The Sun.
London, England, 1846-09-19 00:00:00

GENERAL MEETING.

The last general meeting of the Association was held
at eight o'clock in the evening, at the Victoria Rooms;
Sir R. Murchison, the president, in the chair.
The PRESIDENT, on opening the meeting, observed
that the parliament of science had now terminated, and
it only remained for them to lay some of the results
which had attended their proceedings before the British
public, in order that all might be able to judge of the
merits and value of their association. He would, in the
first place, call upon the treasurer to produce his report.
Mr. TAYLOR, the treasurer, then read the report, the
substance of which we have already published. The
total number of tickets issued at the meeting was 843,
and the entire amount recceived, including 1001. from
Prince Albert, was 8271.45. Bd.
Colonel SADINE, the general secretary, then read a list
of the grants of money voted by the general committee,
and which has been already published in our columns.
He added, that among the reports which they required
for next year, and which would not involve any outlay
of Inoney, would be two on the important subject of
earthquakes, and one from Mr. Scott Russell on the
science of naval construction, including steam naviga-
tion. They had also requested Dr. Ewing and Sir
James Ross to draw up a plan for a naval expedition
for the purpose of investigations to complete our know-
ledge of tides. The recommendations to the Govern.
ment were two : one for the publication of the important
meteorological observations taken by the officers of the
trigonometrical survey of Ireland under Captain Lar-
combe, since 1834, and which were compiled with the
greatest care and accuracy of any investigations in' the
world • the other was for a survey cf the supposed
parallel roads at Glenroy and its vicinity, in the north of
Scotland.
The Marquis of NORTHAMPTON, after congratulating
the association that he could address them as " gentlemen
and ladies," for they had that day decided on admitting
ladies to the rank of membership, proposed the first re-
solution, which was a vote of thanks to the mayor, cor-
poration, and inhabitantq„of Southampton, for the kind
manner in which they had received the association. He
was sure no stranger there would ever forget the kind-
ness which they had received from all the inhabitants of
the town, and more especially from the excellent chief
magistrate. He wished to take that opportunity of cone
gratulating the association on the meeting which had
jnetterminated, and on the results to science which were

-likely to arise Out of it. There was only one circum-
stance connected with the present meeting which he
could regret, and that was, that he had not seen any
philosophers from among their trans-Atlantic brethren
among them. This was the more to be regretted from
the fact, that at their last meeting they had listened to
the eloquence of that friend of civilisation, and of science,
and of peace, Mr. Everett. He was sere that great man
would give them his hearty good wishes, and would re-
joice when he heard of the triumphant display made by
the association this year.—(Hear, hear.) It was true
they had not so large an assemblage as they would have
had at Liverpool, or Manchester, or Bristol, or Birming-
ham, or Glasgow ; but then Southampton, it should be
recollected, ,was a comparatively small town, and the at-

tendance was certainly-greater in proportion to the popu-
lation than at any of the larger localities they had hi-
therto visited. He did not mean to cast any slur on those
greater towns, but he mentioned the fact as a proof that
the association was rising in public estimation, and he was
convinced, though when they held their meetings in the
smaller towns their disbursements were necessarily
larger than their receipts, that still, when they again
visited the great leading towns of the kingdom, their
previous losses would be more than made up to them.—
(Hear, hear.) Their president had, in his opening ad
dress;detailed to them some of the advantages which the
association had conferred on science and on the com-
munity, but he was satisfied that, in addition to all this,
they did more good than they could be at all aware of;
that they lit up the sparks of science in many minds that
would hereafter enlighten the world with their brilliancy
and splendour. After some further remarks, the Noble
Marquii, concluded by moving that all the members of
the association present, not belonging to Southampton,
should join with him in expressing their thanks to the
mayor and inhabitants of, the town for the kindness
which they had shown 16 them. The motion was re-
ceived with loud applause.
The MAYOR returned thanks, and said he was sure his
fellow townspeople would unite with him in, expressing
their gratitude to the great and distinguished men wbo
had honoured them by coming among them. He con-
cluded by expressing a hope that the meeting of the
British Association in their town would lay the founda-
tion for the establishment of a local literary society
among them, which might hereafter aid in lighting up
the spark of science, to which the Noble President of
the Royal Society had referred, in the hosoms of some
of their fellow-eitlzens.

Professor PHILIPS moved a vote of thanks to the local
secretaries and members of the local committee, and
passed a high eulogium on their exertions to ensure the
comfort and convenience of the association.
Dr. CLARKE returned thanks.
Sit... Joust HERSCHEL said that however remarkable
Britain had made herself in the field of science, she was
but one of the nations that were distinguished before
mankind in the advancement of civilisation. He felt
that he was therefore placed in a situation to which his
rhetorical powers were extremely inadequate, in rising
to express the feelings not merely of the British Associa•
tion, but of British civilisation generally, in reference to
European science. England was undoubtedly an island,
but she refused to be regarded as one in matters of
science. A great bridge had been built across the
Channel, and there was no longer a separation
between her and the continent of Europe. Its
science thre was but one direction which the
needle would take when pointed towards the
European continent, and that was towards his esteemed
friend Professor Olirsted.—(llear aid cheers.) He knew
not how to speak of him in his presence, without rib-
lating some of that sanctity by which as an individual
he was surrounded. To look at his calm manner, who
could think that he wielded such an intense power, ca-
pably of altering the whole state of science, and almost
convulsing the knowledge of the world? He had at this
meeting developed to them some of those recondite and
remarkable powers which he had been himself the first
to discover, and which went almost to the extent of
obliging them to alter their views on the most ordinary
laws of force and of motion. He elaborated his ideas
with slowness and certainty, bringing them forward
only after a long lapse of time. How often did he (Sir
J. Herschel) wish to heaven that be could trample down
and strike for ever to the earth the hasty generalisation
which marked the present age, and bring up another
and a more safe system of investigation, such as that
which marked the inquiries of his friend. It was in the
deep recesses, as it were, of a cell, that in the midst of
his study a far idea first struck upon the mind of Oer-
sted. He waited calmly and long for the dawn which
at length opened upon him, altering the whole relations
of science, and he might say of life, until they knew not
where he would lead them to. The electric telegraph
and other wonders of modern science were but mere
efUrveseences—the mere scum from the surface of this
deep recondite discovery, which, Oersted's had liberated,
and which was yet to burst with all its mighty force
upon the world.—(Cheers.) But with the long list which
he had to get through he would not dilate longer
on the great discovery of his esteemed friend.
If he were to characterise by any figure the ad-
vantage of Oersted to science, he would regard him
as a fertilising &boa er descending from heaven, which
brought forth a new crop, delightful to the eye and
pleasing to the heart. But if he turned on the other
hand, he would have to describe a mighty Titan—one
who can convulse nature, tear up the rocks, and call the
lightning to his aid. When he mentioned the name of
Sehonbein he surely recalled to them all these ideas.—
(Hear, hear.) After proceeding at some length to de-
scribe iu eloquent language the celebrity of the other
eminent foreigners present at the meeting, he concluded,
amidst loud cheers, by moving the thanks of the meeting
to Professor Oersted and the other foreign philosophers
who had honoured them by their presence.
Mr. M. STIRLING said he thought tbs term applied
by Sir John Herschel to Professor Wheatstone's great
discovery—the electric telegraph—of being mere scum
and effervescence, was one requiring some explanation.
Sir JOIN HE,RSCHEL said nothing could be further
from his mind than to depreciate the important discovery
of his friend Professor Wheatstone; but in using what
was, perhaps, rather an infelicitous term, he merely
wished to compare what had already appeared on the
surface from Oersted's discovery, in comparison to the
depths which they were yet unable to fathom.—(Hear.)
The Rev. Dr. Rontsrsost said, before the gentleman,
whoever he was, rose in so peremptory a manner, he
ought at least to have understood what he was speaking
about. No one had a higher esteem for Professor Whea-
tstone than he had, but yet he had no hesitation in say-
ing that the discoveries of Professor Wheatstone were
but effervescences of that fermentation which the dis-
coveries of Oersted were raising in the minds of men.

Some interruption for a time of rather an angry kind
ensued, after which the resolution was carried amidst
loud cheers.
Professor OERSTED said he was quite overpowered at
all the praise which that distinguished gentleman, Sir
John Herschel, had heaped upon him, and he regretted
that his command of the English language was not suffi-
cient to enable him to express his feelings as he would
wish. There was no country had more reason to love
science than England. Her great men were too nume-
rous to be enumerated, but the name of Newton was
perhaps sufficient to mention.—(Hear, hear.) Science
was power,' and much of the vast power of England had
certainly been derived from the scientific pursuits of her
great men. He felt the liveliest gratification on coming
amongst them on this occasion, and he was sure all the
foreigners around him were actuated by the same
emotions.

The PRESIDENT begged to remind the meeting that
at that association, which might be called the parlia-
ment of the science of England, there had been ass( m-
bled at one time or another every man who was
entitled to the name of eminent in science in
the British empire. He would, therefore, spurn any
criticism which might be directed against them,
When he saw himself supported by such men
as Herschel, and Owen, and Faraday, he felt
that it was no idle boast on his part, humble
geologist as he was, to say that he spoke in the name of
the united science of Britain. All they required was,
an open stage and no favour, to have their acts investi-
gated, but instead of that, those who criticised them
seized on mere excrescences of the meeting, which had
no connexion whatever with the, great objects which
they were assembled to promote. After some further

remarks, he announced that the Marchioness ofgastings,
Lady Murchison, Mrs. Whitby,'Mrs. Philips, and other
ladies had that day paid their subscriptions and become
members of the British Association.

Mr. BULLER moved a vote of thanks to the President.
Dr. ROBINSON seconded the motion. and observed that
the association was not the first scientific body that
admitted ladies as members. The Royal Irish Academy
had conferred the title of honorary corresponding mem-
bers on tw o ladies—one was a near connexion of his
own, and the other was no less than their distinguished
countrywoman, Mrs. Somerville. Her fame was known
to all, but it might not be known to many that, with all
her transcendental mathematical knowledge, which so
much astonished foreign philosophers, she was distin-
guished for her amiability and goodness in all the rela-
tions of private life. The Rev. Doctor alluded in lauda-
tory terms to the respect which Prince Albert had shown
when attending the meetings of their sections to the,
opinions of men of superior scientific acquirements.
Mr. L. HORNER thought it right the meeting should
know that the second lady who had been admitted an
honorary member of the Royal Irish Academy was
Maria Edgeworth.—(Cheers.)

The meeting shortly after adjourned.
In concluding our report of the proceedings of the
association here we may remark that there were several
interesting exhibitions open in the town during the
week. The principal was the model room attached to
the mechanical section, in which were exhibited some
rich specimens of Irish poplins, ge.,:l..,gical models, fossil
shells, kind mathematical instrum,nts. The Messrs.
Sowerby had also an extensive collections of shells and
minerals on view.

the most important feature of interest, not immedi-
ately connected with the association, wars, however, titre
map•offics of the Ordnance survey of Great Britai❑
which was thrown open to the members of the associa-
tion. All the officers of the establishment, both com-
missioned and non-commissioned, were. unremitting in
their attentions to the visitors. Captain Yolland, the
superintendent of the depot, was in particular most
zealous in explaining the ingenious processes which
have been adopted to facilitate the engraving and print-
ing, the perfect arrangement of all the complicated
details of the surveys, the intricacy of the calculations,
and the almost miraculous accuracy which has been
attained, both in the observations and in the manner in
Which they are recorded and transcribed. A highly in-
teresting feature in this establishment is the reading-
room, which the depot has established under the new
regulation. Though there are but thirty men in the
establishment here, they have expended no less than 30/,
—partly subscriptions from their officers—in fitting up
a neat and commodious reading-room. It is provided
with about a dozen large framed prints—one a present
from her Majesty, two great geologies' maps of Great
Britain and Ireland, coloured. Arrowsinith's large Atlas,
and 824 volumes of books. The latter were, however,
previously collected by the company under Captai❑
Yolland's command. The reading-room is also provided
with two or three of the leading London morning papers,
anda selection of the best magazines and reviews.

;VISIT or THE ASSOCIATION TO PORTSMOUTH.
PORTSMOUTH, SEPT. 17.—A great number of ladies
and gentlemen connected with the British Association,
having their president, Sir R. I. Murchison, with them,
arrived from Southampton, by the South-Western Rail-
way, at the Clarence-yard, Gosport, this morning, at
eleven. There must have been upwards of 50, for Admiral
Sir Charles Ogle sent his barge, and those of the Vic-
tory and Excellent, with some other boats, to embark
the party, and they were packed so close that the men
had to lay in their after oars. The distinguished party
first .went on board her Majesty's ship Excellent, and
were received by Captain Chads and his officers, and a
prodigious number of half-pay officers and others, who
expected to see some experimental operations, suggested
by members of the association. After several introduc-
tions had taken place, tire party went over the upper
and lower decks, and the guns being cast loose, they
first witnessed the gun drill, and then several rounds of
quick firing with blank cartridge from the 32-pounders,
and the 8-inch and 10-inch guns. Inquiry was then
made for some of Professor Schonbein's gun-cotton to
be tried, but it happened that he was net one of the
party, having, it was said, gone to London to take out
a patent for his invention. Some disappointment was felt
by the naval people on the occasion. but there was no
help, and the only satisfaction which could be obtained
and given to those who expected to have witnessed the
explosive effects of the gun-cotton was an assurance
that the Board of Ordnance had ordered one hundred
weight to be purchased, and that it was to be tested at
Woolwich, and on board the Excellent, when furnished
by the Learned Professor. After the ladies and gen-
tlemen bud adjourned to the poop of the Excellent to
observe the effect of two 118-pounder shot, which were
fired at the wreck of the iron steamer Ruby, both of
which hit her, and knocked away large fragments, Sir
R. Murchison, for himself and the members of the asso-
ciation, expressed to Captain Chads his thanks for the
attention which had been paid to them, and the gratifi-
cation they felt in witnessing what had been done in
this short visit; the barges were then brought alongside,
and the parties wert to her Majesty's ship, Victory,
packed as close as before ; here Captain Pasco and his
officers received them, and escorted them over
the ship, pointing 'out the various objects of cu
riosity,in her, particularly the spot on which Nelson
fell when wounded; the company, many of whom
had never been on board so large a ship, were muele,
gratified when taken over the store-rooms, which
were lighted up for the occasion, and after remaining on
board near an hour, the greater part of the members and
their friends landed at the dockyard, and proceeded to
Admiral Sir C. Oglv's house, where a splendid lunch had
been provided on a most liberal scale. Atter lun-
cheon at Sir C. Ogle.'s. the party, much increased in
numbers, and apparently mustering one• hundred persons,
went over the dockyard in groups, and were attended by
Mr. Brown, the senior master attendant, and Mr. Fin-
chum, the waiter shipwright., who took them to the block
machinery. metal mills, smithery, new steam basin, test-
house, hydraulic pump, rope-house, sail loft, &c.... About
five o'clock the party left the yard, and were taken across
the harbour to the Clarence • victualling department,
which they inspected—the various parts of the baking
machinery being explained by Mr. Grant, the store-
keeper and inventor of it. In the evening the learned
body returned to their quarters at Southampton.

RAILWAY SHARE MARKETS.

WiNCRESTEIt, SEPTEMBER 17

STOCK EXCBANOE.—The sales are—Birmtngham and Dudley, 2 p.
—Boston, Stamford, and Birmingham, Its. c. dis.—Chester and
Birkenhead, 201. Shares, % p.—Eastern Counties, York Extension,
19-16 IL—East Lancashire (late Blackburn and Preston), 8% p.—
Huddersfield, Halifax, and Bradford, p.— Huddersfield and Man-
Junction, 6 p.—Lancashire and North Yorkshire, .% Ms.—Leeds and
Man-
cheater Railway and Canal in'''. P.—Hu.lderslield and Sheffield
Thirsk, 4 dis. --Leeds, Dewsbury, and Manchester, 2% p.—Leicester
and Bedford, 4 tlis.—London, Manchester, and Birmingham, Quar-
ters (A), 7% p.—Ditto, ditto (P), p.—Ditto, ditto (C), 7% p.—
London and York. % dis.—Manchester and Leeds Extension, 1% p.
l7s. dis.—North Eastern, 265. c.
Birkenhead, &c.. 9-16 dis.
—Sheffield and Manchester, Quartets, No. 3, par—Shropshire Union
—ManchesterOl dis.—Oldham ham
C. p_ oldham.
Railway and Canal, 7-16 dis.—South-Eastern and Dover, Halves,
No. 4, 9.16 c. p.—Trent Valley, Midlands, &c., % p.--West Riding
Union, 2 5-16 9. —Whitehaven and Furness, 3 dis.
LEEDS, SEPTEMBER 17.
STOCK EXCHANGE.—The sales are—East Lancashire, 8% p.—Hud-
dersfield and Manchester, I% c.p.— Huddersfield and Sheffield, 5% p.
—Leeds and Bradford, 4456 p.—Leeds and Dewsbury, 2p.—Ditto,
Branches, 20s. p. —Leeds and Thirsk, 454 dis.—Ditto, New, 3 Ms.—
North British, Carlisle Branch, 565. 6d,
p Ambergate, Nottingham,
and Boston, 12s. 6d. dia.—Boston, Stamford, and Birmingham, 11 s. dis.
—Clitheroe Junction, 18s. 6d. dis.—Direct Northern, 16s. dis. —East
and West Yorkshire, 1% dis.—Grand Union, 15s. dis. S.—Liverpool,
Ormskirk, and Preston, 31. 193. p.—Maiton and Driflield Junction,
12s. s. p.--Manchester, Buxton, Matlock, and Midland, 255. p.—
North Western, 3s. 6d. s. p.—Sheffield, Rotherham, and Goole. 10s.
dis. s.—Shropshire Union, is. dis.-1V est ;tiding Union, 4%.
HULL. SEPTEMBER 17.

STOCK EXCITANGE.—TIIO sales arc —North British, Carlisle, 81s.
Ambergate. Nottingham, and Boston, 375. &I.—Buckinghamshire,
10s. dis.--Fleetwood, Preston, and West Biding, 9s. 6d.—North
Western, Vs. —North Staffordshire. 3% p --Shropshire Union, % dis.
—West lilting Union, 41.85.--Leeds, Wakefield, and Midland, 295.
Leiester and Bodford, 12s.
NEWCASTLE-UP)N-TYNE, SEPTEMBER 17.

STOCK EXCHANGE.—The sales are—Caledonian, Extension, 18s.
dis.—lpswich and Bury Extension, 15s. eis.—Lancashire and
North Yorkshire, ►,p dis.— Liverpool, Manchester, and Newcastle
Junction, dis.—Manchester and Leeds Extension, 2p.
YORK, SErrEmus 17.

SrocK ExultsNoz.—The *ates —Grand Union (Nottingham and
34—Loudon and York, 21. ls.--Halton and Urn:field Junction,
2/. 14s. 6d.—North British. Half Shares, 16—Ditto, Carlisle Exten-
sion, 4—North Western, 1 4 scrip—West Riding Union, 41. Bs.—York
and Newcastle, New, 101. 16s. 3d. scrip—York and North Midland
( East and West Riding Extension), 12% scrip.
EDINBURGH, SEPTEMBER 16.

STOCK EXCITANGE.—The sales are—Airdrie and Ttathgate, 85s.—
Caledo.dan, New, 32.s.—Direct Northern, 345. Dundee and Perth,
2514—East Indian Railway, 14s. 9d.—East. of Fife, 20s.—Edinburgh
and Glasgow; 70—Ditto, Qunrtfrs, 1714—Edinburgh and Northern,
Newport, 49s.—Great North of -,cothuid. 14s. 6d. --London and York,
425. 6d.—North British, Extension to Carlisle, 82s.— Ditto, Fifths,
7t4—Scottish Central, 19% --scottish Central and Caledonian Junc-
tion, 33s.—Scottish Grand Junction, 12s.
GLASGOW, SEPTEMBER 16.

STOCK Excumgoz.—The sales are —Caledonian, New, 325. Cale-
donian and Dumbartonshire Extension, 23i. 9d.—Cornwall and

Devon Central, 275. 6d.—East Indian Railway, 14s. 9d.—Glasgow
General Terminus, W.—Glasgow and Belfast Union, 495. 6d.—Glas-
gow, Kilmarnock, and Ayr, Halves, Si. 17s. p. - Glasgow, Kilmar-
nock,- and Ardrossan, 2ss. M.—Glasgow, Airdrie, and Monkland
duneton, 40s.—Glasgow Harbour Grand Junction, 17s. 6i.- Great
North of India, ss. 3d.—Lanark and Lothians, 455. --London and
York, 435. Manchester athi Southampton. 23s.—Scottish Grand
Junction, 12s. 6d.—South Midland, 51s.—Stirling and Duntarniline,
205.-=-Strathern Junction, Os. 6d.

PROCLAMATIONS OF OUTLAWRY.—Thursday, at
the Court of the Sheriffs of Middlesex, Mr. Hemp, the
officer, formally called upon the following persons to
surrender to their creditors:—William Mu',linger Hig-
gins, at the suit of Thomas Gray; George Rutherford,
at the suit of Samuel Reynolds; WlMein Cunningham
Burton, at the suit of Charles Curiewis ; J. R. Udney,
at the suit of Onesiphorus Roberts; the Rev. James
Houghton Money Kyrie, clerk, at the ,3tir. of W. Thomp-
son; Thomas Harris Wilson, at the snit of :John Garrod;
J. L. Wellesley, at the suit of Benjtmin Spilsbury; John
Twysden, at the suit of William Dine:i; Lady Frances
Twysden, at the suit of William Dines; Richard Augus-
tus Seymour, at the suit of William Henry Vernon;
W. R. Gardiner, at the suit of George Augustus Brown;
Henry Lacy, at the suit of William Lillywhite; Mary
Ann Perryman, at the suit of James Edward Pye; J.
W. Gudge, at the suit of John Townsend; Thomas
Flower, at the suit of William Greene; George Hicks,
at
Henryof johSna mvagae; Arthur Wellesley
Williams,es
Duffield, as the
executor of William Griffiths, deceased;
itlhl
iea
m suit
s, o
Samuel Bertie
atf W
the William
suitam
Amhosse, at the suit of Samuel Ford; George Pitt Rose,
at the suit of Senica Hughes; and Richard Samuel More
Spray, at the suit of John Forbes. .
ACCIDENT AT AN IRON FOUNDRY.--.Thursday an
accident, attended with very serious consequences, hap-
pened to John Donahuge, aged 44 years, residing in
Hooper street, Westininster-r?al. lie was employed in
the iron foundry connected with the engineering esta-
blishment of Messrs. Maudslay and Field, of Westmins-
ter-road, and while rolling an immense iron plate from
the workshop to the yard; he slipped, and the whole
weight fell upon his legs, and when released by the other
workmen he was found to have sustained an extensive
laceration of the right leg, and dislot4tion of the nude
joint. He was removed with all speed to Guy's Hos-
pital, where he i.s progressirg as lu!ourably an be
expicted.