chromospheric light is allowed to pass. The chromosphere is afterwards brought to a focus again at the position usually oc cupied by the slit of the spectroscope; and in the eye-piece is seen the chromosphere in circles corresponding to the "C" of other lines. The lens D is used to reduce the size of the sun's image, and keep it of the same size as the diaphragm at different times of the year; and the lenses F are used in order to reduce the size of the annulus of light to about inch, so that the pencils of light from either side of the annulus may not be too

divergent to pass through the prisms at the same time, and that the image of the whole annulus may be seen at once. There are mechanical difficulties in producing a perfect annulus of the required size, so one inch in diameter is used, and can be reduced virtually to any size at pleasure.

The proposed photographic arrangements are as follows: A large Steinheil spectroscope is used, its usual slit being replaced by the ring one.

December 6, 1872, at 11.30.

A solar beam is thrown along the axis of the collimator by a heliostat, and the sun's image is brought to focus on the ring-slit by a 3-inch object-glass, the solar image being made to fit the slit by a suitable lens.

By this method the image of the chromosphere received on the photographic plate can be obtained of a convenient size, as a telescope of any dimensions may be used for focussing the parallel beam which passes through the prisms on to the plate. December 7, 1872, at 11.30.

inch.

The accompanying solar profiles are copies of drawing made, on the dates stated, by means of the new method, which were exhibited by the authors at the meeting.

[Since reading the above paper it has come to our knowledge that Zöllner had conceived the same idea unknown to us, but had rejected it. Prof. Wenlock in America has tried a similar arrangement, but without success.-J.N. L., G.M.S., January 17, 1873.]

Feb. 13. On a new Relation between Heat and Electricity," by Frederick Guthrie.

It is found that the reaction between an electrified body and a neighbouring neutral one, whereby the eletricity in the neutral body is inductively decomposed and attraction produced, undergoes a modification when the neutral body is considerably

heated.

Under many circumstances it is found that the electrified

body is rapidly and completely discharged. The action of discharge is shown to depend mainly upon the following conditions:-(1) The temperature of the discharging body and its distance from the electrified one. (2) The nature (+ or -) of the latter's electricity.

With regard to (1), it is shown that the discharging power of a hot body diminishes with its distance and increases with its temperature. But, concerning the temperature, it is proved that the discharging power of a hot body does not depend upon the quantity of heat radiated from it to the electrified body, but chiefly upon its quality. Thus a white hot platinum wire connected with the earth may exercise an indefinitely greater dis charging power, at the same distance, than a large mass of iron at 100° C., though the latter may impart more heat to the elec trified body.

Neither the mere reception of heat, however intense, by the electrified body, unless the latter have such small capacity as to be itself intensely heated, discharges the electricity if the source of heat be distant: nor is discharge effected when the electrified body and a neighbouring cold one are surrounded by air through which intense heat is passing. But, for the discharge, it is necessary that heat of intensity pass to the electrified body from a neutral body, within inductive range.

White- and red-hot metallic neutral bodies exercise this discharging power even when isolated from the earth, but always with less facility than when earth-connected.

The hotter the discharging body, whether isolated or earthconnected, the more nearly alike do + or - electricities behave in being discharged; but at certain temperatures distinct differences are noticed. The electricity, in all cases of difference, is discharged with greater facility than the +.

Attempts are made to measure the critical temperatures at which earth-connected hot iron (1) discharges + and -electricity with nearly the same facility, (2) begins, as it cools, to show a preferential power of discharging, and (3) ceases to discharge The temperatures so obtained are measured by the number of heat-units, measured from o° C. in 1 grm. of iron of the respective temperature, represented by the value of the expression Fe Σu.

It is shown that various flames, both earth-connected and isolated, have an exceedingly great power of discharging both kinds of electricity.

The effects in regard to discharge are shown to be similar when platinum wire, rendered hot by a galvanic current, is used, and also when the condensed electricity of a Leyden jar is experimented on.

As hot iron shows a preferential power of discharging - over + electricity, so it is found that white-hot but isolated iron refuses to be charged either with or electricity. As the iron cools it acquires first the power of receiving - and afterwards of receiving +. Further, while white-hot iron in contact with an electrified body prevents that body from retaining a charge of either kind of electricity, as it cools it permits a + charge to be received, and subsequently a one.

A suggestion is made as to the existence of an electrical coercitive force, the presence of which, together with its diminution by heat would explain much of what has been described.

"On Curvature and Orthogonal Surfaces." By A. Cayley, F.R. S., Sadlerian Professor of Mathematics in the University of Cambridge.

a

Entomological Society.-February 3.-H. W. Bates, vice-president, in the chair.-Mr. F. Smith exhibited box of Hymenoptera, collected near Calcutta, containing, amongst other insects, a new species of Astata, and four or five beautiful species of the genus Nomia.-Mr. McLachlan exhibited a quadrangular case formed by the larva of a trichopterous insect, taken by the Rev. A. E. Eaton in the river Dove in Derbyshire.-Mr. Champion exhibited specimens of a large species of Pulex found in a mouse's nest in Sheppy.-Mr. Meldola exhibited a living specimen of a myriapod of the genus Spirobolus, sent to him from San Francisco. Also eggs of a leaf insect from Java (Phyllium pulchrifolium).-Mr. Müller made remarks on pouch galls found on the leaves of cinnamon from Bombay. Rev. Mr. Eaton read a paper on the Hydroptilide, a trichopterous family.-Mr. A. G. Butler communicated a monograph of the genus Gasteracantha, or crab-spiders.

Royal Microscopical Society, Feb. 5, Anniversary Meeting. -W. Kitchen Parker, F. R.S., in the chair. The report and treasurer's statement of account having been presented the president read a highly interesting address descriptive of his own further researches upon cranial development, which, during the year, had been chiefly confined to the formation of the skull of the pig. He briefly indicated the methods adopted, and some of the results obtained, and concluded by expressing the opinion that what he had already observed led him to conclude that if all existing forms had been really derived from one, the process must have been slow indeed.

The report

having been adopted, and some discussion having taken place as to the society's position, cordial votes of thanks to the retiring president, hon. secretary, and to the other officers of the society for their services during the past year were unanimously carried. The following is a list of the officers and council for the ensuing year :-President--Charles Brooke, M. A., F.R.S. Vice-Presidents-William B. Carpenter, M. D., F. R.S.; Sir John Lubbock, Bart., M.P., F.R.S.; William Kitchen Parker, F.R.S.; Francis H. Wenham, C.E. TreasurerJohn Ware Stephenson, F. R.A.S. Secretaries Henry J. Slack, F.G.S.; Charles Stewart, F. L. S. Council-James Bell, F.C.S.; John Berney; Robert Braithwaite, M.D., F.L.S.; William J. Gray, M.D.; Henry Lawson, M.D.; Benjamin T. Lowne, F. L.S.; Samuel J. McIntire; John Millar, F.L.S.; Henry Périgal, F.R. A.S.; Alfred Sanders; Charles Tyler,

F.L.S.; Thomas C. White. Assistant Secretary-Walter W. Reeves.

MANCHESTER

*

Literary and Philosophical Society, Feb. 4.-Dr. J. P. Joule, F. R.S., &c., president, in the chair. E. W. Binney, F.R.S., paid a warm tribute to the memory of one of the most illustrious honorary members of the Society, the late Professor Sedgwick.-Prof. Williamson, F.R.S., stated that the second fossil plant described by Mr. Binney at the last meeting of the Society, Jan. 21, and of which a notice appeared in the Society's Proceedings, does not belong to some new genus, as Mr. Binney supposed, but is one that he has already described on two or three occasions as being the stem or branch of the well-known genus Asterophyllites. The author said that he had obtained the plant in almost every stage of its growth, from the youngest twig to the more matured stem, and that the genus would be the subject of his next, or fifth, of the series of memoirs now in course of publication by the Royal Society." On a large meteor seen on Feb. 3, 1873, at 10 P.M.," by Prof. Osborne Reynolds, On Feb. 3, at 10h. 7m. (as afterwards appeared) by my watch (which was 7 minutes fast), I was walking from Manchester along the east side of the Oxford Road (which there runs 30° to the east of south), I had just reached the corner of Grafton-street, when I saw a most brilliant meteor. I first became aware of it from the brightness of the wall on my left, i.e., on the northeast, which caused me to turn my head in that the wrong, direction; the first effect was that of a flash of lightning, but it continued and increased until it was equal to daylight. On lifting my head I saw directly in front of me, what had previously been hidden by the brim of my hat, a bright object, apparently fixed in the sky, as though it were coming directly towards me; immediately afterwards it turned to the west, and passed just under the moon (which it completely outshone). I was very much startled when I first caught sight of it, owing doubtless to the rapidity with which it was increasing in size, and the directness with which it seemed to be coming. The next instant I saw that it was only an extraordinary meteor. It passed the moon, falling at an angle of, I should say, 20°, and then ceased suddenly, having traversed a path of about 90°, from the south to the east. The colour of the light was that of a blue light, or rather burning magnesium. The sky was cloudy, but there was no appearance of redness about either the head or the train. I endeavoured to fix its course by the stars, but it was too cloudy, although I could see here and there a star. The conclusions I came to, there and then, were that its course must have been nearly parallel with the road, which by the map runs, at that point, 30° to the west of north; that when I first saw it it was about 40° above the horizon and due south; and that it passed about 20° to the north of the moon. (This would make its line of approach from Pegasus.) While I was thinking of its course I heard a report, not very loud, but which I connected with it. I judged it was about 30% after the display. I then looked at may watch; it was 10h. 7m. I then walked along, talking to a fellow-traveller who had not quite recovered his alarm. Presently we heard a loud report, like a short peal of thunder or the firing of a large cannon; I immediately looked at my watch, it was then 10h. 10m., so that this second report was from three to four minutes after the display. I have no doubt that this was the report of the meteor, for compared with the other it was like the firing of a cannon to a musket. The time of the second report would make the distance 30 or 40 miles, so that it would have passed over Chester and burst over Liverpool. In this case it must have been a tremendous affair, for the sky was cloudy, and I do not think I exaggerate when I say that at one instant it was as light as day; the train was very long, and the speed great. It ceased suddenly, as when a ball from a Roman candle falls into water; there were no fragments, as from an explosion."Note on a Meta-Vanadic Acid," by Dr. B. W. Gerland. -Dr. Roberts spoke on the subject of Biogenesis. (See his letter in this week's NATURE).-P.S. To Dr. Joule's description of a Mercurial Air-Pump.-The exhauster described in the last number (p. 296) has been further improved by dispensing with the glass tube e, and its stop-cock f. This is effected by attaching the base of the globe b to a strengthened indiarubber pipe, connected at the other end to a glass vessel of rather larger capacity than b. This vessel has only to be successively raised and lowered in order to exhaust the receiver. cury in the vessel may be either under atmospheric pressure or *See NATURE, Feb. 6, p. 262, and Feb. 13, p. 290.

The mer

relieved therefrom. In the former case it must be alternately raised and depressed from 30 inches below b up to that level. In the latter it must be raised and depressed from the level of b to 30 inches above it. Castor oil is a useful medium to prevent the passage of air between mercury and the glass vessels. It is important to add a little sulphuric acid to the mercury, in order to remove the film of water which adheres to the inside of the globe b. On this account it would, perhaps, be desirable to substitute a plug of glass for the indiarubber one between a and b. PARIS

Academy of Sciences, Feb. 10.-M. de Quatrefages, presi dent, in the chair. M. Faye read an answer to Fathers Secchi and Tacchini's criticism on his recent paper on the solar spots. With regard to the assertion of the former that the gyratory motion of solar cyclones must be small, he replied by proving that it must be at least five times that of the most violent terrestrial cyclones; he then proceeded to answer the other objections in detail, and quoted a recent letter from Mr. Norman Lockyer, in opposition to the Rev. Father's theory of the spots being eruptions. MM. Becquerel and E. Becquerel then read a note on the temperature of soils, bare, and covered with vegetation, during rainy seasons. The bare soils are always at a lower temperature.-M. Daubrée read a note on two meteorites which fell, one at Montlivant in 1838, and the other at Beust in 1859, and also a communication on a new arrangement of the meteorite collection in the Museum d'Histoire Naturelle.-M. des Cloiseaux read a note on the determination of the form of amblygonite crystals; and M. Trécul the third part of his paper on the carpellary theory of the Papaveracea (Chelidonium Macleya), and on the same subject as regards the Fossiflora Laudoni. These papers were followed by one by M. de Caligny on certain works used in canal navigation. Notes on vine sickness and Phylloxera were received from MM. Marès, de Luca, Fancon, Nourrigat, Jeanheury, and Madame Vivien Jaworsta. A letter from M. Is. Pierre on the density of absolutely pure alcohol was read. — M. Janssen was then elected to the astronomical section in succession to the late M. Laugier. Out of fifty-six votes he obtained forty-two, M. Loewy thirteen, and M. Wolff one. M. A. Cornu read a paper on a new determination of the velocity of light. His determinations agree well with those of Foucault. - A note on the electric resistance

of metals was then read.-M. V. de Luynes sent a note on the annealing of glass.-MM. Rabuteau and Ducoudray one on the toxic properties of calcic salts. The authors state that metals are more poisonous as their atomic weights increase, and compare calcium with strontium and barium, both of which are poisonous to a considerable extent.-M. F. Papillon sent a second note on experimental researches on the modification of the composition of bone.-M. Champouillon one on the properties of silicate of soda, &c.-M. S. de Luca one on a stalagmitic body from the solfaterra of Pozzuoli.-Messrs. Lockyer and Seabroke sent a description of their method of observing the solar prominences with an annular slit; this was followed by a paper on the" Heat of Transformation," by M. J. Moutier ; and one on the maximum resistance of galvanometers, by M. Th. du Moncel.-MM. Laussedat and Magnin sent a note on the use of the pocket aneroid and on a new hypsometric formula of great simplicity.-M. E. Bourgoin sent a paper on the action of bromine on di-bromosuccinic acid. The author has thus obtained a hydrile of tetra-brominated ethylene.-M. F. Hamel sent a note on a new red colouring matter from aniline. The body in question is produced by acting on aniline with chloride of sulphur.-M. J. Carlet sent a description of a new osmometer.M. Locari sent a paper on the presence of human bones in the osseous brecchia of Corsica; and M. E. T. Hamy one on the age of the fossil men of Guadeloup.-M. W. de Fonvielle sent a description of a new lightning conductor. The session then adjourned.

Nitrous Oxide: Mr. Wills-Action of Hydrochloric Acid on Codeine Dr. C. R. A. Wright. NUMISMATIC SOCIETY, at 7. ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY, at 4.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21.

GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY, at 8.-Anniversary.

ROYAL INSTITUTION, at 9.-Action at a Distance: Prof. Clerk Maxwell. ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS, at 4.-Extinct Mammals (runterian Lectures): Prof. Flower.

OLD CHANGE MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY, at 5.30.—On the Internal Economy of Insects: T. Rymer Jones.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22.

ROYAL INSTITUTION, at 3.-Comparative Politics: Dr. E. A. Freeman.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23.
SUNDAY LECTURE SOCIETY, at 4.-The Skin; its Structure and Uses:
A. Balmauno Squire.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24

ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY, at 8 30.-A Journey in Southern Formosa
J. Thomson.-Notes on Badakhshan and Waknan: The President.
LONDON INSTITUTION, at 4.-Physical Geography: Prof. Duncan.
ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS, at 4.-Extinct Mammals: Prof. Flower
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25.

ROYAL INSTITUTION, at 3-Forces and Motions of the Body: Prof.
Rutherford.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26. LONDON INSTITUTION, at 7.-Lecture.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS, at 4.-Extinct Mammals: Prof Flower. SOCIETY OF ARTS, at 8.-Discussion on Lieut.-Col. A. Strange' Paper "Ships for the Channel Passage."

GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY, at 8.-On the Jurassic Rocks of Skye and Raasay:
Dr. James Bryce-Observations on the more remarkable Boulders of the
North-West of England and the Welsh Borders: D. Mackintosh.-On
the Origin of Clay-ironstone: J. Lucas.
ARCHEOLOGICAL A`SOCIATION, at 8.

ROYAL SOCIETY OF LITERATURE, at 8, 30.-Remarks on Early Monastic and other Seals attached to Charters in the Bodleian Library, Oxford: W. H. Turner.

ENGLISH.-Elementary Anatomy: St. G. Mivart (Macmillan)-Caliban the Missing Link: Dr. Wilson (Macmillan).-Recent Discussions in Science, Philosophy, and Morals: new edition: H. Spencer.-Science Primer, No 4. Physical Geography: A. Geikie (Macmillan).-Key to North American Birds: E. Coues (Trübner). Exalted state of the Nervous System: R. H. Collyer (Renshaw).

AMERICAN.-What am I? Vol. i.: E W. Cox (Appleton, New York) FOREIGN.-Anwendung des Spectral appartus: Dr. K. Vurdott (Asher). PAMPHLETS RECEIVED

ENGLISH-Annual of the Royal School of Naval Architecture, No. 3. Jan. 1873.-Physical Condition of the Inland Seas.-Report of the Scientific Re searches carried on during the months of Aug., Sept., Oct., 1871, in H.M. Surveying Ship Shearwater: W. B. Carpenter.-Science and Art Dept: Babbage Calculating Machine.

FOREIGN.-Sitzung-Berichte Nat. Gel. Isis, Dresden, April to September

1872.

DIARY

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20.

ROYAL SOCIETY, at 8.30.-On the Anatomy and Histology of the Land
Planarians of Ceylon: H. W. Moseley.-On a new Locality of Ambly-
gonite, and on Montebrasite, a new Hydrated Aluminium and Lithium
Phosphate: A. O. Des Cloizeaux.

SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES, at 8.30.-Memoir and Funeral Expenses of James
Montagu, Bishop of Winchester, A.D. 1618: E. P. Shirley.
LINNEAN SOCIETY, at 8.

CHEMICAL SOCIETY, at 8.-On Aurin: R. S. Dale and Dr. C. Schorlemmer -Researches on the Action of the Copper-Zinc Couple on Organic Bodies. -1 On Iodide of Ethyl: Dr Gladstone and A. Tribe.-Solidification of

SOCIETIES AND ACADEMIES
BOOKS AND PAMPHLETS RECEIVED.
DIARY.

ERRATA-Vol- vii p. 280, 1st col. 3rd line from bottom, after Myxospongia, insert and Hydrozea: p. 289, 1st col, line 17 from bottom, for hematoids read Nematoids: p. 289, 1st col., line 14 from bottom, for 175 read Ath: p. 201, 1st ccl. line 4 from top, for leaprcyles read lenchontes

THIS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1873

WESTERN YUNAN

A Report on the Expedition to Western Yunan, viâ Bhamb. By John Anderson, M.D. (Calcutta: Office of the Superintendent of Government Printing, 1871.) HIS interesting volume consists of the first section of a report on the expedition from Burmah over the Chinese frontier into Yunan, sent out under the auspices of the British Government, in the year 1868. It was under the charge of Major Sladen and Captain Williams, with the author, Dr. Anderson, as naturalist to the Expedition. They were accompanied by Messrs. Bowers, Stewart, and Burn, as representatives of the commercial community at Rangoon; the main object in view being to ascertain how far it was possible for the great highway to China by the valley of the Tapeng, could be made open to British commerce. The desirability of this access to the western frontiers of China has long been felt, and many attempts have been made during the last two centuries to establish an emporium either at Bhamô or in its neighbourhood, and one of the results of the recent expedition has been the sanction on the part of the Burmese Government of the residence of a British representative at Bhamô for the protection of our commercial interests.

The first part of the volume before us is chiefly historical, and deals with the relations of the ancient Shan kingdom of Pong, with the neighbouring States of Burmah and China, and the wars which resulted in Pong becoming a Burmese province. The wars between China and Burmah are also described, but during the last hundred years or more the intercourse between the two nations has been one of peace.

The European intercourse with Bhamô is next traced from the days of Marco Polo downwards; for from some of the details given by that traveller as to the customs of the inhabitants of the province of Kardandan, there can be but little doubt that his route must in part at least have almost coincided with that of the expedition.

The description of the physical features and geology of the Bhamô district and of Western Yunan forms an interesting and important chapter. At Bhamô itself the Irawady, though 600 miles from the sea, is one and a half miles in breadth during the heavy rains, and about a mile during the dry season. Its great valley is, however, in places broken up by low isolated ranges which confine its waters to comparatively narrow but deep channels. These hill ranges are usually of metamorphic and crystalline rocks on which Eocene and Miocene strata, consisting of limestone, sandstone, clay, coal, and ferruginous conglomerates, have been deposited together with interbedded traps. The Tapeng, along the valley of which the course of the expedition lay, has a course of about 150 miles from its rise in the Kananzan hills to its confluence with the Irawady above Bhamô. For a considerable portion of this distance there is continued succession of waterfalls and rapids, though it is navigable for about twenty miles when it reaches the Burmese plain. The Kakhyen hills through which it passes attain a height of 5,000 or No. 174-VOL. VII.

6,000 ft., and appear to be mainly composed of metamorphic and crystalline rocks. Their surface, even to the highest peaks, is strewn with water-worn boulders, to which Dr. Anderson assigns a marine origin, believing that since their deposit this tract of country has been raised from beneath the sea, and that the immense valley of the Irawady was subsequently excavated. The Kananzan range appears to attain an elevation of about 9,000 ft., and to consist of rocks of the same character.

The Nantin valley leading to Momien seems to belong to another geological age, as in that district there has been a comparatively recent outflow of trappean rocks, while the country to the west is exclusively granitic and metamorphic. There, as well as in the Sanda Valley, are hot springs which issue at almost the boiling-point, and at the head of the Nantin valley is the large extinct volcano of Hawshuenshan. An extremely interesting feature in this valley and lower down the stream in the Mawphoo gorge, consists in the well-marked river terraces. Two of these seem to extend the whole length of the valley of Nantin-about sixteen miles-and there are indications of a third at a still higher level.

Of the mineral products, the coal seems to hold out the promise of good fuel and in fair quantity. It crops out on the surface in several places on the right bank of the Irawady, but as yet has been but little worked. Its geological age has yet to be determined.

Galena, rich in silver, is found in the valley of the Tapeng, and gold also occurs, sometimes in grains as large as small peas. The most interesting products of this part of Burmah are, however, amber and jade. The amber mines are at an elevation of about 1,050 ft., in a low range of hills to the S.W. of the Meinkhoom plain, in the Hukong valley. It is procured in a primitive manner by digging holes about 3 ft. in diameter, and sometimes as much as 40 ft. in depth. "Fifteen to twenty feet of the superficial soil is clayey and red, but the remainder consists of a greyish black carbonaceous earth. Foliated limestone, serpentine, and coal, are among the other strata. The amber is found in both of the former, and its presence is indicated by small pieces of lignite which are easily detected." It is made into Buddhist rosaries, finger-rings, pipe mouth-pieces, &c. The dark sherry-coloured amber is most highly valued.

Jade is found in more or less rounded boulders embedded in a reddish yellow clay. Pits are sunk in search of it on no defined plan, and at certain seasons of the year there are as many as 1,000 men engaged in digging for jade in the Mogoung districts. Blocks are occasionally found so large that they require three men to turn them. Everything in connection with the trade is taxed-diggers, purchasers, jade, and even the ponies used for its transport-and the revenue from the mines was, in 1836, about 4,000l. The jade used to be largely worked at Momien, and the manufacture is still carried on there to some extent. It is cut by means of thin copper discs about eighteen inches in diameter, used in conjunction with fine siliceous grit, composed of quartz and little particles resembling ruby dust. The boring of ear rings and bracelets is effected by a revolving cylinder tipped at the free end with the same siliceous mixture. The most valuable jade is of an intense bright green colour, but the red and pale pink varieties are also prized. A pair

S

At some remote period the jade appears to have been applied to useful rather than to ornamental purposes, for celts formed of this material are found all over the district, lying on the surface soil, and doubtless turned up by the plough. They have also been formed of various other rocks, such as quartz, Lydian-stone, green-stone, clay-slate, &c. Lithographic plates are given of twenty-three of these instruments of various size, form, and material; but about 150 were procured by different members of the expedition. A good series of them has been presented to the Christy collection by Major Sladen.

A bronze celt, socketed, but without any side loop, and of peculiar form, with an oblique segmental cutting edge, was also procured. These are so highly valued that as much as 51. apiece was asked for them. The composition, curiously enough, is identical with that usual in European antiquities of the same class, being 9 of copper to 1 of tin. The stone celts being more abundant than those in bronze, were less valued, being sold in the bazaars and elsewhere at from 4d. to Is. 6d. each. Both they and the bronze celts are regarded as thunderbolts, which, after they fall and penetrate the earth, take nine years to work their way up to the surface. Not only is this belief in the celestial origin of these implements common to Asia and Europe, but the healing powers attributed to them in most European countries, are also accorded them in Yunan. They are worn as charms and carefully kept in small bags; and water, in which they have been placed, is administered as a medicine, especially in the case of tedious labour. It is rather a compliment to the students of prehistoric archæology that the only objects thought worthy of being figured by Dr. Anderson should be these celts.

The ethnological details given by the author as to the Shans, and what may be regarded as the transitional varieties between them and the Burmese on the one side, and the Chinese on the other, are highly interesting. A more barbarous people with whom the expedition was brought in contact, are Kakhyens or Chingpaws, who, though hemmed in on either side by Buddhist nations, still retain an ancient worship of good and evil spirits whom they call "nâts," and to whom they are constantly making propitiatory offerings of pigs, fowls, and rice.

Their method of producing fire is very remarkable, and is effected by "the sudden and forcible descent of a piston in a closed cylinder. There is a small cup-shaped cavity at the end of the piston rod, into which a little tinder is inserted. The piston is then introduced into the cylinder, which it tightly fits, and by a blow is made to descend with great rapidity and force, and is as rapidly withdrawn, when the little pellet of tinder is found to have become ignited." The instruments are not more than four inches long, and are in general use. It would be highly interesting to trace the origin and date of this invention.

Among some of the Shan tribes neck-rings or forques, curiously like those found in Western Europe, are still in use; but the majority of the ornaments appear to be Chinese in character. It would, however, extend this notice beyond all reasonable limits were an attempt made to give even a short abstract of the chapter on the Shans, Kakhyens and other races to the east of Bhamo. The curious practice of horse-worship in connection with the Buddhism of the Sanda Valley may, however, be noticed, as well as the Shan method of concealment of gold and precious stones, by burying them beneath the skin of their chest and necks by making slits, through which the coins or stones are forced, and which subsequently heal up. When the valuable object is wanted a second cut is made upon the spot, and it is extracted. In some instances, as many as fifteen stones or coins were found to be hidden beneath the skin of men just arrived with a caravan at Mandalay. It is needless to follow the author in his report on the Mahomedans in Yunan, the presence of whom, however, proved of great service to the expedition, as many of their guard were of that religion, and thus found friends. Nor need the trade routes of Upper Burmah be here discussed. The geographer will find much information in the chapter on the Irawady and its sources, and in the accompanying map. This chapter concludes the Report, and the remainder of the volume contains the diary of the author, written during the expedition. His report on the Natural History collections formed during his travels, has yet to appear, and will no doubt contain curious details. Even now we may call attention to the remarkable instance of the taming of fishes in a large river like the Irawady, by the phoongyees or Buddhist priests. At the boatman's cry of tit, tit, tit, numbers of fish came to be fed with rice and plantains, putting their heads above water, allowing themselves to be stroked, and even permitting Dr. Anderson to put his fist into their mouths so as to feel their teeth. He was unable to procure a specimen, as there were strict orders from the king that they should not be killed.

With this anecdote we must conclude our notice of this interesting Report, and must express a hope that a certain number of copies of it may be consigned to some London publisher so that it may become accessible to the general public, which as yet it apparently is not.

JOHN EVANS

it is too sweeping a statement to say that the oxygen of the air is constant in amount and the carbonic acid variable; it is true that the variations in the amount of oxygen are very small in proportion to that amount. It would have been well to state even in a popular treatise