bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
1. Chapters on the Mineralogy of Scotland. Chapter I.—On the Rhombohedral Carbonates
Authors: Heddle
Published: June 2016

Professor Heddle read a paper on the “Rhombohedral Carbonates occurring in Scotland,” the first of a series of Chapters intended to embrace the analytical results of an investigation of all unknown or insufficiently determined Scottish species.

In this paper many analyses of the carbonates were submitted; and the pseudomorphic changes taking place in these were referred to in a special manner.
3. Descriptions of some new or imperfectly understood Forms of Palæozoic Corals
Authors: Nicholson H. Alleyne , Thomson James
Published: June 2016

In this communication the authors gave descriptions of several new or imperfectly understood forms of Palæozoic corals. After giving a general account of the method of investigation employed by them, the genus Heliophyllum, Hall, was discussed at length. The external structure of this genus is very peculiar, and it was shown that the genus is not by any means as nearly related to Cyathophyllum as has been generally believed.
4. Why the Barometer does not always indicate real Vertical Pressure: A continuation of the Paper laid before the Royal Society of Edinburgh in July 1875, in which, in addition to several other points, this was attempted to be shown. It is now more fully written out
Authors: Tennent Robert
Published: June 2016

The barometer only indicates real pressure when the atmosphere is in a state of perfect rest. It may then be represented a existing in vertical columns, but when it moves over a resisting surface its lower surface currents will be greatly retarded, while those aloft will move comparatively free and unimpeded. In this state it may be represented as moving in columns inclined in the direction towards which it moves. The atmosphere may thus be conceived as being divided into a number of spheroidal concentric layers, each of which is possessed of a different rate of speed, and moves more rapidly than the one beneath it: an increasing amount of friction will take place betwixt the layers as they approach the surface where its influence is greatest.
2. Report of the Deputation to Upsala
Authors: Buchan Alexander
Published: June 2016

The Deputation appointed by the Council to represent the Society on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the founding of the University of Upsala consisted of Mr Sprague and myself. Professor Balfour and Professor Sir Wyville Thomson, who represented the Edinburgh University, also joined the Deputation.
Address by Sir Wyville Thomson on delivering the Neill Prize to Dr Traquair
Authors: Thomson C. Wyville
Published: June 2016

Dr Ramsay Traquair,—The Neill prize for the triennial period 1874-77 has been awarded to you by the Council of this Society, nominally for your paper on the structures and affinities of Tristichopterus alatus (Egerton), communicated to this Society within the required period, and published in the 27th volume of the Transactions of the Society. The Council have, however, also taken into account, as they are entitled to do by the conditions of the prize, the many contributions which you have made during some years past to the knowledge of the structure of recent and fossil fishes.
2. On the Strength of the Currents required to Work a Telephone
Authors: Tait
Published: June 2016

Perhaps the most singular fact connected with the telephone is the excessive feebleness of the currents which suffice to work it. I have had no opportunity of testing any but rough arrangements set up by present or former students of my own, so that I cannot judge how far my results may apply to the instrument as sold.
1. On the Disruptive Discharge of Electricity
Authors: Macfarlane Alexander , Playfair P. M.
Published: June 2016

During the months of May and June of this session, we have endeavoured to investigate certain questions suggested by our experience of the discharge of electricity through the gases and through oil of turpentine.

Ordinary paraffin-oil, when used as a dielectric, exhibits the same phenomena as oil of turpentine. Gas is liberated by the passage of the spark, and at the same time carbon is deposited. Once produced, the gas bubbles make the passage of the spark more easy through bringing the electrified surfaces nearer to one another; hence, in taking a series of observations, it is necessary to get rid of the bubbles after the passage of each spark. They were attracted generally to the positive surface, but sometimes to the negative. The attraction was more marked when no jars were attached to the Holtz; it was not so powerful as in oil of turpentine, and was generally in the opposite direction.
1. On the Average Value of Human Testimony
Authors: Terrot
Published: June 2016

The author began by some remarks upon the expression or . Where p represents the a priori probability of an event attested by a witness whose veracity, or the ratio of whose true assertions to the number of all his assertions is, v. He observed that U, or the ultimate probability of the asserted fact, depended upon the accuracy of the numerical value given to v, and that men have never such knowledge of their neighbours' antecedents, as to assume this value with anything like an approximation to the truth.
2. On the Structure and Functions of the Branchial Sac of the Simple Ascidiæ
Authors: Murray Andrew
Published: June 2016

The chief portion of this paper is occupied with an inquiry into the truth of Milne Edwards' theory, that the branchial sac of the Ascidians is perforated throughout by apertures, or what he called branchial stigmata.

Some experiments and observations made by Mr Murray last season had induced him to regard this view with doubt. In considering the question, he first examined the evidence that was recorded in support of it. Putting aside those writers who had taken M. Edwards' theory on trust, he could only find four observers who seem to have critically tested it, viz.,—Dr Lister, with whom the idea originated: who, while stating that the walls of the sac appeared to be traversed by open spaces, yet states that at times he thought he saw something like a veil stretching across them, and that the particles in suspension in the water were observed to course past these spaces without entering; which would appear to be inconsistent with the idea of the water entering, for the course of the water, and of the particles floating in it, must necessarily be the same.
2. On the Natural History of the Herring
Authors: Mitchell J. M.
Published: June 2016

Before entering on the details of the natural history of the herring, the author points out the great value of the herring-fishery to the maritime nations of Europe; and quotes various scientific authorities to show, that the herring is superior in economical importance to every other fish. Thus Cuvier, in his work on fishes, edited by Professor Valenciennes, says,—“Les grands politiques, les plus habiles economistes ont vu dans la pêche du hareng la plus importante des expeditions maritimes.”
1. Suggested Explanation of Messrs Carrington and Hodgson's recently observed Solar Phenomenon
Authors: Smyth C. Piazzi
Published: June 2016

The Royal Society of Edinburgh having been the arena wherein Professor W. Thomson first described his calculations and admirable extensions of Mr Waterston's meteoro-dynamic theory of solar light and heat, I beg leave to call the attention of the same learned Society to an apparent instance of confirmation which that theory appears to me to have received, by a phenomenon of very unique character, recently observed in an independent and most satisfactory manner, by either of two able scientific men—viz., Mr Carrington of the Observatory, Red Hill, and Mr Hodgson at Highgate.
1. On the Capture of Whales with the aid of Poison
Authors: Christison
Published: June 2016

This paper was an account of a plan proposed and tried many years ago for poisoning whales, by introducing hydrocyanic acid into their bodies when struck with the harpoon.

In 1831, the author was consulted on the subject by the late Messrs G. and W. Young of Leith, at that time concerned in the northern whale-fishery. It appeared to the author that the idea was feasible; that it was sufficient to paralyse the animal, so that the boats could speedily come up with it; and that a quantity of concentrated hydrocyanic acid, adequate to produce that effect at least, could be introduced by means of two glass tubes, one on each side of the shank of the harpoon, where they would be protected by the barbs of the blade.
2. On Zinc-Methyl
Authors: Wanklyn J. A.
Published: June 2016

Considerable difficulties attend the preparation of zinc-methyl. Frankland, who discovered the body, obtained it by heating pure iodide of methyl and zinc enclosed in small glass tubes. Owing to the high temperature at which reaction takes place, much gas is formed; hence the operation must be confined to very small quantities of materials.

No determination of the boiling-point, specific gravity, nor yet of the vapour density of zinc-methyl, was made by its discoverer; from which fact may be inferred how small was the product available for investigation.
2. On the Acrid Fluid of the Toad (Bufo vulgaris)
Authors: Davy John
Published: June 2016

The author first adverts to the conflicting opinions respecting the nature of this fluid, and especially to one of the latest, that entertained by MM. Gratiolet and S. Cloez, that it is an active poison.

He next describes some experiments he has made for the purpose of testing their conclusion, the results of which are in opposition to theirs, and confirmatory of certain ones of his own, showing that the fluid is a simple acrid irritant, and as such well adapted to protect an animal otherwise defenceless, and, from its sluggish habits, peculiarly exposed to danger.
1. Investigation of an Expression for the Mean Temperature of a Stratum of Soil, in terms of the time of year
Authors: Everett J. D.
Published: June 2016

In vol. xxii. of the Transactions of the Society, Prof. W. Thomson has given (after Fourier) the general solution of the problem of underground conduction, and he and Professor Everett have given methods more or less accurate of determining from observation the specific constants for any locality. These are mainly applied to the results of Principal Forbes's observations on the Calton Hill and other places near Edinburgh. (Trans., vol. xvi.)
1. On the Pressure Cavities in Topaz, Beryl, and Diamond, and their bearing on Geological Theories
Authors: Brewster David
Published: June 2016

In this paper the author gave a brief account of the various phenomena of fluid and gaseous cavities which he had discovered in diamond, topaz, beryl, and other minerals. He described—

1. Cavities with two immiscible fluids, the most expansible of which has received the name of Brewstolyne, and the most dense that of Cryptolyne, from the American and French mineralogists.

2. Cavities containing only one of these fluids.

3. Cavities containing the two fluids, and also crystals of various primitive forms, some of which melt by heat and recrystallise in cooling.

4. Cavities containing gas and vapour.
3. On the Chemical Relations of Creosote.
Authors: Gregory William
Published: June 2016

The author stated, that, being struck with the singular resemblance between the properties of creosote and those of carbolic acid, as described in all chemical works, he had tried the action of a mixture of chlorate of potash and hydrochloric acid on creosote, and had thus obtained a very large proportion of chloranile, the compound yielded by carbolic acid, when treated in the same way. He had also obtained, by the action of nitric acid on creosote, evidence of the production of nitropicric acid, which is also obtained from carbolic acid.
3. Notice of two Ores of Copper, one of them a new Mineral.
Authors: Connell
Published: June 2016

The first of the two ores here described, found in Cornwall, is a new combination of chloride of copper, sulphate of copper, and water. It occurs in beautiful small deep blue acicular crystals, of high lustre, grouped in bundles. The quantity was too small for a quantitative analysis.

The other is essentially a double carbonate of zinc and copper. It is from Matlock. It is pale-green, with a laminated structure and pearly lustre. In the qualitative examination of it, the author observed indications of one, or even of more than one, metallic oxide, which he could not identify satisfactorily with any known substance. This oxide was found to adhere to the copper, when that metal was precipitated by sulphuretted hydrogen. When the sulphuret was dissolved in aqua regia, and precipitated at a boiling heat by potash, the new oxide remained dissolved in the alkali, and the solution yielded on evaporation a small quantity of a soluble salt of a beautiful orange-yellow colour.
3. On some Phenomena of Capillary Attraction observed with Chloroform, Bisulphuret of Carbon, and other Liquids.
Authors: Wilson George
Published: June 2016

The object of this communication was to bring before the Society some phenomena which are exhibited when certain liquids, denser than water, are exposed, while contained in glass or porcelain vessels, to the alternate action of acids and alkalies. The liquids with which the phenomena described were noticed, were chloroform, bisulphuret of carbon, Dutch liquid (C4H4Cl2), bromine, oil of cloves, of sassafras, of cinnamon, and of bitter almonds. The majority of the experiments were made with chloroform, and the phenomena presented in common by all the liquids mentioned were described in full, as presented by chloroform.
1. On some peculiar Impressions on the Surface of certain Strata of Greywacké Schist, at Goldielands, in Roxburghshire.
Authors: Elliot James
Published: June 2016

After some prefatory remarks on the general character of the greywacké formations in the south of Scotland, on their entire destitution of organic remains, or even decided impressions, and on the general prevalence of marks, produced apparently by shallow water, a singular series of schistose strata is described, of little more than two feet in thickness altogether, presenting everywhere peculiar features. First, there are two opposed surfaces, the one sprinkled over with thin, short, raised streaks, and the other with small cylindrical grains, all lying perfectly parallel to each other, and consisting of a hard substance, differing from the material and colour of the greywacké rocks. Next, there are a few seams of fine schist, and then a surface, covered with minute, sharply-defined indentations, having every one a lip turned up on one side, and sometimes clinging to the lip, a small speck of the same hard brown substance, which appears on the two surfaces first mentioned.
2. On the Volcanic Formations of the Alban Hills, near Rome.
Authors: Forbes J. D.
Published: June 2016

The author thus sums up the general results of his memoir:—

“In the first place, it appears that the Alban volcano (for it is essentially one) has acted throughout a great period of time; for not only has it evidently repeatedly changed its form and materials of eruption, but it is surrounded by knolls of basaltic formations which seem to indicate very ancient and very repeated ejections, without taking the regular form of craters. Such are probably Monte Algido, Civita Lavinia, Monte Giove (Corioli), the Capuccini of Albano, Rocca Priore, Colonna, and perhaps even Capo di Bove, and several open craters, such as one a little below Albano, the Lago Cornufelle near Frascati, the Lake of Gabii, and one near Colonna which, on the authority of Ponzi, appear to have ejected peperino. The horse-shoe form of the old crater of the Alban Mount, which, whether formed by the elevation process or not, appears to be composed of beds of basalt, lapilli, tuff, or peperino, and here and there of the lava called Sperone, gave way, like that of Somma, on the western or seaward side, and I cannot but think it in no small degree probable, that the vast lava beds which lie under Nemi and Genzano, and which dip at a small angle under Monte Cavo, are part of the dislocated walls of the ancient crater displaced by the convulsion which rent it on the western side, and which was accompanied by a prodigious fluid discharge of peperino, which then formed the strata of La Riccia and Albano, and which, overwhelming the broken-down wall of the ancient crater, formed at the same time the Monte Gentile, and the peperino beds above Nemi.
1. On the Gamboge Tree of Siam.
Authors: Christison
Published: June 2016

Although Gamboge has been known in European commerce for nearly two centuries and a half, and its applications in the arts have been extended in recent times, the tree which produces it is still unknown to botanists.

The late Dr Graham, in 1836, was the first to describe accurately a species of Garcinia, which inhabits Ceylon, and which is well known there to produce a sort of Gamboge, not, however, known in the commerce of Europe. Resting on a peculiarity in the structure of the anthers, which are circumscissile, or open transversely by the separation of a lid on the summit, he constituted a new genus for this plant, and called itHebradendron cambogioides. At the same period the Author examined the properties of this Gamboge, and found that it possesses the purgative action of the commercial drug in full intensity, and that the two kinds agree closely also, though not absolutely, in chemical constitution.
4. The Effect of Pressure in Lowering the Freezing-Point of Water experimentally demonstrated.
Authors: Glasgow W. Thomson
Published: June 2016

On the 2d of January 1849, a communication, entitled “Theoretical Considerations on the Effect of Pressure in Lowering the Freezing-Point of Water, by James Thomson, Esq., of Glasgow,” was laid before the Royal Society, and it has since been published in theTransactions, Vol. XVI., Part V. In that paper it was demonstrated that, if the fundamental axiom of Carnot's Theory of the Motive Power of Heat be admitted, it follows, as a rigorous consequence, that the temperature at which ice melts will be lowered by the application of pressure; and the extent of this effect due to a given amount of pressure was deduced by a reasoning analogous to that of Carnot from Regnault's experimental determination of the latent heat, and the pressure of saturated aqueous vapour at various temperatures differing very little from the ordinary freezing-point of water.
3. Notes on the Purification and Properties of Chloroform.
Authors: Gregory William
Published: June 2016

Chloroform has been prepared both from alcohol and from wood-spirit. The latter has been used for the sake of cheapness; but as it is a mixture of several liquids, all of which do not yield chloroform, it gives an impure product, in a proportion which varies much, but is always below that obtained from alcohol. There is therefore not only no advantage, but the contrary, in using woodspirit, which is not, after all, much cheaper than alcohol.
1. Notice of some recent discoveries in Organic Chemistry
Authors: Gregory William
Published: June 2016

The author in this paper communicated to the Society an account of Creazote, a new organic principle lately discovered by M. Reichenbach, which possesses remarkable antiseptic properties, and is the source of the antiseptic power of wood-smoke, empyreumatic pyroligneous vinegar, and other empyreumatized substances; also of a very volatile fluid, lately put into his hands by Mr Enderby of London, which is obtained by the destructive distillation of caoutchouc, and possesses in a higher degree than any other menstruum the property of dissolving that substance; and lastly, of three new crystalline bodies which have lately been discovered by M. Robiquet, and other French chemists, in opium, and which are named Narceïne, Meconine, and Codeïne. Specimens of the several substances were exhibited.
1. Analysis of Coprolites from the Limestone of Burdie-House
Authors: Connell Arthur
Published: June 2016

These coprolites, as well as the limestone where they are found, contain a trace of animal matter, as ammonia is disengaged at a red heat.

Muriatic acid dissolves the greater part with slight effervescence. Ammonia throws down from the solution a copious gelatinous precipitate of phosphate of lime; and in the remaining fluid, oxalate o ammonia throws down oxalate of lime. The matter left undissolved by the muriatic acid is inflammable, leaving a small siliceous residue, and appears to be bituminous matter derived from the matrix. There is no magnesia, sulphur, nor fluorine.
2. On the Fossil Fishes of the Limestone of Burdiehouse
Authors: Hibbert
Published: June 2016

In this paper the author gave an account of a communication received by him from M. Agassiz, Professor of Natural History at Neuchâtel in Switzerland, relative to the remains of fishes which had been discovered in the limestone of Burdiehouse, and which had been submitted to his examination. As many of the fish discovered would be explained in his “Recherches sur les Poissons Fossiles,” an opinion upon a few only was requested.
1. On the Poisonous Properties of Hemlock, and its lately discovered Alkaloid, Conia
Authors: Christison
Published: June 2016

The author commenced by stating, that he had repeated the greater part of the analysis of hemlock lately executed by Professor Geiger of Heidelberg, and had obtained precisely the same results. According to his analysis, hemlock contains a peculiar principle, alkaloidal in its nature, but differing from the previously discovered alkaloids in its form, which is that of an oily-like liquid, volatile at a moderate elevation of temperature, and capable of being readily distilled over with water. It neutralizes acids, without however forming crystallizable salts. It contains a considerable proportion of azote. It quickly undergoes decomposition when exposed to the air, giving out ammonia, and becoming a dark, resin-ous-like substance.
2. Notice of a New Compound of Sulphur, which is probably a Sulphuret of Nitrogen
Authors: Gregory
Published: June 2016

This substance, obtained among the products of the reaction of chloride of sulphur on a solution of ammonia, is a solid, colourless, insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol, crystallizing in cubes. It is characterized by producing a fine, but fugitive purple colour, when brought into contact with potash and alcohol.

Dr Gregory obtained from it between 92 and 93 per cent. of sulphur, and from 6 to 7 per cent. of nitrogen.
2. Observations on a New Species of British Gurnard, and on a Species of Sole new to Science
Authors: Parnell Richard
Published: June 2016

The author obtained, in the early part of last September, at Brixham, in Devonshire, seven specimens of a species of Gurnard, which has been known for thirty years past to the fishermen there under the name of Finned Captains. This he ascertained to be the Trigla lucerna of Brunner. The species is known as an inhabitant of the Mediterranean, where it was first noticed by Rondeletius, but mistaken by him for the T. cuculus of Linnæus. Since then, Brunner noticed it at Marseilles, Risso at Nice, Leach at Malta, and Cuvier at Naples; but it had not been previously observed by any naturalist on the British coasts. The largest specimen obtained by the author is 10½ inches long.
The back is light red, the pectoral fins dark blue, the sides marked by a silvery band from the gill-cover to the tail; the lateral line smooth, and formed by numerous semicircular plates, beautifully radiated at their free margin ; the scales thin, large, and entire; the second ray of the first dorsal fin very long, so as to reach, when folded down, beyond the sixth ray of the second dorsal fin. (See Plate.)
2. Notice regarding some points in Hydrodynamics that have been misunderstood
Authors: Russell Scott
Published: June 2016

This notice is occasioned by a passage in the fifth volume of the Transactions of the British Association, page 251, in which Professor Challis claims for himself the merit of having been the first who deduced from mechanical principles the anomalous emergence of a floating body from a fluid at high velocities, and where he adduces Mr Russell's experiments in support of the method of reasoning he has there adopted. Previous to the publication of his paper, Mr Russell had given the theoretical explanation of the phenomenon, and had also adduced experiments in support of that explanation at the meeting of the British Association in Edinburgh.
2. A brief notice relative to an Aërolite which was seen to fall near Juvinas, in the Department of the Ardêche in France, on the 15th June 1821
Authors: Forbes
Published: June 2016

“When visiting the ancient volanoes of the Haut Vivarais, the author was led to make some inquiries relative to the fall of this remarkable meteor, which took place in broad day-light, almost in the midst of the scattered hamlet of Libounez, near Juvinas, and which was witnessed by many persons, some of whom still survive, and gave the account which the author presented.

“The stone fell on the 15th June 1821, at 4½ P. M.; sky clear, and wind north. A long roll was heard, then an explosion like that of a cannon, five minutes before the stone fell. It touched the ground within a few feet of several men who were digging potatoes within a small enclosure.
2. An attempt to reconcile the Theories of the Debacle and the Action of Glaciers, in accounting for the Distribution of Erratic Blocks
Authors: Mackenzie G. S.
Published: June 2016

The author commenced by alluding to the disposition of geologists to draw conclusions of a general nature too hastily from the facts observed by them, illustrating this remark by referring to the various opinions successively promulgated, not only by geologists generally, but even by the same geological writer, on the subject of the till or boulder clay, the gravel, and sand, by which Great Britain is every where more or less covered. At one period, all these superficial deposits were referred to the action of water alone; now it is the fashion to explain them by the agency of glaciers.
2. On the Optical Properties of Greenockite, by Sir David Brewster, in a letter to Lord Greenock
Authors: Brewster David
Published: June 2016

Greenockite has the form of a regular six-sided prism, with pyramidal summits, the faces of the pyramid being inclined 36° 20′ to their base. The pyramids are sometimes truncated on their summit.

The crystallization is often composite.

The index of refraction of Greenockite is 2.6882, corresponding to the middle of the green space, and to the ordinary ray. Hence Greenockite exceeds the Diamond in refractive power, and also chromate of lead, which I had found to surpass the diamond in this respect.

The double refraction of Greenockite is comparatively small, which is not usual in substances of a high refractive power. It is so small, indeed, that owing to its great dispersive power it is exceedingly difficult to separate the two images.
1. An attempt to explain the Phenomena of the Freezing Cavern at Orenburg
Authors: Hope
Published: June 2016

Dr Hope in the first place read, from the Proceedings of the Geological Society in London, the account of the freezing cavern furnished by the President of the Geological Society of London. This is one of several caves which exist in the southern face of a lengthened low hillock of gypsum. It is entered from the south by a passage rather narrow, and is about fifteen feet high, ten paces long, and seven wide, which seemed to send off irregular fissures into the body of the rock.
2. Observations on the Temperature of the Earth in India
Authors: Caldecott John
Published: June 2016

These thermometers, made by Mr Adie of Edinburgh, were sunk in the ground at Trevandrum, in lat 8° 30′ 35″, to depths of 3, 6, and 12 French feet. Mr Caldecott says,—“I send you herewith the readings of my long thermometers, which, from various causes, I was not able to put into the ground until the 1st of last May (1842). These two months' readings, therefore, will not, of course, have the proper temperature at the respective depths, especially as it has been raining more or less nearly ever since. Still, I think they will surprise you, as being (so far as they go) entirely opposed to Kupffer's opinion, that the superficial temperature of the earth within the tropics is below that of the air, and to Boussingault's assertion, as to the invariability of the temperature one foot below the surface.
1. On the Vibrations of an Interrupted Medium
Authors: Kelland
Published: June 2016

The object of this paper was the approximate determination of the change of phase, and intensity of a ray reflected at the surface of a medium, which admits of no refraction.
2. Additional Observations as to the Poisonous Properties of Œnanthe crocata
Authors: Christison
Published: June 2016

In this paper the Author added a few supplementary observations to those made on the alleged poisonous properties of the Œnanthe crocata, in his paper on the poisonous Umbelliferœ, read on the 4th December last.

He stated that he had met with other cases of poisoning with this plant, recorded by Continental authors, shewing that death may take place in an hour,—that so small a quantity as a single tuber, no bigger than the finger, has proved fatal,—that the roots are poisonous in some countries, from the beginning of January till the middle of October at all events, and probably throughout the whole year; and that Spain may be added to the countries formerly mentioned, where fatal effects have been produced by the plant.
4. On the Variations of the Fertility and Fecundity of Women according to Age
Authors: Duncan J. Matthews
Published: June 2016

This paper was divided into four parts. In the first part it was shown :—

1. That the actual, not the relative, fertility of our female population, as a whole, at different ages, increases from the commencement of the child-bearing period of life until the age of 30 is reached, and then declines to its extinction with the child-bearing faculty.

2. That the actual fertility is much greater before the climax, 30 years, is reached, than after it is passed.
3. Notice respecting Mr Reilly's Topographical Survey of the Chain of Mont Blanc
Authors: Forbes
Published: June 2016

On the 6th February 1843, or almost twenty-two years ago, I had the honour of laying before this Society an account of a topographical survey of the Mer de Glace of Chamouni and its neighbourhood, together with the detailed map founded upon it, being probably the first map of a glacier on such a scale ever constructed. Since that time I have never ceased to interest myself in the improvement and extension of this survey. Two subsequent editions of the map appeared, containing the results of my continued observations with the theodolite in 1843, 1844, 1846, and 1850. The last edition (on a reduced scale), in 1853, included the whole of the glacier of Bossons and the results of an extended triangulation, in which the Flegère and the Breven formed the extremities of a new base connected with the stations L, M, and I of my former survey.
4. On certain Points in the Morphology of Cleft Palate
Authors: Smith John
Published: June 2016

In cases of cleft palate with alveolar fissure, the maxillary bones are, during infancy, not only ununited, but, in general, if not always, more widely separated from one another than in the natural condition. This has been frequently observed in such cases as come under the care of the surgeon, although little attention appears to have been bestowed upon the fact beyond its mere casual mention. Measurements, however, have been lately made by Dr Engel, showing that the difference between certain fixed points—such as the two infra-orbital foramina, the nasal processes of the upper jaw, &c, is very well marked, when the distance is measured in a healthy new-born child, compared with one having a cleft palate.
1. On Some Capillary Phenomena
Authors: Tait
Published: June 2016

This communication was intended to illustrate by experiments with the solution of glycerine and oleate of soda, devised by Plateau, the mode in which a soap-bubble is detached as a closed shell from the mouth of a funnel; the mode in which two bubbles unite; and the process of cutting one into two or more.

A statical investigation of the form of an unclosed film, blown with coal gas, was given (the kinetic problem presenting very grave difficulties), and the results were shown to be in accordance with observation, so far as the eye can follow the rapid change which takes place in the neck of the film just before the closed bubble is detached.
2. On Functions with Recurring Derivatives
Authors: Sang Edward
Published: June 2016

In a previous paper, it was pointed out that the characteristic problem of the third branch of the higher calculus, is to discover the relation between the primary variable and its function, when the relation subsisting between the function and its derivative is known. The present paper treats of the solution of the simplest case of this general problem, that in which the function is equal or proportional to its derivative.

The proposition in hand is naturally divided into cases, according to the order of derivation: The first two of these can, by well-known artifices, be brought under the dominion of the integral calculus, and their relations can therefore present nothing new. But for the sake of the continuity of the treatment, and of certain relationships which otherwise could not have been so well explained they have been discussed in the paper.
2. On the Natural History of Lewis
Authors: Duns
Published: June 2016

Comparatively little attention has been given to the natural history of Lewis. Stray notices of the geology, botany, and zoology of the Outer Hebrides are to be met with, but, with one or two exceptions, these are not of much value. Martin's “Description of the Western Islands (1703),” is chiefly interesting for its full account of the industrial and moral condition of the people. Little, however, can be made of his incidental references to the natural history of the islands. Two volumes on the “Economical History of the Hebrides,” by Rev. Dr Walker, Professor of Natural History in the University of Edinburgh, were published in 1808, after Dr Walker's death. This work contains a good deal of information on indigenous plants, but almost none on zoology. Dr Maculloch's “Description of the Western Islands of Scotland (3 vols., 1819)” is in every way an abler and better work than either of the two now named. Its notices of the geology and mineralogy of the Outer Hebrides are even still valuable.
1. Some Observations on Incubation
Authors: Davy John
Published: June 2016

In this paper its author describes the results of experiments made with two intents—one, to endeavour to ascertain whether there can be a complete arrest of vital action without the death of the egg; the other to ascertain the changes which take place in those instances in which, during incubation, the egg proves unproductive.

The eggs used were chiefly those of the common fowl. The trials to which they were subjected were of three kinds—the airpump, the ice-house, and immersion in lime-water.
2. Note on Inverted Sugar
Authors: Dewar James
Published: June 2016

For some time past an animated discussion has been going on in the columns of the “Comptes Rendus de l'Académie des Sciences” between MM. Dubranfaut and Maumené regarding the nature of inverted sugar. M. Dubranfaut, many years ago, made many valuable additions to our knowledge concerning the composition and reactions of various sugars, especially in explaining the result of the action of dilute acids on cane sugar. He explained the levo-rotatory action of inverted sugar, and its rapidly varying power with the temperature, as the result of a molecule of water in reacting with a molecule of cane sugar, generating one molecule of glucose and one of lævulose. Dubranfaut believed that inverted sugar consisted of a mixture of glucose and lævulose in equal weights; and although he did not make a direct analysis of the product, yet he was justly entitled to assume that it was so constituted, seeing that, generally, it agreed with a mean of the properties of inulin sugar and dextrose.
2. On the Steady Motion of an Incompressible Perfect Fluid in Two Dimensions
Authors: Tait
Published: June 2016

While discussing some of Mr Smith's applications of Maxwell's ingenious idea of representing galvanic currents by the motions of an imaginary fluid (ante, p. 79), I was led to the present investigation. I have since found that, as was only to be expected, I had been anticipated in a great many of the results I obtained — especially by Stokes, in the Trans. of the Cambridge Phil. Soc. 1843. Still it appears to me that I have a few novel results to communicate.
5. Note on Linear Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Tait
Published: June 2016

The equation

may be put in the very simple form

if we write

and
3. On tbe Operator φ(∇)
Authors: Tait
Published: June 2016

By combining, as above, Hamilton's linear and vector-function with his celebrated vector square-root of the negative of Laplace's operator, an operator of great use in physical applications of mathematics is obtained. With the notation employed in the author's paper “On Green's and other Allied Theorems,” Trans. R.S.E. 1870, § 17, it is shown to be generally expressible in the form of

where α,β,γ, are any three unit vectors (not necessarily rectangular), and α1,β1,γ1 any three vectors whatever.
7. On a Singular Case of Rectification in Lines of the Fourth Order
Authors: Sang Edward
Published: June 2016

The class of curves resulting from the formula

are of considerable interest as occurring in various mechanical inquiries. When a straight wire, whose effective breadth and thickness are as two to one, is fixed at one end and made to vibrate, its free end describes a curve of which the general equation is

in which k is constant for the particular variety of curve. When the curve becomes a parabola, and when k = 0, it takes the form above mentioned; these phases were exhibited by me in 1832. Again, when a system of toothed wheels is deduced from a straight rack, having a curve of sines for its outline, the points of contact describe a curve of this class, as is shown in my treatise on the teeth of wheels.
4. Additional Notes on the Occurrence of the Sperm-Whale in the Scottish Seas
Authors: Turner
Published: June 2016

In a communication made to this Society on the 6th February, 1871, I noted the capture of a sperm-whale at Oban in May, 1829, and I collected from various sources records of the stranding of seven additional specimens on the Scottish coasts.

Since that communication was published, a large sperm-whale has come ashore on the west coast of the Isle of Skye, some particulars concerning which I propose to relate in this communication.

Tourists in Skye, during the past autumn, who visited Loch Corruisk by boat from Torrin, as they sailed up Loch Scavaig, became conscious, by another sense than that of sight, that a large animal in a state of putrefaction was in their immediate vicinity.
2. On the Preservation of Iron Ships
Authors: Young James
Published: June 2016

My attention was called in January last year to the rusting of iron vessels by observing that the bilge water of my yacht (the “Myanza”, 214 tons) was much discoloured by red oxide. Knowing that bilge water is apt to become acid, and thus to attack iron, the result was easily accounted for. Even when the water does not become acid, we may expect some action on the iron to take place when sulphuretted hydrogen exists, as it frequently does there, in which case, first a sulphide, then an oxide, and some sulphate, are formed. The remedy seemed to be easy, because the acid can be neutralised by lime. This earth would also prevent the formation of sulphuretted hydrogen.
3. On the occurrence of Ziphius cavirostris in the Shetland Seas, and a comparison of its Skull with that of Sowerby's Whale (Mesoplodon Sowerbyi)
Authors: Turner
Published: June 2016

This paper contained a brief historical sketch of Ziphius cavirostris. The skull of a specimen caught at sea in 1870, off Hamna Voe, Northmaven, Shetland, was then described, and this skull was compared with previously recorded specimens. A brief historical sketch of Sowerby's whale was then given, a skull in the Edinburgh Museum of Science and Art was described, and reasons were advanced for associating it with the genus Mesoplodon rather than with Ziphius.
1. On the Action of Light on the Iris
Authors: Ackroyd William
Published: June 2016

Sect. I. It is well known that the movements of the iris are due to the stimulus of light, but I am not aware that any experiments have been hitherto made to determine the approximate quantity of that agent necessary to bring about this involuntary action. The usual way of observation precludes refined experimenting, it being customary to watch the iris of another person or animal whilst under the influence of varying amounts of light, or one's own iris by means of a mirror. Three methods will be described here, and I believe that one at least may afford a means of getting new data on this and other points.
2. On the Carboniferous Volcanic Rocks in the Basin of the Firth of Forth—their Structure in the Field and under the Microscope
Authors: Geikie
Published: June 2016

In the introductory portion of the paper a sketch is given of the present state of opinion among Continental petrographers regarding volcanic rocks associated with palæozoic formations. The author points out that a relic of Werner's belief in the recentness of volcanic action may still be traced pervading the ideas of German geologists. In this paper he endeavours to show that, alike in their formation in the field and in their structure under the microscope, the basalts and tuffs of palæozoic time were as truly the products of volcanic action as the lavas and ashes of the present day.
Opening Address by the President, The Right Hon. Lord Moncreiff
Authors: Moncreiff Lord
Published: June 2016

I cannot, of course, commence the discharge of the duties of President of this learned and celebrated Society, without expressing my profound gratitude to the members for their unexpected kindness in elevating me to this chair, and my intense appreciation of the distinction they have thereby conferred upon me. It is a position of which any man, however high his reputation or however great his attainments, could not fail to be proud. To me your favour has laid me under the greater obligation, that I am painfully conscious that I am entirely without pretensions to the special qualities which have generally determined your choice.
4. On Comets
Authors: Tait
Published: June 2016

The author commenced by stating that he had been led to make farther investigations, on the subject of his hypothesis as to the nature of comets, by some comparatively recent criticism to which that hypothesis had been subjected. Its main features had been published more than ten years ago in the “Proceedings” of the Society (May 17, 1869) and in the first volume of “Nature.” Of course, if a critic completely misstates an hypothesis, he has no difficulty in refuting it; so that to such writers the author does not attempt to reply.
3. Mathematical Notes: (a.) On a Problem in Arrangements
Authors: Tait
Published: June 2016

While making some algebraic problems last summer for an examination, I devised the following question:—

“A schoolmaster went mad, and amused himself by arranging the boys. He turned the dux boy down one place, the new dux two places, the next three, and so on till every boy's place had been altered at least once. Then he began again, and so on; till, after 306 turnings down, all the boys got back to their original places. This disgusted him, and he kicked one boy out. Then he was amazed to find that he had to operate 1120 times before all got back to their original places. How many boys were in the class?”
3. Note on the Velocity of Gaseous Particles at the Negative Pole of a Vacuum Tube
Authors: Tait
Published: June 2016

The recent exhibition by Professor G. Forbes of some of the latest of Mr Crookes' experiments, together with what I had read or heard about their explanation, led me to infer that I might determine directly the velocity of the luminous particles near the negative pole (and perhaps at other parts) of a vacuum tube by means of observations of the spectrum made in directions perpendicular to, and parallel to, the lines of motion of the incandescent particles of gas.
2. On Currents produced by Friction between Conducting Substances, and on a new form of Telephone Receiver
Authors: Blyth James
Published: June 2016

In former papers laid before this Society, I showed that when any two metals are rubbed against each other, a current of electricity is produced; and that this current agrees in direction with the thermo-electric current for the same two metals, and is neater approximately at least, in proportion as the metals rubbed are far apart on the thermo-electric scale,—the greatest current, as far as I have yet observed, being got from antimony and bismuth.
4. Notice of the Completion of the new Rock Thermometers at the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh, and what they are for
Authors: Smyth Piazzi
Published: June 2016

The nature of this paper may he understood from the following headings:—

(1.) The making and placing of the new thermometers.

(2.) Practically described by Mr Thomas Wedderburn.

(3.) The problem with the old thermometers.

(4.) Their next use in level fluctuations.

(5.) Their employment by Sir Wm. Thomson.

(6.) Their subsequent demonstration of the cycle of supra-annual waves of heat and cold.

(7.) The published predictions in 1872 for 1878–80.

(8.) The spoiled predictions in 1877, under the influence of erroneous sun-spot dates.

(9.) The rectified predictions in 1879, when the true date of sunspot minimum was ascertained by direct observation.

(10.) How to obtain correct dates for future sun-spot minima.
XVIII.—The Definite Integrals of Interpolation Theory
Authors: Copson E. T.
Published: June 2016

It is well known that, if the infinite series

is convergent for any non-integral value of z, it is uniformly convergent in any finite region of the z-plane and represents an integral function C(z), say, such that C(n) = an for n = 0, ± 1, ± 2, … It is called the Cardinal Function of the table of values, and is identical with Gauss's Interpolation Formula (suitably bracketed).

The function C(z) defined by the series (1) has been given two different definite integral representations, due to Ferrar and Ogura respectively.
3. On the Figures of Equilibrium of Liquid Films
Authors: Brewster David
Published: June 2016

In repeating some of the experiments of Professor Plateau, described in seven interesting memoirs published in “The Transactions of the Belgian Academy,” and in prosecuting his own experiments on the colours of the soap-bubble, the author of this paper observed several new phenomena which may have escaped the notice of the Belgian philosopher.

Professor Plateau has described and drawn the beautiful systems of soap-films, obtained by lifting from a soap solution a cube made of wires about one and a half inch long. This system is a polyhedron, composed of twelve similar films stretching from the wires, and united to a plane quadrangular film in the centre. When this vertical film was blown upon, M. Von Rees observed that it was reduced to a line, and then reproduced in a horizontal position, from which it could be blown again into a vertical position.
4. Note on Professor Tait's “Quaternion Path” to Determinants of the Third Order
Authors: Martin Hugh
Published: June 2016

I have read with much interest Professor Tait's “Note on Determinants of the Third Order” in the Proceedings of this Session (pp. 59–61), and admire the method of discovering new properties of Determinants. I am not sure, however, that the properties, when discovered, are more difficult of proof by Determinant methods, and I venture to submit the following as simple and elementary:—

The first property, namely,

is true under greater generality, and the Determinant proof is the same as for the special case.