “On Poisonous Fishes," and "On Fish Poisons;" and Mr. Prestoe's "Catalogue of Plants in the Royal Botanic Gardens." Many of the subjects treated of in these Proceedings serve to illustrate various points described by the Rev. Canon Kingsley in his charming "Letters from the Tropics."

The Essex institute seems to have commenced its existence as the Essex County Natural History Society, and it published a "Journal" as early as 1836. This Journal sub

tute."

Turning from the West to the uttermost parts of the East, we take up the "Journal of the North China Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society," of which the new series commenced in December 1864, when the Society which had been formed in 1861 was reorganised.

The papers contained in this Journal are for the most part very interesting, in consequence of their treating of subjects on which comparatively little is known in this country. The geographer will find articles "On the City of Yeddo," "On the Overland journey from St. Petersburg to Pekin, "On an Overland trip through Hunan from Canton to Hankow," "On the Sea-board of Russian Manchuria," "On a Journey from Pekin to Chefoo via the Grand Canal," "On a Journey from Pekin to Shanghai," and "On a Journey from Canton to Hankow through the Provinces of Kwangtung, Kwangsi, and Hunan." The naturalist (using the term in the widest sense) will find articles "On the Geology of the Great Plain, and of a portion of Quangtung Province," "On the Coal-fields in the South Eastern Province of China," and "On the Bituminous Coal Mines west of Pekin," "On the Birds and Beasts of Formosa,""On Chinese Notions regarding Pigeons and Doves," "On some Wild Silk Worms of China," "On the Entomology of Shanghai," "On the Sorgo or Northern Chinese Sugar Cane," and "On the mineral and other productions of North China and Shantung." Amongst other valuable papers may be mentioned those by the late Dr. Henderson “On the Medicine and Medical Practice of the Chinese," by Dr. Bastian "On the Remains of Ancient Kanbodies," Dr. Keer "On the Great Examination Hall at Canton," the Rev. A. Wylie "On the Opinions of the Chinese with regard to Eclipses, and on the Eclipses recorded in Chinese works,”

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