bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2. On the Rainfall in the Lake District in 1861. With some Observations on the Composition of Rain-Water
Authors: Davy John
Published: June 2016

This paper consists of two parts. In the first part an account is given of the rain-fall in the Lake District during the year 1861, chiefly remarkable for its great amount (exceeding the average by many inches), and varying in different localities from sixty inches on the skirts of the district, for instance, at Kendal and Mirehouse, the latter four miles northward of Keswick, to 123 and 182 inches; the former, the fall at Grasmere, where approaching the higher mountains, the latter at Seathwaite in Borrowdale, a spot in the midst of them.
3. Observations on the Absorbing Power of the Human Skin
Authors: Thomson Murray
Published: June 2016

For the last sixty years physiological and other authors have been maintaining two very opposite views in regard to the absorption by the skin of substances dissolved in the water of baths. Some authors holding that such salts as iodide of potassium readily reach the blood through the skin, when applied in the form of a bath containing that salt; while others hold that absorption, under such circumstances, never takes place. Among those who hold the affirmative view, I may mention Braconnot, Madden, O'Henry (fils), Carpenter, Chevallier et Petit; and among those who hold the opposite opinion, Currie, Seguin, Lehmann of Leipzig, Kletzinsky.
1. On the Structure of Lerneopoda Dalmanni, with Observations on its Larval Form
Authors: Turner Wm. , Wilson H. S.
Published: June 2016

This apparently little known form of parasitic crustacean has been as yet described only by Retzius and Kröyer. It does not appear, up to this time, to have been recognised as a British species. During the present year, many specimens obtained from the nasal cavity of more than one Rasa batis, caught by the Newhaven fishermen, have been examined by the authors.
4. On the Structure of the Bark of Araucaria imbricata, with special reference to Palæontology
Authors: Balfour John Hutton
Published: June 2016

The frost of December 1860 caused serious damage to trees and shrubs in the Botanic Garden of Edinburgh. On the morning of 24th December, Fahrenheit's thermometer stood at 6° below zero according to the Kew standard. An account of the injury inflicted has been already published in the Transactions of the Botanical Society of Edinburgh. It has been stated that the great cold in the garden, as compared with other places near Edinburgh, may be accounted for by its low sheltered situation, and the descent of the heavy cold atmosphere from the more elevated localities around.
2. On the Carboniferous Volcanic Rocks of the Basin of the Forth
Authors: Geikie Archibald
Published: June 2016

After referring to a previous communication to the Society, in which the author had given an outline of the chronology of the igneous rocks of Scotland, he proceeded in the present paper to describe in detail the character of the volcanic phenomena in one district—that of the carboniferous system of the Forth basin. The igneous rocks of this district consist partly of doleritic and felspathic lava-form masses, and partly of various kinds of ash or traptuff. These materials present a considerable diversity in their modes of arrangement. But the author had found that all the volcanic hills of the district might be reduced to three types of structure:—1. A simple cone of ash, round and over which the ordinary sedimentary accumulation of the carboniferous period had been deposited. 2. A cone of ash with the crater filled up by a neck or plug of basalt. 3. Sheets of different lavas with intercalated ash or sedimentary matter.
1. Experimental Inquiry into the Laws of the Conduction of Heat in Bars, and into the Conducting Power of Wrought Iron
Authors: Forbes
Published: June 2016

The experiments described in this paper were all made in 1850 and 1851, upon a plan which was fully explained by the author in letters to Mr Airy and Professor Kelland in the former year. Some notice of them appeared in the British Association Reports for 1851 and 1852, and the apparatus was supplied by a grant from the Association.
5. Notice of the Ravages of the Limnoria Terebrans on Creosoted Timber
Authors: Stevenson David
Published: June 2016

The author stated that it would be difficult to estimate the value of any chemical or mechanical process whereby timber might be rendered permanently impervious to the ravages of the Limnoria terebrans, that small but sure destroyer of timber structures exposed to the action of the sea.

The ravages of that crustacean were first observed in 1810 by Mr Robert Stevenson, the engineer of the Bell Rock Lighthouse, in the timber supports of the temporary beacon used by him in the erection of that work. Having forwarded specimens of the insect, and of the timber it had destroyed, to Dr Leach, the eminent Naturalist of the British Museum, Dr Leach, in 1811, announced it as a “new and highly interesting species which had been sent to him by his friend Robert Stevenson, civil engineer,” and assigned to it the name of Limnoria terebrans (Linnean Trans., vol. xi. p. 370, and Edinburgh Encyclopædia, vol. vii. p. 433).
3. On the Existence of an Electrical Apparatus in the Flapper Skate and other Rays.
Authors: Stark James
Published: June 2016

The author, after noticing the fishes in which an electrical apparatus had been discovered, stated that, with the exception of Geoffroy St Hilaire, no writer had endeavoured to shew that Skates possessed electrical organs. The organ to which that writer alluded, the author regarded as nothing else than muciparous ducts, identical with the very same organs in the Torpedo, and quite distinct from the electrical organs. The circumstance was then mentioned which directed the author's attention to the tail of the skate, and led him to suppose that an electrical organ might exist in it.
4. On the Cause which has produced the Present Form and Condition of the Earth's Surface.
Authors: Mackenzie George
Published: June 2016

The author first described, generally, the appearance of the loose materials covering the surface; and referred to some districts in the north of Scotland, especially the central one on the borders of Perth and Inverness shires, as demonstrating the effects of vast currents of water having passed over the surface. He also referred to the valleys of the river Conan and its tributaries, in Ross-shire, as presenting an epitome of all the phenomena which may be supposed to result from a vast flood gradually subsiding, and taking the direction of the valleys. He then shortly alluded to the theories proposed to account for the present condition of the surface, which appear to resolve themselves into the effects of a remote cause.
1. Some Account of the Magnetic Observatory at Makerstoun, and of the Observations made there.
Authors: Broun J. A.
Published: June 2016

The observatory is situated on a rising ground forming the left bank of the Tweed, and is at a distance of about fifty yards from the Astronomical Observatory. It is built of wood; copper nails were used, and all iron carefully excluded from the building.

The plan of the observatory is rectangular, 40 feet long by 20 broad: It is divided into one large room to the north, 40 feet by 12, and two ante-rooms to the south, with the lobby and entrance doors between.
2. Description of a Sliding Scale for Facilitating the Use of the Moist-bulb Hygrometer.
Authors: Dalmahoy James
Published: June 2016

The instrument described in the paper is made of German silver, and is about a foot in length, andof an inch in breadth; along the middle of it there is a groove for a slider. On the right edge of the groove is engraved a scale of inches, and on the left the degrees of temperature from 0° to 85° Fahrenheit, each being placed exactly opposite that point of the scale of inches which measures the corresponding tension of vapour. On the left edge of the slider is engraved a scale of equal parts, eachof an inch; on the right edge, and having the same zero, is a vernier, applicable to the scale of inches. The lines on these scales are ten times larger than those which the symbols in the dew-point formula represent, but their numerical designations are not changed.
3. Account of Experiments to Measure the Direct Force of the Waves of the Atlantic and German Oceans.
Authors: Stevenson Thomas
Published: June 2016

The author has attempted to supply a great desideratum in the practice of marine engineering, by instituting a series of experiments to ascertain what force the waves exert against opposing barriers.

For this purpose he suggests, in some peculiar situations, the use of columns of water or of air, by which the force of each wave can be ascertained; in the one case by the rise of the water-column, or in the other by a pressure-gauge, shewing the same result in atmospheres by compression.
3. On the Use of Metallic Reflectors for Sextants, and on the Determination of the Errors arising from Non-Parallelism in the Mirrors and Sun-Shades of Reflecting Instruments.
Authors: Adie John
Published: June 2016

The object of this communication was to shew that, by the use of metallic reflectors for sextants, greater accuracy was obtained in the observed angles, and also that larger angles could be observed. Objects were seen reflected by metallic mirrors, which could not be seen when glass was used; and that when the alloy was formed of pure metals, it was not subject to rust or tarnish, even when exposed to action of the sea air.

The author then exhibited a sextant fitted with these mirrors, which had been employed for a season in the survey of the north coast of Scotland, under Mr Mossman, and read extracts of letters from that gentleman.
2. On the Extraction of pure Phosphoric Acid from Bones, and on a New and Anomalous Phosphate of Magnesia.
Authors: Gregory
Published: June 2016

The author, after explaining the methods hitherto proposed for purifying the phosphoric acid of bone earth, and pointing out their inconveniences, mentioned that the chief difficulty was the separation of the magnesia always present in bone earth. The lime, it has been for some time known, may be entirely removed by means of sulphuric acid. In repeating the process of Liebig, which did not succeed in his hands, and which requires the use of alcohol, he found that, after the separation of the lime, there is obtained, by evaporation and heating, a clear and colourless glass, containing all the magnesia: that this glass dissolved completely by boiling in water; but that the solution, if again evaporated and heated to 600° for a quarter of an hour in a platinum capsule, became turbid, and deposited the whole magnesia as an insoluble salt. When water was added, so as to dissolve the phosphoric acid, and the insoluble salt separated by the filter, the filtered liquid was found absolutely free from magnesia, and was a solution of pure phosphoric acid.
2. On the Solvent Action of Drainage Water on Soils.
Authors: Wilson John
Published: June 2016

The author, being resident for a time in East Lothian, in order to study the system of agriculture, it occurred to him that the very extensive and complete drainage must materially affect the soil by removing large quantities of its soluble ingredients.

He was disappointed, owing to an accident, in examining, quantitatively, the water which had been first collected for the purpose; but on examining, qualitatively, some that was collected after the drain had been running very copiously for 36 hours, he found it to contain 18.4 grains of soluble matter per gallon. This was chiefly the usual salts of lime and organic matter.
2. Biographical Notice of the late Professor Henderson.
Authors: Kelland
Published: June 2016

In undertaking the task which has been assigned me, of laying before the Society a brief history of the life and labours of one of their most valuable members, I am influenced as much by my regard for the deceased, as by my duty to the Society. I feel that, in a place where I am a comparative stranger, I have lost a friend—a loss the greatness of which can only be appreciated by those who have experienced, as I have done, the integrity of his character, and the warmth of his heart. Mr Henderson was a man whose every action was the dictate of a right conscience. With society, his intercourse was marked by an utter want of selfishness—a rare characteristic; with his friends, it was stamped with true and unostentatious kind-heartedness.
1. Notes on the Topography and Geology of the Cuchullin Hills in Skye; and the Traces of Ancient Glaciers which they present—(concluded).
Authors: Forbes
Published: June 2016

The first part of this paper refers to the relations of the hypersthene rock of the Cuchullin Hills to the adjoining formations.

The author undertook the observations here detailed without the slightest view to publication. He made only brief notes on the spot, collected but few specimens, and drew the first sketch of a map which accompanies the paper, for his own amusement and information. Finding, however, that the published writings of geologists contained little or no notice of some facts which he had clearly established, he undertook this paper as a groundwork for future and more systematic researches.
2. Results of the Makerstoun Observations, No. 1. On the Relation of the Variations of the Earth's Magnetism to the Solar and Lunar Periods.
Authors: Broun J. A.
Published: June 2016

The observations from which the following results are deduced, were obtained during the years 1844 and 1845, by means of the bifilar magnetometer, described in the Makerstoun Observations for 1841 and 1842; they are corrected for temperature by a method previously described.

From the Observations for the year 1844, the diurnal variation of the horizontal force is found to consist of two maxima and two minima;theminimum occurs at 10h20mA.M. (Makerstoun mean solar time is used throughout),themaximum at 5h30mP.M.; a minimum occurs at 2h20mA.M., and a maximum at 5h30m, or 40mA.M.: two inflexions occur in the mean curve between 3hand 4hP.M., and between 8hand 9hP.M. The periods of maxima and minima vary throughout the year, and the morning maximum is greater than the afternoon maximum in winter.
3. Verbal Notice respecting the Thyroid, Thymus, and Suprarenal Bodies.
Authors: Goodsir John
Published: June 2016

In a verbal notice of researches into the nature of the thyroid, thymus, and suprarenal bodies, Mr Goodsir stated that these three anomalous organs, situated respectively in the neck, chest, and abdomen, are in the embryo connected together in the form of two continuous masses, one on each side of the spine, from the base of the cranium to the origin of the omphalo-mesenteric arteries. The first or abdominal portion of each of these masses, grouped around the origins of the omphalo-mesenteric arteries, become the supra-renal capsules. The middle or thoracic portions, situated in the lateral parts of the thorax, where the lungs, at this period in the middle line, are afterwards to be, pass forwards to give place to the latter, and unite across the front of the pericardium, and become the thymus gland.
2. On the principle of Vital Affinity, as illustrated by recent Observations in Organic Chemistry. Part I.
Authors: Alison
Published: June 2016

The objects of this paper were,first, to vindicate the use of the term affinity, and assert the principle which that term is intended to express, viz., that in living bodies ordinary chemical affinities undergo a certain change or modification, either by the addition of affinities peculiar to the living state, or the suspension of some of those which act elsewhere; and,secondly, to attempt, from a review of facts recently ascertained, an exposition of the laws, according to which these modifications of ordinary chemical affinities take place, and a discrimination of those changes in living bodies, which may be ascribed to them.
2. On the appearance of the Great Comet of 1843, at the Cape of Good Hope, with illustrative Drawings.
Authors: Smyth C. P.
Published: June 2016

This comet attracted much attention from its excessive brightness at and near its perihelion passage, as well as from the length and form of its tail. The drawings were intended to represent these particulars, and the changes which occurred during the time that the comet remained visible from the Cape Observatory.

It was seen for a short time, but not generally, before the perihelion passage, which took place on the 27th February 1843; and it ceased to be visible by the naked eye towards the end of March, though it could be discerned with the telescope till the 19th April.
4. On the Composition of the Bones from Arthur's Seat.
Authors: Christison
Published: June 2016

The author found that the bones of animals lately disinterred in the course of the new drive, contained ⅛ of the quantity of gelatine common in recent bones.
2. On the Influence of Contractions of Muscles on the Circulation of the Blood.
Authors: Wardrop
Published: June 2016

In this paper, Dr Wardrope states that he has endeavoured to shew, by a series of observations and experiments, that the muscles, besides being the active organs of motion, perform, by their contractions, an important office in the circulation of the arterial as well as venous blood; an office which has not hitherto been described by physiologists, but which appears to be capable of explaining several interesting phenomena in the living body, of which no satisfactory account has yet been given.
2. Notice of Polished and Striated Rocks recently discovered on Arthur Seat, and in some other places near Edinburgh.
Authors: Milne David
Published: June 2016

Mr Milne stated, that, in the gully situated between Arthur Seat and Sampson's Ribs, a great extent of rock had been recently exposed (by the removal of clay and other superficial deposits) which was found to be smoothed as well as furrowed or scratched.

The gully is about 30 feet wide, at the lowest level to which it has been hollowed out, and at one part, both of its sides are composed of these smoothed furrowed rocks; but, in general, it is only on one side, viz., that next to Arthur Seat, that rock exists. There, the appearances of smoothing and rutting extend for about 80 yards.
3. Results of the Makerstoun Observations, No. II. On the Relation of the Variations of the Vertical Component of the Earth's Magnetic Intensity to the Solar and Lunar Periods.
Authors: Broun J. Allan
Published: June 2016

The following results are deduced from the observations of the balance or vertical force magnetometer described in the Introduction to the Makerstoun Observations. The observations were corrected for temperature by a method previously described.
1. New Observations on the Glaciers of Savoy, (Concluded).
Authors: Forbes
Published: June 2016

The Second Part of this paper contained an account of the determination of the motions of several glaciers which had not been before observed, such as the glacier of Talefre, Nant Blanc, Miage, and Brenva, and the results of a comparison of the measures made in 1846 with those of former years, at different points of the Mer de Glace; shewing the unusual speed of motion during last summer.
1. Remarks on the Hypothesis of Progressive Development in the Organic Creation.
Authors: Mackenzie G. S.
Published: June 2016

This paper the author considered as nothing else than an abstract of the thoughts he entertained on the subject. His object was to shew there was no analogy in nature, rendering a prospective law of progressive development from lower to higher types probable; and he brought forward various examples to prove that, in all cases in which variation took place among domestic animals and vegetable productions, the varieties, though they might be regarded as improved or new, were not permanent, but required selection and care to preserve them; so that new forms and qualities appearing, could not confirm the progressive hypothesis.
2. On the mode of occurrence of Gypsum in Nova Scotia, and on its probable origin.
Authors: Dawson J. W.
Published: June 2016

In this paper, the author, after a general description of the geological character of the country, describes the superficial deposits which he divides into—

1.The unstratified drift or boulder formation. This, the lower of the two superficial deposits, is characterised by the circumstance, that most of the materials have been derived from the rocks on which they now rest, or those in the vicinity. The fragments are angular, and altogether devoid of any regular arrangement. This unstratified drift, however, does contain boulders from distant localities, which may generally be traced. The appearances indicate that the materials have been transported from the northward, and also, to a less extent, from the southward, and, indeed, in various directions.
3. On certain Anomalous Deviations of the Transit Instrument at the Royal Observatory.
Authors: Smyth C. P.
Published: June 2016

Professor Henderson had found a connection between the changes in the level of the transit axis and the readings of a thermometer which he conceived to shew the temperature of the surface of the rock outside the Observatory; and was accustomed latterly to determine the level error of the axis merely from the indications of the thermometer.
2. Geological Notices.
Authors: Fleming
Published: June 2016

(1.)Additional example of Diluvial Scratches on the Rocks in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh.

The author stated that, recently, an opportunity had presented itself of observing, at a newly-opened sandstone quarry,dressed and scratched surfaces, at an elevation above the level of the sea greater than any examples of the same kind of diluvial action as yet recorded, as occurring in the neighbourhood. The locality is eastward of the east Cairn Hill, in the Pentland Hills, at a place termed “Thomson's Walls,” and its elevation, according to Knox's map of Mid-Lothian, is 1400 feet.
On the Theory of the Parallel Roads of Lochaber.
Authors: Thomson James
Published: June 2016

The author, after briefly stating the views of Mr Milne, and the remarks of Sir G. S. Mackenzie, gave his reasons for agreeing with the former, that the terraces were the beaches of lakes, formed by barriers across the valleys; and, with the latter, in holding that these barriers could not have been formed of earthy detritus. He then proceeded to shew that the theory of Agassiz, according to which the barriers were formed of glaciers, was the most probable yet advanced, and while it required some modification in the details to render it consistent with recently observed facts, was strongly supported by the researches of Professor Forbes, both in regard to the former existence of glaciers in our latitudes, as demonstrated in the case of the Cuchullin Hills, and in regard to the laws of the motion of glaciers, as developed in Professor Forbes's papers on the Glaciers of the Alps.
1. On an Instrument for measuring the extensibility of Elastic Solids.
Authors: Forbes
Published: June 2016

This instrument is almost a faithful reproduction of S'Gravesande's apparatus described in his “Physices Elementa Mathematica,” 1742 (but not in the previous editions). It is described or alluded to by few modern writers, except Biot in his “Traité de Physique.” It consists of a strong wooden table or frame, with a vice at each end, between which a wire or lamina may be stretched with a determinate tension by means of a weight attached by a cord, passing over a pulley in the manner of the musical apparatus, called a Monochord. After the tension is adjusted, both vices are screwed fast, the space included between them being exactly 50 inches. If now, any deviation of the middle point of the wire included by the vices be made (similar to the action of sounding a harp-string), the force required to pull it a certain distance aside will depend, 1st, on the length of the wire; 2d, on its tension; 3d, on its extensibility, or the modulus of elasticity.
2. On the Anthracite of the Calton Hill.
Authors: Fleming
Published: June 2016

The occurrence of anthracite in this locality has been noticed and recorded by several observers, who seem to have overlooked some of its more remarkable peculiarities. At present, this mineral may be detected in a series of anastomosing vertical veins of calcareous spar, including, at the same time, angular portions of the claystone porphyry in which they are situate, on the upper north walk on the north side of the Observatory. The anthracite occurs, 1. In rounded, drop-like pieces, on which the calcareous spar has been moulded, not unlike the colophonite of Norway.
2. An Attempt to explain the “Dirt-Bands of Glaciers.”.
Authors: Milward A.
Published: June 2016

A second mud-slide having occurred at Malta, with more marked features than the first, Mr Milward was enabled to ascertain that the curved bands of dark and light mud are not only accompanied by a difference of elevation in those parts, but that these wrinkles are thecauseof that difference of colour; the more watery parts draining from the ridge, leave that rough, and form a smooth alluvium in the hollow.
3.On the rate of Progression of the Himalayan Glaciers.
Authors: Strachey Lieutenant R.
Published: June 2016

Mr Strachey's letter contained some interesting observations which he has been making on the motions of the glaciers in the Himalayan mountains; and his measures, conducted on the plan of Professor Forbes in the Alps, are the earliest that have been taken in Asia. The Pinduree glacier, on which the observations were made during cold weather, was found to move 3 feet 1 inch in 5 days at the centre, and at the sides about 1 foot 5 inches.

Lieutenant Strachey's former Researches on the Glaciers of the Kumaon Himalaya (published in one of the Indian Journals), have satisfactorily proved the existence of glaciers in lat. 30° 20′, which present in detail all the phenomena of those of Europe.
3. Verbal Notices.
Authors: Fleming
Published: June 2016

On the Shell referred to by Ure in his “History of Rutherglen and Kilbride,” as “a species of Patella.”—Dr Fleming called the attention of the Society to the extraordinary merits of Mr Ure, who died in 1798, leaving a memorial, in the work above referred to, and which was published at Glasgow in 1793, of an acquaintance with organic remains unequalled on the part of any contemporary author of the United Kingdom. This work, however, is very seldom referred to by modern palæontologists, although eminently useful in illustrating the progress of discovery. It was likewise stated, that an additional degree of interest must be felt by the members of the Society, in consequence of a collection of organic remains, chiefly marine, and from the carboniferous limestone, which belonged to Mr Ure, having been presented by Mr Stark, and which now occupies a place in the cases up stairs.
3. On some new Voltaic arrangements with Chlorous and Chromic Acids, with an account of a Battery, yielding electricity of great intensity, in which the negative, as well as the positive element is Zinc.
Authors: Wright Thomas
Published: June 2016

The author, after referring to the principle on which the intense batteries of Daniel and Grove are constructed, and to the disadvantages connected with the use of the porous cells in those arrangements, stated that he had some time ago instituted a series of experiments, with a view to the construction of a voltaic circle of high electro-motive force, capable of being excited by a single solution, similarly to the battery of Mr Smee. Having employed a great variety of solutions, he was led to consider mixtures of chromic or chlorous acid with dilute sulphuric acid, best adapted to the purpose he had proposed.
1. An Attempt to compare the Exact and Popular Estimates of Probability.
Authors: Terrot
Published: June 2016

The author began by defining probability as being that state of mind in which we are inclined to believe a proposition, without being absolutely convinced that it is true. Objectively, every proposition is either true or false; subjectively, it may be certainly true, probable, or impossible.

The measure of probability he shewed to be the same as the measure of the cause producing it; that is, the ratio of the reasons inclining us to believe a proposition, to the whole number of reasons bearing upon it, whether for or against; all of which reasons are founded, either upon necessary inference from experience, or from testimony.
2. On the Gradual Production of Luminous Impressions on the Eye, and other phenomena of Vision.
Authors: Swan William
Published: June 2016

The object of this communication was to ascertain the relation between the apparent brightness of a light, and the time during which it acts on the eye. In order to examine the intensity of luminous impressions of short duration, the author made use of discs, having sectors of known angles cut out of their circumferences, which were made to revolve at known velocities between the eye and a luminous object. In this manner, the object is seen at each revolution of the disc for a short interval of time, of which the duration is easily ascertained. An instrument termed a selaometer (fromσελας, brightness), to indicate its use as a measure of the intensity of luminous impressions, was devised for the purpose of comparing the brightness of the flashes caused by the revolution of the disc, with a light of known intensity.
3. Note on the Refractive and Dispersive Powers of the Humours of the Eye, determined by Experiment.
Authors: Adie John
Published: June 2016

The author's object in undertaking these experiments, was to discover if the achromatism of the eye could be accounted for by the differences in the dispersive ratios of the fluids forming that organ.

The indices for several of the fixed lines were determined in the aqueous humour; with the crystalline no satisfactory result could be obtained.
1. On Grooved and Striated Rocks in the Middle Region of Scotland.
Authors: Maclaren Charles
Published: June 2016

In this paper an account was given of grooved, striated, and abraded rocks in various parts of Scotland, from Glen Spean on the north, to the Pentland and Lammermoor Hills on the south. After indicating the direction in which the groovings pointed, it was shewn,—that the appearance of these grooved and striated rocks is irreconcilable with the hypothesis which ascribes the phenomena to a supposed great Atlantic wave or transient flood, of which one part swept across the low lands of Scotland, while another part was turned back by the mountains,—that in the district between the Clyde and the Spean, where the largest and best marked groovings were observed, there is satisfactory evidence to prove, that they were produced by bodies of vast depth occupying the valleys, moving from the mountain group as a common centre, toward the coast and the Lowlands in all directions, and exerting an immense force of pressure vertically and laterally,—that this quaquaversal motion, as well as the form, position, and size of the groovings, are conclusive against the idea that they were caused by currents of water loaded with stones and gravel, since no collected mass of water exists, or could exist, of the requisite magnitude and elevation, to send out streams in all directions capable of acting powerfully at the height of a thousand feet or more above the bottoms of the valleys,—that the effects mentioned, therefore, can only be accounted for by the agency of glaciers, as exemplified in the Swiss Alps.
2. On a Method of Cooling the Atmosphere of Rooms in a Tropical Climate.
Authors: Smyth C. Piazzi
Published: June 2016

After stating the case distinctly, and dwelling emphatically on its importance, as shewn by individual instances in private life, and by the statistics of the world at large, the author proceeded to describe the various methods adopted at present in India, and shewed their incapacity to meet the end proposed, as they merely agitated the air already in a room, or perniciously overloaded it with moisture.
4. A few unpublished particulars concerning the late Dr Black.
Authors: Wilson George
Published: June 2016

The object of this communication was to lay before the Society a few characteristic incidents concerning Dr Black, gathered from Mrs Elizabeth Wordsworth, who was a servant in his household during the five last years of his life.

The facts recorded do not admit of abridgment, but they completely confirmed the accounts contained in the published biographiesof Black, concerning his valetudinarian and methodical habits, whilst they gave no countenance to the statement which had been credited in some quarters, that the great chemist was an avaricious or penurious man.
1. Note respecting the Dimensions and Refracting Power of the Eye..
Authors: Forbes J. D.
Published: June 2016

“Whilst lecturing lately on the subject of Vision, I consulted some recent authorities on the dimensions and curvatures of the refracting apparatus of the eye; and having calculated from them the convergence of rays within the eye, it may save trouble to others to put them on record.

“The measures of the eye given in almost every English work on the subject, are those given by Young on his own authority, or that of Petit. In the fifth volume of Dove's Repertorium, I find a series of measures collected by Treviranus from his own and preceding observations, which I have converted below from French lines into decimals of an English inch. In these the curvatures are supposed spherical. In the same work of Dove. I find a series of measures by Dr Krause of Hanover, on eight recent human eyes, which seem to have been made with uncommon care, and in which the deviation of the surfaces from sphericity is noticed.
2. On the Intensity of Heat reflected from Glass.
Authors: Forbes J. D.
Published: June 2016

The author, after referring to a communication made to this Society, on the 18th March 1839, on this subject, and noticed in the “Proceedings” of that date, stated, that being about to recommence his observations on radiant heat, so long and unavoidably interrupted, he had carefully examined the unpublished observations on which the previous notice was founded, with a view to ascertain what might be the numerical discrepancy which they present from Fresnel's Theoretical Law. The variation in the results of experiment for each of the angles was very considerable, arising from a multitude of causes as yet imperfectly estimated, but which appear to have been encountered by other observers, who, since that time, have undertaken the same research. Under the circumstances, the mean of the whole observations made between November 1838 and March 1839, have been taken for each angle of incidence; and the results being projected in the usual manner, the angles of incidence forming the line of abscissæ, and the intensities the ordinates, an interpolating curve was drawn through the whole. The numbers thus obtained (which are presented as only a rude first approximation), are shewn in the following table, and compared with Fresnel's Formula, calculated for an index of refraction of 1·50.
3. On the Ante-Columbian Discovery of America.
Authors: Elton
Published: June 2016

The object proposed by Dr Elton, is a summary of the knowledge we possess on the discovery of the Continent of America, by several adventurous European voyagers, anterior to the time of Columbus.

This subject, which has been for almost a century and a half well known to the students of northern history, was first made known to the rest of Europe by the publication of theVinlandia Antiquaof the celebratedTorfœusin 1705; and most of the facts given by Dr Elton are extracted from that work.Torfœusproved from existing Icelandic MSS., that America was discovered, and even attempted to be colonized, by his enterprising countrymen, in the end of the tenth and beginning of the eleventh century; and the descriptions transmitted to us prove that they landed on what are now Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
3. Notes on Practical Chemical subjects.
Authors: Kemp Alexander
Published: June 2016

1.On the Purification of Sulphuric Acid.

The author, after describing the different methods, recommended for purifying sulphuric acid from nitric acid, namely, boiling with a little sugar, and heating with sulphate of ammonia, both of which had proved troublesome and imperfect, stated, that after trying various plans, the only one which he found to answer well, was the action of sulphurous acid on the oil of vitriol, after diluting it to the sp. gr. of 1·715, or lower. He adds one volume of water to three of the oil of vitriol, passes sulphurous acid gas through the hot liquid till it is in excess, and then boils off the excess of sulphurous acid; or, still better, three volumes of oil of vitriol are added to or diluted with, one of a saturated solution of sulphurous acid in pure water, and boiled. The acid is thus so perfectly purified from nitric acid, that when used for making hydrochloric acid, it yields a product quite colourless, which was not the case with the oil of vitriol purified by any other process.
2. On the Proportion of Fluoride of Calcium present in the Baltic. With some preliminary Remarks on the presence of Fluorine in different ocean waters.
Authors: Forchammer  , Wilson George
Published: June 2016

Dr Wilson reminded the Society that he had announced to them in 1846 the occurrence of fluorine in the water of the Frith of Forth, and mentioned, that, in the preceding summer, he had found it in deposits obtained during the evaporation of sea-water from the Frith of Clyde, and the German Ocean. Professor Forchammer had made similar observations on the Baltic, and had furnished Dr Wilson with the account of them which follows. Before reading this, he wished to add, that he had recently examined incrustations from the boiler of a steam-vessel sailing between Liverpool and Dublin, and similar deposits from the Canada Transatlantic steamer, and H.M. war-steamer Sidon, which had been three years on the Mediterranean station. The different crusts were, without preliminary treatment, except reduction to powder, heated with oil of vitriol, and were found to yield an acid vapour which etched glass. Specimens of glass, in illustration, were shewn to the Society. From these observations, Dr Wilson inferred the presence of fluorine in the Friths of Forth and Clyde, in the German Ocean, the Irish Sea, the Atlantic, and the Mediterranean. He then proceeded to read Professor Forchammer's communication, which follows. It is dated, Copenhagen, 20th December 1849.
3. On an Application of the Laws of Numerical Harmonic Ratio to Forms generally, and particularly to that of the Human Figure.
Authors: Hay D. R.
Published: June 2016

The author stated in some prefatory remarks, that a belief in the operation of the laws of numerical harmonic ratio in the constitution of beautiful forms had long existed, although those laws had not been systematised so as to render them applicable in the formative arts. In proof of this, Mr Hay quoted a correspondence upon the subject of harmonic ratio, between Sir John Harrington and Sir Isaac Newton, in which the latter expresses his belief in such laws in the following words: “I am inclined to believe some general laws of the Creator prevailed with respect to the agreeable or unpleasing affections of all our senses; at least the supposition does not derogate from the power or wisdom of God, and seems highly consonant to the simplicity of the macrocosm in general.” The belief of this great philosopher, the author trusted, would form some apology to men of science for the repeated attempts he has made to establish the fact. These attempts he had hitherto made with reference to architecture, to ornamental design, and latterly to the human head and countenance; but on the present occasion he intended to shew the operation of these laws in constituting the symmetrical beauty of the entire human figure.
2. Some Remarks on Cometary Physics.
Authors: Smyth Piazzi
Published: June 2016

That theories of the physical appearances of comets have generally failed, appeared to the author to arise from the facts having been misunderstood or misinterpreted in general by the observers themselves. As a particular instance of this, the wide-spread notion of comets shooting forth their tails, at, or a little before the perihelion passage, and drawing them in again afterwards, so as to be larger at that period of their orbits than at any other, was mentioned; and in place of which, the author shewed that the comets were at the perihelion, of their smallest size; the tails becoming then more visible, not from being actually produced at that time, but from being more dense, and illumined by a stronger solar light, as well as being in general seen from a smaller terrestrial distance.
1. On the Super-Sulphuretted Lead of Dufton
Authors: Johnston J. F. W.
Published: June 2016

The object of the author of this paper, was to shew that the mineral alluded to is not a new atomic compound, but that it consists merely of common sulphate of lead, with a portion of pure sulphur, varying from 6 to 10 per cent.
3. Experiments and Observations on the Arterialization of the Blood
Authors: Gregory William , Irvine W. J.
Published: June 2016

The object of these experiments was to ascertain some of the circumstances under which the blood changes in colour, from the dark venous to the florid arterial hue.

Dr Stevens first showed, that the venous clot deprived of its serum by washing, remained dark even when in contact with oxygen; and that the addition of a saline solution caused it immediately to become florid. He stated also, that a strong saline solution would cause this change in an atmosphere so highly charged with carbonic acid as to prove rapidly fatal to animals.
1. On a New Species of Coloured Fringes developed between certain pieces of plate-glass, exhibiting a new variety of polarization, and a peculiar property which renders them available for the purposes of Micrometry
Authors: Ponton Mungo
Published: June 2016

The author, when he first observed these fringes, found that they presented the appearance of three rectilinear bands, each consisting of black, white, and coloured stripes; but the central band was afterwards found to be composed of two united into one. There is thus a band for each of the four surfaces of the plates, the two side ones, appertaining to the uppermost and undermost surfaces, and the centre ones to the surfaces which are approximated. The peculiarities by which they are distinguished are as follows:—
2. Communication relative to the Fresh-Water Limestone of Burdiehouse, near Edinburgh, belonging to the Carboniferous Group of Rocks
Authors: Hibbert
Published: June 2016

In his paper, the author explains that the limestone in question, which is confounded with the common carboniferous or mountain limestone of marine origin, is, in his opinion, of fresh-water origin.

On an irregular line extending from Joppa on the coast of the Firth of Forth, in a south and south-west direction to the Pentland Hills, strata of mountain or carboniferous limestone crop out at intervals; and their marine origin is indicated by encrinites, the Productus, &c., and corallines. This limestone is developed with least interruption between Edmonstone and Muirhouse, where it is from twelve to twenty feet thick. At this part of the line may be seen fractures and elevations of the strata of limestone and superincumbent shale and sandstone, evidently occasioned by a sudden and violent uplifting force acting from north-east to south-west, and causing the uplifted strata to dip south-east at an angle of 25°. These uplifted beds, between Edmonstone and Muirhouse, and subsequently to Burdiehouse, form the strata which dip under the coalmeasures of Gilmerton, Loanhead, and other sites.
2. Researches on the Vibrations of Pendulums in Fluid Mediums
Authors: Green George
Published: June 2016

The author proposes in this paper to resolve a particular case of the motion of fluids, not previously noticed, and susceptible of practical application, namely, the circumstances of the motion of an indefinitely extended non-elastic fluid, where agitated by a solid ellipsoidal body moving parallel to itself, according to any given law; always supposing the body's excursions very small compared with its dimensions. The question here stated is considered by the author to admit of an easy general solution.
3. Observations on the Fossil Fishes lately found in Orkney
Authors: Traill
Published: June 2016

The geologist has been for some time acquainted with the occurrence of Fossil Fishes in Caithness, and they have been more lately found also in Orkney, especially near Skaill, the seat of W. G. Watt, Esq. in Pomona.

The author describes these fishes as imbedded in a dark coloured flag, which lies beneath three feet of soil and loose stone, and eleven feet of solid beds of similar flag, but destitute of organic remains. The fishes are contained in two strata, measuring together about two feet in thickness. The upper stratum contains only fishes belonging to the Cartilaginei, and seemingly the genus Raia; the lower contains numerous fishes that belong to the orders Thoracici and Abdominales, most of them with distinct scales. Almost all of them lie on their bellies or sides, none on their backs, and their attitudes generally bespeak the energy of their final struggles. The fishes of these two contiguous strata are never intermixed.
1. On the Investigation of Magnetic Intensity, by the Oscillations of a Horizontal Needle
Authors: Harris William Snow
Published: June 2016

The chief disturbing causes by which the magnetic intensity, as ascertained by the oscillations of the horizontal needle, are affected, are 1. Variations in the air in which they are performed; 2. The influence of changes in the mechanical conditions incidental to the mode of suspending the needle; 3. Changes in the disposition and intensity of the magnetism of the needle from heat and other causes.
2. On the Structure, Position, and other particulars of a Fossil Tree found in Craigleith Quarry in the month of October last
Authors: Witham H. T. Maire
Published: June 2016

The author describes this fossil tree as lying at an angle of sixty degrees and a half, with its direction between S. E. by E. 10°, and N. W. by W. 10°, The strata in which it is imbedded dip at an angle of 20° towards the S. E. This tree differs from that which was found in the same quarry in 1830, in being much less flattened, indeed nearly cylindrical; and this difference appears to be accounted for by its almost vertical position, in consequence of which, the pressure of the surrounding medium would act in an equal degree all round the stem.
1. On a New Register Anemoscope
Authors: Traill
Published: June 2016

The author's object was to obtain an instrument which might register the changes of the wind in the absence of the observer. For this purpose he connected a vane with a vertical axis, at the lower end of which the horizontal revolution was changed to a vertical revolution by bevelled wheels; and the axis of the vertical wheel carried an index and pencil; which described on a vertical dial of slate, or of polished porcelain, all the changes experienced by the vane above. In this manner, however, the instrument registered the changes occurring during only one revolution of the vane. In order to obtain the registration of a greater variety of changes,—when the wind has blown all round the compass more than once, the following addition was made. “Each bevelled wheel containing 42 teeth, a pinion of 21 leaves was fitted to the axis of the vertical wheel, which pinion plays in the teeth of a smaller wheel with 42 teeth also provided with a pinion of 21 leaves. This last moves a second small wheel of 42 teeth, which again turns round the axis of the primary vertical wheel.