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not by the Comte himself. In Durand's book the Minister to America is repeatedly spoken of as Gérard de Raynevalle, which was natural enough except for the fact that 'de Raynevalle' was not a family title, but belonged exclusively to the younger brother, who is often spoken of by that title alone.

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'It may be of interest to many readers of your valuable Journal to recall in this connection, that among the distinguished foreigners honored at different times by being elected members of the American Philosophical Society, one of the first was this same Conrad Alexandre Gérard, the first accredited diplomat received in the United States. He came to Philadelphia July 14, 1778, having previously arrived at Chester, Penna., where he was met by a delegation appointed by Congress for that purpose. They conducted him 'to a handsome apartment provided for him on Market Street.' Later he occupied the then suburban residence, 'Carpenter's Mansion,' which filled the block across from the State House on Chestnut and Sixth Streets.

"I might also add that on pages 102 to 105, inclusive, of the volume entitled, 'Early Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society,' can be found a full account of the connection of Conrad. Alexandre Gérard with the Society, and also the copy of a letter sent in his care (after ill-health had compelled his resignation from the post of Minister), to the French scientist, Buffon, in acknowledgment of the receipt of four 'elegantly bound volumes' of the latter's 'Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux.' Those who wish may examine these very volumes carefully preserved in the library of your Society."

PHILADELPHIA,

April, 1921.

The decease was announced of Charles E. Bennett, A.B., Litt.D., at Ithaca, on May 2, 1921, æt. 63.

6

Prof. Horace C. Richards read a paper on Einstein's Theory of Relativity.'

Special Meeting, May 24, 1921.

WILLIAM B. SCOTT, Sc.D., LL.D., President, in the Chair.

Madame Marie S. Curie, elected to membership in 1910, subscribed the Laws and was admitted into the Society.

A letter was received from Prof. V. M. Slipher accepting his election to membership.

The John Scott Medal and Premium were presented to Madame Curie by the Board of City Trusts on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, Trustee.

Madame Curie, in a verbal communication, briefly described one of the instruments used in accurate determinations of radioactivity. It depends on the use of the Quartz Piezo-Electrique, devised by P. Curie and his brother in the early eighties.

The essential part of this instrument consists of a plate of quartz which is cut in a special manner. When this plate is placed under tension, there is a liberation of electricity equal in amount, but opposite in sign, on the two sides of the plate. The plate is hung vertically and weights are added to the lower end. The two faces are normal to one of the binary axes of the crystal. The tension must be applied in a direction normal to the optic and electric axes. The two faces are silvered, but the main portion of the plate is electrically insulated by removing a narrow strip of the silvering near the upper and lower ends of the plate. One side of it is connected with the electrometer and with the conductor the rate of leak of which is to be measured. The quantity of electricity set free on one side of the plate is accurately given by a well-known formula and depends upon the dimensions of the plate and the tension applied.

Madame Curie stated further that this instrument was used quite early in her measurements, and in an improved form is considered most accurate for such purposes at the present time.

It was ordered that as a souvenir of this evening the President be authorized and instructed to present to Madame Curie one of the Franklin Medals struck by the order of the Congress of the United States in commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of the Birth of Benjamin Franklin.

The President thereupon presented the medal to Madame Curie, who accepted it with thanks.

Stated Meeting October 7, 1921.

WILLIAM B. SCOTT, Sc.D., LL.D., President. in the Chair.

Prof. Herman V. Ames, a newly elected member, subscribed the laws and was admitted into the Society.

A letter accepting membership was received from Dr. Lawrence J. Henderson.

The decease was announced of

Henry Platt Cushing, Ph.D., at Cleveland, on April 22, 1921, æt. 61.

Edward B. Rosa. Sc.D., Ph.D., at Washington, D. C., on May 17, 1921, æt. 60.

Joseph C. Fraley, at Philadelphia, on May 18, 1921, æt. 73. Morris Jastrow, Jr., M.A., Ph.D., LL.D.. at Jenkintown, Pa., on June 22, 1921, æt. 60.

Hiram M. Hiller, M.D., at Chester, Pa., on August 9, 1921, æt. 54.

Henry Pettit, at Island Heights, N. J., on August 11, 1921, ææt. 79.

Joel Asaph Allen, Ph.D., at New York, on August 29, 1921, æt. 83.

Henry Woodward, LL.D., F.R.S., at Bushey, Herts, England, on Sept. 6. 1921, æt. 89.

By unanimous vote the Laws were amended and adopted as a substitute for the existing Laws and Rules of administration.

Stated Meeting November 4, 1921.

WILLIAM B. SCOTT, Sc.D., LL.D., President, in the Chair. Mr. J. Bertram Lippincott, a newly elected member, subscribed the Laws and was admitted into the Society.

Communications for the Magellanic Premium were received. and referred to a Special Committee for consideration and report.

President Scott read a paper on "The Isthmus of Panama and Its Influence on the Animals of North and South America," which was discussed by Doctors Harshberger, Snyder, Mr. Fisher and Prof. Scott.

Stated Meeting December 2, 1921.

WILLIAM B. SCOTT, Sc.D., LL.D., President, in the Chair.

The decease was announced of Sara Yorke Stevenson, Sc.D., at Philadelphia, on November 14, 1921, æt. 74.

Dr. Albert T. Clay read a Biographical Memoir of the Late Dr. Morris Jastrow, Jr.

Mr. Edwin Swift Balch read a paper on "The Coudersport Ice Mine" which was discussed by President Scott.

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