SOCIETIES AND ACADEMIES

LONDON Geological Society, Nov. 6.-Prof. Ramsay, F.R.S., P., in the chair. A Report by F. T. Gregory, Mining Land mmissioner in Queensland, on the recent discoveries of Tinin that Colony. According to this report, the district in eensland in which tin-ore has been discovered is situated out the head-waters of the Severn river and its tributaries, Emprising an area of about 550 square miles. The district is scribed as an elevated granitic table-land intersected by ranges abrupt hills, some attaining an elevation of about 3,000 feet ove the sea. The richest deposits are found in the beds of the eams and in alluvial flats on their banks, the payable ground rying from a few yards to five chains in extent. The aggregate gth of these alluvial bands is estimated at about 170 miles, 2 average yield per linear chain of the stream-beds at about ten as of ore (cassiterite). Numerous small stanniferous lodes have en discovered, but only two of much importance, namely, one ar Ballandean Head Station on the Severn; and another in a ef of red granite rising in the midst of metamorphic slates and ndstones at a distance of about six miles. The lodes run in rallel lines bearing about N. 50° E.; and one of them can be iced for a distance of nine or ten miles. The ore, according Mr. Gregory and Mr. D'Oyly Aplin, is always associated with d granite, i.e. "the felspar a pink or red orthoclase, and the ica generally black; but when crystals of tin-ore are found in tu, the mica is white." The crystals of tin-ore are generally und in and along the margins of quartz threads or veins in inds of loosely aggregated granitoid rock, but are sometimes nbedded in the micaceous portions. The report concludes with >me statements as to the present condition and prospects of the istrict as regards its population.-Observations on some of the cent Tin-ore discoveries in New England, New South Wales, y G. H. F. Ulrich. The district referred to by the author in the most northern part of the colony of New South Vales, almost immediately adjoining the tin-region of Queensand described in the preceding report. It forms a hilly levated plateau, having Ben Lomond for its highest point, early 4,000 feet above the sea-level. The predominant rocks re granite and basalt, enclosing subordinate areas composed of metamorphic slates and sandstones; the basalt has generally roken through the highest crests and points of the ranges, and pread in extensive streams over the country at the foot. The workings of the Elsmore Company, situated on the north-west ide of the Macintyre river, about twelve miles E. of the townhip of Inverell, include a granite range of about 250 feet in height, and nearly two miles in length. The granite of the range is micaceous, with crystals of white orthoclase, and is traversed by quartz veins which contain cassiterite in fine druses, seams, and scattered crystals, and by dykes of a softer granite, consisting chiefly of mica, and with scarcely any quartz, in which cassiterite is distributed in crystals, nests, and bunches, and also in irregular veins of several inches in thickness. This granite yields lumps of pure ore up to at least 50 lbs. in weight. The quartz veins contain micaceous portions which resemble the "Greisen" of the Saxon tin mines. The deepest shaft sunk in one of the quartz veins was about 60 feet in depth. The author noticed certain minerals found in association with the tin ore, and the peculiarities of the crystalline forms presented by the latter. In conclusion the author referred to the probability that a deficiency of water may prove a great obstacle to the full development of the tin-making industry in this district, but stated that "it seems not unlikely that the production of tin ore from this part of Australia will reach, if not surpass, that of all the old tin-mining countries combined."-"On the included Rockfragments of the Cambridge Upper Greensand." By W. Johnson Sollas and A. J. Jukes-Browne. The occurrence of numerous subangular fragments in the Upper Greensand formation was so far remarkable that it had already attracted the notice of two previous observers (Mr. Bonney and Mr. Seeley), who had both briefly hinted at the agency of ice. While ignorant of the suggestions of these gentlemen, the authors of this paper had been forced to the same conclusion. A descriptive list had been prepared of the most remarkable of the included fragments. The infallible signs of the Upper Greensand origin consisted in incrustations of Plicatula sigillum, Ostrea vesiculosa, and "CoproI e," without which, it was stated, the boulders would be undi tingishable from those of the overlying drift. The following gene ralisations were then put forward:-1. The stones are mostly

subangular; some consist of friable sandstones and shales, which could not have borne even a brief journey over the ocean bed. 2. Many are of large size, especially when compared with the fine silt in which they were imbedded; the stones and silt could not have been borne along by the same marine current. 3. The stones are of various lithological characters, and might be referred to granitic, schistose, volcanic, and sedimentary rocks, probably of Silurian, Old Red Sandstones, and Carboniferous age. Such strata are not found in situ in the neighbourhood, and the blocks must have come from Scotland or Wales. Numerous arguments were adduced in favour of their Scottish derivation. The above considerations, that numerous rock fragments, some of which are very friable, have been brought from various localiities and yet retain their angularity, were thought sufficient evidence for their transportation by ice; the majority showed no ice scratches, but the small proportion of scratched stones in the moraine matter borne away on an iceberg, and the small percentage of ice-scratched boulders in many deposits of glacial drift, show that the absence of these strix is not inconsistent with the glacial origin of the included fragments. Besides this the stones of the Greensand consisted of rock, from which ice marks would readily have been removed by the action of water. authors stated, however, that they had found more positive evidence in a stone which was unmistakably ice-scratched, consisting of a siliceous limestone, and preserved in the Woodwardian Museum. The fauna, so far as it proved anything, suggested a cold climate; though abundant, the species were dwarfed, in striking contrast to those of the Greensand of Southern England and the fauna of the succeeding Chalk. The authors concluded that a tongue of land separated the Upper Greensand sea into two basins, the northern of which received icebergs from the Scottish-Scandinavian chain; the climate of this was cold, that of the southern basin much warmer.

PARIS

The

Academy of Sciences, Nov. 4.-M. Faye, President.The first paper read was by M. Becquerel, on the solar origin of atmospheric electricity. A large portion of the paper was preliminary, and contains a sketch of modern solar discoveries; the subject is to be continued.-M. Pasteur then read a note on the production of alcohol by fruits. His remarks referred to some experiments by M. Lechartier, who has found that alcohol is developed in fruit on simple keeping.-Another note by the same author followed, replying to some of M. Fremy's late assertions. To this M. Fremy replied, and was immediately answered by M. Pasteur, who demanded the appointment of a commission to examine his experiments, when M. Fremy arose and proposed that he, M. Pasteur, and M. Trécul should work in common. M. Dumas then stated that the Academy should grant the request of M. Pasteur. M. Wurtz supported M. Pasteur's demand, and M. Pasteur then asserted that he would not agree to M. Fremy's proposed joint work, and urged the appointment of a commission to examine the contested experimental evidence. After this the discussion dropped.-Another of MM. Favre and Valson's papers on crystalline dissociation was then read. The authors described a new method for the investigation of the " COercive" action of a salt on water at any temperature.-M. Faye then read a paper on Mr. L. Rutherfurd's lunar photographs. -Next came a report on a memoir by Dr. Dufossé on the noises and sounds which the sea and freshwater fish of Europe can hear. The report recommended that the thanks of the Academy should be awarded to the Doctor for his discoveries. M. Max Marie then presented a paper on the elementary theory of Integrals of any order, and of their periods. M. Becquerel then presented an addendum to M. E. Jannettaz's late note on the coloured rings of gypsum. The note by M. Jannettaz contained some additions to and corrections of his former communication.-M. D. Colladon then presented a note on the effects of lightning on trees, which was referred to the Lightning Conductor Commission. MM. Becquerel and Edm. Becquerel made some remarks on this paper in relation to the change in colour of stricken trees and flowers.-M. C. Dareste's third part of his paper on the osteological types of the osseous fishes followed, and was sent to the Anatomical and Zoological section.-M. Sainte-Claire Deville then presented a memoir by M. F. Fouqué on some new processes for the proximate analysis of minerals, and on their application to the lavas of the late cruption of Santorin. -The Phylloxera Commission next received a proposal from M. de Wissocq, proposing calcic sulphide and hydrosulphuric acid as remedies for the diseased vines.-M.

Yson Villarceau then presented the elements and ephemerides of the planet 125, calculated by M. G. Leveau. This planet was discovered by M. Henry at the Paris Observatory. Astronomers having powerful instruments are requested to observe it, and communicate their results, as it is exceeding difficult of observation. -M. Maurice Lévy then communicated a paper on the theory of equations of partial differences of the second order of two independent variables.-Next came a continuation of M. Th. du Moncel's paper on the accidental currents which are developed in telegraphic lines, of which one end remains insulated in air.-Next followed a note by M. P. Yvon on a photometer founded on the perception of relief, and a note on the action of a copper and cadmium couple on a solu tion of cadmic sulphate, by M. F. Raoult, and M. P. Havrez's paper on the formula for the laws of colour, and number of "Chevreulian" tints connected with the doses of different generating agents.-This long paper was followed by a note on the paces of horses, studied by the graphic method, by M. E. J. Marey. Several traces of trot and gallop movements accompanied the paper.-Mr. Grace Calvert sent a paper on the power of certain substances in stopping putrefaction and preventing protoplasmic life, which was then read, and followed by a note on the febrifugic and anteperiodic properties of the leaves of Laurus nobilis by M. A. Doran, and by a paper on the causes of intermittent fevers, and the means of preven tion and cure, by M. E. Ferrière-M. Picot then read a paper on the "antifermentescible" properties of sodic silicate. M. Ch. Robin presented a note by M. E. Dubrueil, on the Capreolus of Zonites Algirus. This was followed by a note by M. Carbonnier on the reproduction and development of the telescope fish. This fish is of Chinese origin, its name being Long-tsing-ya in Chinese (Cyprynus macrophthalmus Bloch). M. Claude Bernard then presented a note by M. L. Ranvier, on the annular strictures and inter-annular segments of the rays and cramp-fish. Another communication from M. Thomas on his asserted discovery of fluorine was submitted to the examination of M. Balard.-M. Le Baron Larrey presented an extract from M. Berenger-Féraud, naval surgeon-in-chief at Senegal, on the larvæ and flies (mouches) which are developed, in the human skin. At the conclusion of the paper M. Emile Blanchard made some remarks on it as regards the Cayor fly, no specimens of which have yet reached Europe. M. Chevreul then presented a copy of M. Paul de Gasparin's work on the "Valuation of Arable Land in the Laboratory;" and after some remarks from him on M. Gasparin's discovery of phosphoric acid in the subsoil waters of the Plain of Orange, the session was adjourned.

Nov. 11.-M. Faye, President.-The first paper was by Capt. Perrier on the determination of a great geodesical base in Algeria. -The President followed with a paper on the triangulation of Algeria for the new military map of the province.-M. Becquerel then read the second part of his paper on the solar origin of atmospheric electricity. He considers that the protuberances come from solar volcanoes, and that they are charged with positive electricity.-A letter from M. Faye to the author on his last paper followed.-M. Le Verrier then read a note on the determination of the secular variations of the elements of the four planets -Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.-Next came a paper by M. Trécul on the origin of the lactic and alcoholic ferments. The author is very severe on M. Pasteur, who, he states, if 999 experiments are favourable to spontaneous generation and one against it, adopts the one and rejects the 999. This, of course, drew a reply from M. Pasteur, and his reply an answer from M. Trécul.-M. Pasteur then read a note on M. Fremy's paper read at the session of Nov. 4. M. Fremy answered M. Pasteur's criticisms, and M. Pasteur in a few words of answer again demanded a commission of inquiry.-M. Dareste then presented the fourth part of his researches on the osseous fishes, after which two papers on aerostation, by M. Hopin and M. Lamole respectively, were sent to the commission on that subject. -MM. Paul and Prosper Henry then announced the discovery at Paris, on the night of November 5 and 6, of two planets-126 and 127 of the 11th and 115 magnitude respectively; and M. Yvon Villarceau then read a letter on the two planets by M. Stephan, who had received information and observed them at Marseilles.-Next came a paper by M. H. Durrande on the acceleration in the displacement of a system of points which remains homographic with itself. At the conclusion of this came a paper on "Chloride of Lime" (bleaching powder), by M. J. Kolb. The author gives a method of valuation of this important commercial product.-M. Balard then presented M.

Scheurer-Kestner's note on the loss of sodium in the pres of soda-ash by Le Blanc's process. The author decides. loss occurs in the "waste," and augments with the ex lime compounds.-M. Wurtz presented a note by M... chardat on the neutral combinations of Mannite and its by -M. L. de Saint-Martin presented some researches in tonin. This was followed by MM. Legros and Onima experimental researches on the physiology of the premcy nerve; and by an account of "Experimental Researches Functions of the Brain," by M. E. Fournie.-M. Broge presented MM. Renault and Grand'Eury's paper on the Botany of the Dictyoxylon and its specific attribus Béchamp then gave an account of some researches on the and transformation of mildews.-M. Pasteur presented by MM. G. Lechartier and F. Bellamy on the "Fr tion of Fruits."-M. A. Gaudin next read a note on Te arguments necessary to clear up the fermentation q after which came a note by M. A. Leclerc on the Estie: Manganese in soils and vegetables. After some observat the geometric markings of microscopic alga from M.j. the session was adjourned.

DIARY

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21.

ROYAL SOCIETY, at 8.30.-On the Mechanical Conditions of the Be
Movements in Man: Dr. A. Ransome.-Further Exper. cuts on?':
Important Physiological Changes induced in the Human Em
Change of Climate: Dr. Rattray.-On Linear Diferental Eq
and VII: W. H. L. Russell, F. R.S.

LINNEAN SOCIETY, at 8-On the Composite of Bengal: CL
F.L.S. On Diversity of Evolution under one set of External Con
Rev. J T. Gulick.

CHEMICAL SOCIETY, at 8.-On some New Derivations of Anthra W. H. Perkin.

round a promontory in 64° 40′ S. lat. and 132° 20′ W. long., - naming this part of the coast Clairie Land. Shortly after this the expedition turned northwards, a number of the men having been lost through illness. Dr. Neumayer seems to think that the French constitution is not at all well adapted for expeditions of this kind.

On February 25, 1839, four ships, under the command of Lieutenant Wilkes, set out from Orange Harbour in Terra del Fuego, for the purpose of exploring these southern seas. The season was, however, too far advanced to admit of much being accomplished, though one of the ships, the Flying Fish, under Lieutenant Walker, penetrated as far south as the 70th degree of latitude in 100° 16′ W. long., and that at the end of March. This in itself is a fact of some interest and value, that so late in the season a point was reached as far south as Cook and Bellinghausen attained to, two months earlier. On December 27 of the same year the squadron left Sydney, again for the south. Two of the ships, the Flying Fish and the Peacock, were soon compelled to return on account of injuries, so that there were only the two vessels, the Vincennes and the Porpoise, left to pursue their discoveries. On January 30, 1840, in 140° 2' 30" E. long., and 66° 45' S. lat., Wilkes saw for the first time clearly and distinctly the land standing out of the mist; to this he gave the name of "Antarctic Continent." Five days previously the Vincennes reached its farthest south point, 67° in 147° 30′ E. long., where it was hard bestead by the ice. Indeed both vessels during their course along the coast had constantly to fight with the ice, and were frequently in the greatest danger of being crushed. Wilkes found the coast girt by a wall of ice, 150 to 200 ft. high, behind which rose the mountains to a height of 3,000 ft. He advanced thus to 98° E. long., and hoped on February 17 to be in a position to reach the point in this quarter to which Cook had come in 1773; but the ice-wall compelled him to turn to the northeast, quite away from the desired point. After he had followed the wall of ice to 62° S. lat. and 100° E. long., he had to give up all hope of being able to penetrate farther west, and returned to Sydney.

The expedition under Wilkes had travelled over a stretch of 1,500 miles along the margin of the ice, and frequently in sight of land. Even if through their labours the continuity of the land through its whole extent was by no means proved, yet the extension of Balleny's discovery in connection with that of D'Urville's considerably increased the probability of the existence of a great mass of land in these regions. Moreover, the observations made by Wilkes and his officers are of the highest value to science. It has been latterly disputed to whom belongs the merit of having first discovered the Antarctic Continent, both French and Americans claiming it each for themselves. But in the present state of our knowledge we must characterise such a dispute as perfectly objectless, for Balleny two years earlier had discovered his Sabrina Land, and had seen the coast at other points; therefore to him, if, indeed, an Antarctic Continent of the extent indicated by Wilkes exists, the honour of discovering it must be ascribed.

The researches initiated by Gauss and the Göttingen Society into the nature of the magnetism of the earth had given rise to a number of undertakings which had for

their object to assist inquiry in this direction. From the southern hemisphere trustworthy data were altogether wanting, and on this account the British Government resolved to send an expedition to the magnetic South Pole, and that moreover, under the leadership of Captain James Ross, who had spent the greatest part of his earlier youth in the North Polar regions, and already in the year 1831 had discovered the magnetic North Pole. The results of his expedition, therefore, are incomparably rich and valuable.

After some preparatory cruising, the two ships, the well-known Erebus and Terror, well appointed for their work, set out from Hobarton on November 12, 1840, directing their course southwards, after a brief visit to Campbell Island. On December 27 the first ice was seen in 63° 20' S. lat., and 176° 30′ E. long., and on January 1, 1841, the Polar circle was passed in 170° E. long., where the ships first encountered the pack-ice. Sir James, after careful consideration, determined to endeavour to penetrate the inner masses of pack-ice which, by the two previous voyagers, had only been skirted, and on the 9th, in 69° 15′ S. lat., and 176° 15′ E. long., came out into open sea. On the 11th land was discovered in 71° 15′ S. lat., the mountains of which, covered with perpetual snow and ice, reared themselves high into the air. The highest of these was named after Sir Edward Sabine, who for more than half a century, says Dr. Neumayer, has devoted his energies to researches in physical geography in all regions and in all parts of the earth, and who has largely added to our knowledge, especially of terrestrial magnetism.

The whole land, which Ross followed to nearly 79° S. lat., he named South Victoria Land, and an active volcano, 12,400 feet high, which he discovered on January 28, he named Mount Erebus. The name of the Terror was given to an extinct volcano, somewhat higher than the other, lying farther to the east. On the same day it was found that farther advance was impracticable, as the explorers found themselves suddenly face to face with an immense wall of ice, from 150 to 200 feet high, exactly similar to that which had been seen by D'Urville, Wilkes, and others. In the far distance over this wall they descried mountain peaks of great height and covered with ice: Ross named them after Parry.

In the vain attempt to reach the end of the ice-wall or find an opening in which the ship could pass the winter, they gained, on February 2, in 173° E. long., their greatest south latitude of 78° 4'. The rest of the month Ross spent in the further exploration partly of the southern sea and partly of the coast of the newly discovered Victoria Land from Franklin Island to the North Cape, when he turned his course to the west in 70° 40'S. lat. In 68° S. lat. and 165° E. long. was seen a series of what seemed either islands or mountain peaks belonging to the continent, and farther on were seen the islands discovered by Balleny. Ross found that the land placed by Wilkes on his chart under 65° 40′ S. lat. and 165° E. long., in reality did not exist. As about the beginning of March the young ice began rapidly to form, Captain Ross determined to return northwards. On the return voyage, magnetic researches of the highest value were made. More especially was determined the position of the line of nondeflection of the compass.