bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VIII.—The Electrical Resistance of Nickel at High Temperatures
Authors: Knott Cargill G.
Published: January 2013

In the Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh for 1874–75 there is a short paper on the “Electrical Resistance of Iron at a High Temperature.” It is the record of certain experiments made by three of us, then students in the Physical Laboratory of the University of Edinburgh; and its conclusion is that there is a peculiarity in the behaviour of iron as an electric conductor at the temperature of a dull red heat. At this temperature other physical peculiarities are known to exist, particularly as regards its thermal expansion, its thermal capacity, and its specific heat for electricity. The discovery of these striking properties we owe respectively to Dr Gore, Professor Barrett, and Professor Tait.
IX.—The Formation of the Germinal Layers in Teleostei
Authors: Brook George
Published: January 2013

A little more than a year ago, I was led to conclude that the primitive hypoblast in pelagic Teleostean ova was derived mainly from the unsegmented protoplasm forming the floor of the segmentation cavity. In this respect my results were mainly in harmony with the researches of Lereboullet (21), Kupffer (18 and 19), Klein (16), Van Bambeke (3), and others, but opposed to the more recent investigations of Henneguy (10), Hoffmann (14), Kingsley and Conn. (15), Ryder (24), Agassiz and Whitman (1), and Cunningham (8.) At that time I adopted Agassiz and Whitman's name of periblast for the subgerminal layer containing free nuclei, though I differed from those authors in my idea of the mode of origin of the nuclei. As, however, I regard the tissues derived from this layer as belonging chiefly to the parablastic group of His and Waldeyer, I propose to return for the present to the older name of parablast. I was not enabled to trace the origin of this layer in my earlier investigations, and thus failed to grasp its significance. More recently I have had an opportunity of studying the development of several other types, particularly the herring and cod. In the herring the germinal mound is not formed until after fertilisation. Partly owing to this circumstance, and partly also to the early period at which the assimilation of yolk commences, the eggs of the herring are particularly well suited for a study of the parablast question.
XXII.—On the Decomposition of Forces externally applied to an Elastic Solid
Authors: Rankine W. J. Macquorn
Published: January 2013

Introductory Remarks.—The principles set forth in this paper, though now (with the exception of the first theorem) published for the first time, were communicated to the French Academy of Sciences fifteen years ago, in a memoir entitled “ De l'Equilibre intérieur d'un Corps solide, élastique, et homogène,” and marked with the motto, “ Obvia conspicimus, nubem pellente Mathesi,” the receipt of which is acknowledged in the Comptes Rendus of the 6th April 1857.

(1.) Principle of Isorrhopic Axes.—The following theorem was first published in the “Philosophical Magazine” for December 1855.

Prop. I. “Theorem. Every self-balanced system of forces applied to a connected system of points is capable of resolution into three rectangular systems of parallel self-balanced forces applied to the same points.
XXV.—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: January 2013

The illustrious Cuvier, in his treatise “ Sur les Ossemens fossiles,” described and figured an imperfect skull which had been obtained, in 1804, by M. Raymond Gorsse in the department of Bouches-du-Rhône, near Fos, on the southern coast of France. It had been found on the sea-shore in the preceding year by a peasant. Cuvier recognised it to belong to an undescribed genus of cetaceans, to which he gave the name of Ziphius; and from the deep hollow which it possessed at the base of the rostrum, he named it Ziphius cavirostris. From the condition of the bones, and the general characters of the specimen, he judged it to be a fossil. Cuvier's description, though brief, and from a mutilated specimen, yet clearly states the most salient features of the skull.
XXVI.—Remarks on the Ipecacuan Plant (Cephaëlis Ipecacuanha, Rich.), as cultivated in the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh
Authors: Balfour John Hutton
Published: January 2013

The Ipecacuan plant, Cephaëlis Ipecacuanha of Achille Richard, has been cultivated in the Edinburgh Botanic Garden for upwards of forty years, but it was not propagated to any extent until 1870, when a proposal was made to attempt the cultivation of the plant in India. This suggestion was made on account of the continued destruction of the plant by the collectors in Brazil, and the risk of scarcity in the supply of this most valuable remedy for dysentery. The Secretary of State for India (His Grace the Duke of Argyll), under the recommendation of several medical officers in Bengal, authorised an attempt to propagate the plant in our Indian possessions, and with that view application was made to me and others to aid in this important undertaking. Accordingly, I at once set about the propagation of the plant in the Edinburgh Garden, with the assistance of Mr M'Nab the curator. He found that the plant could be multiplied very rapidly by dividing the annulated root, cuttings of which, though very small, give off young shoots when placed in favourable circumstances. By this means, numerous plants were produced very rapidly, and the method was also followed by the Messrs Lawson, Nurserymen, Edinburgh, who supplied a large stock of vigorous plants. Mr M'Nab drew up a report of his mode of propagation, which was printed, and distributed extensively to district officers in India and elsewhere. The paper also appeared in the Transactions of the Botanical Society of Edinburgh, vol. x. p. 318.
I.—On the Philological Genius and Character of the Neo-Hellenic Dialect of the Greek Language
Authors: Blackie
Published: January 2013

Proposition I.—All spoken language is a growth, subject, like the creature who uses it, to a constant course of mutation; it is a living organism, developed according to certain laws, partly inherent, partly superinduced; and, though it is liable to decay, disintegration, and death, this disintegration, except in special cases of extermination, becomes the soil of a new growth, and this death the cradle of a new life. The historical action of this process of mutation is to produce either new varieties or dialects of one language, or new species of one family of languages.
IV.—On the Placentation of the Sloths
Authors: Turner
Published: January 2013

Comparative Anatomists have long been desirous to obtain detailed information on the Placentation of the Sloths. The only observations on this subject which appear to have been made up to this time have been recorded by Professor Rudolphi of Berlin, and Dr C. G. Carus of Dresden. Rudolphi in the course of some remarks on the structure of the umbilical cord in Bradypus tridactylus incidentally mentions that the placenta was cotyledonary as in the Ruminants. Carus figures the placenta and an almost mature fœtus of a B. tridactylus which came into his possession in 1830. He gives no description, however, of the specimen, but contents himself with a brief explanation of his engraved figures; in the course of which he says, that the specimen seemed to him important on account of the length of the umbilical cord, and the form of the cotyledons, which did not project, as is usual, outwards, but towards the inner face of the ovum, a peculiarity which had not yet been observed and described.
V.—On Orthogonal Isothermal Surfaces. Part I
Authors: Tait
Published: January 2013

The following pages contain, in a comparatively compact form, part of the substance of a voluminous paper read to the Society six years ago. Of that paper, which employed ordinary analysis alone, only a few pages had been put in type when I succeeded in overcoming a formidable difficulty which had presented itself in my quaternion treatment of the subject. I therefore withdrew the paper in order that it might have the benefit of the simplification which quaternions always give; but it is only of late that I have found time to complete part of the translation into the new language. From the circumstances under which the paper has thus been produced, i, j , k come forward with undue prominence, a thing to be regarded (in Hamilton's words) “ as an inelegance and imperfection in this calculus, or rather in the state to which it has hitherto been unfolded.” Immense as is the simplification already attained, it is clear that in many places still more is attainable. But I have not postponed my paper till it should receive this final polish, partly because the time I can devote to such inquiries is extremely limited, and partly because I think that several of the results obtained, and of the modes of obtaining them, are new and remarkable. Besides, a question of this order of difficulty is admirably adapted to show in what respects quaternion methods require improvement. There must be some simple mode of deducing (13) and (21) below from (7) without the explicit use of i, j , k, but I have not yet been fortunate enough to discover it.
XV.—Essay towards a General Solution of Numerical Equations of all Degrees having Integer Roots
Authors: Talbot H. F.
Published: January 2013

The method of solution which I have the honour to lay before the Society is founded upon an old and well-known arithmetical process called “ casting out the nines.” It consists in substituting for any number the remainder which that number leaves when divided by nine. As this remainder contains only a single figure, whereas the original number may contain any number of figures, it is obvious that if the remainder can be employed instead of the number itself, a great saving of time and trouble must follow.
XVII.—On the Development of the Ova and Structure of the Ovary in Man and other Mammalia
Authors: Foulis James
Published: January 2013

In the month of August 1872, Professor Turner suggested as a subject of investigation the structure of the ovary, and development of the ova, more especially with reference to the recently published observations of Waldeyer.

In the month of April 1874, I handed in to the Medical Faculty of the University of Edinburgh, as my graduation thesis for the degree of M.D., an essay entitled “Contributions to the Normal and Pathological Anatomy of the Ovary and Parovarium.”
XV.—A New Method of Investigating Relations between Functions of the Roots of an Equation and its Coefficients
Authors: Dickson J. Douglas Hamilton
Published: January 2013

I. If be a rational equation of the nth degree, Newton's rule for a superior limit to the number of its imaginary roots depends upon the changes of sign in the series of functions—called, by Sylvester, Quadratic Elements—

n + 1 in number.

It is a matter of some interest to know the relations in which the quadratic elements stand to the roots of the equation. The following method exhibits this relationship, and leads to others of a higher class.
XVI.—On the Phenomena of Variegation and Cell-Multiplication in a Species of Enteromorpha
Authors: Geddes P.
Published: January 2013

In the autumn of 1877 I found on stones in a sea-water aquarium in Professor Huxley's laboratory at South Kensington, the curious little Alga which forms the subject of the present paper. I have ever since kept specimens growing, carried them with me to various places in Britain and on the Continent, and subjected them to frequent examination at all seasons of the year. Dr Bornet has kindly identified it for me as a species of Enteromorpha.
XVII.—On the Disruptive Discharge of Electricity. Part IV
Authors: Macfarlane A. , Playfair P. M.
Published: January 2013

The following experiments, in continuation of our research on the discharge of electricity, were made in Professor Tait's Laboratory during the College Session 1878–79, and papers briefly describing the results were read before the Society on 6th January 1879 and 19th July 1880.
XX.—On the Variation with Temperature of the Electrical Resistance of Wires of certain Alloys
Authors: MacGregor J. G. , Knott C. G.
Published: January 2013

The alloys which we used in the following experiments were in the form of very thin hard-drawn wires,—the same as those whose thermo-electric properties we described in a paper published in the Transactions of this Society in 1877. They were prepared by Messrs. Johnson and Matthey of Hatton Garden, London. In giving their constitution we rely upon the authority of the manufacturers, as the quantities we had were too small to admit of our having them analysed.
XXIII.—Note on a Theorem in Geometry of Position
Authors: Tait
Published: January 2013

In connection with the problem of Map-colouring, I incidentally gave (Proc. K.S.E. 1880, p. 502) a theorem which may be stated as follows : — If 2n points be joined by 3n lines, so that three lines, and three only, meet at each point, these lines can he divided (usually in many different ways) into three groups of n each, such that one of each group ends at each of the points.
XXV.—On Minding's Theorem
Authors: Tait
Published: January 2013

The following paper contains a short digest of investigations communicated to the Society on several occasions during the past, and the present, session. The work had been for some months laid aside, but my attention was recalled to it by Professor Chrystal's valuable paper, in which he treats Minding's Theorem as an example of Plücker's methods, and also by the help of Rodrigues' co-ordinates. I am induced to publish a few of my results in full, as I think that a comparison of the analysis employed by Chrystal, with the very different analysis employed by myself, may be useful as well as interesting, especially from the point of view of the simplicity of the quaternion method. Even when the quaternion processes are written out at full length, they are in general shorter than the most condensed forms of ordinary analysis; and there can be no doubt that they are much more easily interpretable into the corresponding geometrical ideas.
VIII.—On the Old River Terraces of the Earn and Teith, viewed in connection with certain Proofs of the Antiquity of Man
Authors: Brown Thomas
Published: January 2013

No subject of modern scientific inquiry is more important than the series of deposits in which geology comes in contact with the period of human history. This must be my apology for some of the seemingly trivial details contained in the following paper. When these observations were begun, nothing could be further from my thoughts than any reference to the antiquity of man. But I shall perhaps best introduce the subject by simply narrating the way in which I was led forward step by step, till the whole inquiry assumed the form in which it is here presented.
IX.—On Spectra formed by the passage of Polarised Light through Double Refracting Crystals
Authors: Deas Francis
Published: January 2013

It is familiarly known as one of the commonest experiments in optics that when a beam of polarised light is passed through a thin film of mica or selenite, and subsequently analysed either by reflection or by double refraction, two colours are seen complementary to one another, and alternating with one another at each 90° of a revolution of the analysing plate or prism.
XIX.—On the Nature of the Curves whose Intersections give the Imaginary Roots of an Algebraic Equation
Authors: Sprague Thomas Bond
Published: January 2013

“If the n roots of the equation

“are all real, then all the roots of the equations

“and

“are also real, and one of the n—1 roots of the latter lies between each adjacent “two roots of the former.”
XXIV.—Description of Mimaster, a new Genus of Asteroidea from the Faeröe Channel
Authors: Sladen W. Percy
Published: January 2013

The area lying between the north of Britain and the Faeröe Islands is classical in the annals of Marine Zoology, not only from the fact that the first systematic deep-sea investigations undertaken by this country were carried out there, but also from the number of new and remarkable types of animal life which have been first found in that region. Speaking only of the Echinoderm fauna, in justification of these remarks, it will suffice to mention the discovery of such forms as Phormosoma and Porocidaris amongst Echinoids, and of Hymenaster, Korethraster and Zoroaster amongst Asteroids.
I.—The Pycnogonida dredged in the Faroe Channel during the Cruise of H.M.S. “ Triton ” (in August 1882)
Authors: Hoek P. P. C.
Published: January 2013

During the cruise of H.M.S. “ Triton ” a small but very interesting collection of Pycnogonids was made. Mr John Mueray sent it over to me, and asked me to prepare a report on it, which I gladly undertook to do.
III.—Note on the Little b Group of Lines in the Solar Spectrum and the New College Spectroscope
Authors: Smyth C. Piazzi
Published: January 2013

Every spectroscopist is perfectly aware that the group of dark Fraunhofer lines in the Solar Spectrum, known as “ little b,” is composed of the biggest, broadest, most colossal lines in all the brighter part of any and every spectrum depending on Sunlight, whether direct from the Sun or reflected from the earth's atmosphere, the Moon, or any of the planets.
IV.—Observations on the Annual and Monthly Growth of Wood in Deciduous and Evergreen Trees
Authors: Christison Robert , Christison
Published: January 2013

Having undertaken to continue the observations on the growth of trees commenced by my father in 1878, and carried on by him with unflagging zeal until a few months before his death in 1882, I give in the present paper the measurements made by him in 1881, which he did not live to publish, and those made in 1882 by myself. I shall also endeavour to point out the conclusions which may be drawn from the whole series of observations, beginning in 1878, arranging them under the heads of—

I. Annual Observations.

II. Monthly Observations.

III. Influence of Weather on the Growth of Wood.
X.—On a New Species of Pentastomum(P. protelis),from the Mesentery ofProteles cristatus;with an Account of its Anatomy
Authors: Hoyle W. E.
Published: January 2013

For the parasites which form the subject of the present communication, I am indebted to my friend Professor Morrison Watson, who found them in a male specimen ofProteles cristatus, Sparrman, of whose myology he has since published an account. Before entering upon a description of the entozoon, it may be allowable to say a word or two with respect to its host, which is not an animal of everyday occurrence. It was first described a little more than a century ago by Sparrman, the Swedish traveller, as occurring in South Africa, where it is known to the farmers as the “grey jackal”; he gave it the nameViverra cristata. The only point in his description of any present interest is that its stomach “ had nothing but ants in it, or to speak more properly, the whitetermites,” which might be a valuable hint for any one who had the will and opportunity to investigate the life history of the parasite before us.
XIII.—Report upon the Tunicata dredged during the Cruises of H.M.SS. “Porcupine” and “Lightning,” in the Summers of 1868, 1869, and 1870.
Authors: Herdman W. A.
Published: January 2013

A few years ago the late Sir C. Wyville Thomson gave me for examination some specimens of Ascidians which had been obtained during the cruises of the “Porcupine” and “Lightning,” and last summer I received from Mr John Murray the remainder of the Ascidiæ Simplices and two species of the Ascidiæ Compositæ from the same deep-sea dredging expeditions. Some additional specimens of the “Porcupine” Ascidiæ Compositæ have been placed in my hands during the last few days (January 1, 1884). The present paper contains a detailed account of the Simple Ascidians alone; the Compound forms will be worked up along with the “Challenger” Ascidiæ Compositæ, and will be described and figured in the second part of my Report upon the Tunicata of the “Challenger” Expedition. It may, however, be useful to state here that the “Porcupine” Compound Ascidians include:—
XVIII.—On the Approximation to the Roots of Cubic Equations by help of Recurring Chain-Fractions
Authors: Sang Edward
Published: January 2013

In the twenty-ninth volume of the Society's Transactions, at page 59, Lord Brouncker's process for finding the ratio of two quantities (commonly known as the method of continued fractions) is extended to the comparison of three or more magnitudes. It is there shown that recurrence, which was believed to belong exclusively to equations of the second degree, extends to those of higher orders, and examples of this extension are given in determining the proportions of the heptagon and enneagon.
XXIII.—On the Stresses due to Compound Strains
Authors: Niven C.
Published: January 2013

§ 1. The general problem in elasticity, as usually presented for solution, supposes the elastic substance to pass initially from a state without strain. But important cases exist where it must be conceived to start from a state already under considerable stress. When this is the case, the constitution of the solid undergoes great change, as is shown by the fact that strained glass loses its isotropic property, and becomes doubly refractive. This subject was long ago attacked by Cauchy, who, by means of the theory of molecular actions, deduced the existence, in the expressions for the stresses due to the secondary strains, of terms proportional to the initial or primary stresses. The problem has been since discussed by MM. De St Venant and Boussinesq, who have applied to it Green's expression for the energy stored up during the strain. But the question, in their hands, still retains traces of Cauchy's hypothetical element, inasmuch as their expression for the potential energy was deduced by means of the molecular theory. M. De St Venant even considers it a strong argument for the truth of the latter, that it is indispensable in the discussion of this problem. These authors have also failed to see in what way the remaining part of the potential depends on the original strain.
XXVIII.—On the Presence of Tetrads of Resistant Spores in the Tissue of Sporocarpon furcatum Dawson from the Upper Devonian of America
Authors: Kidston R. , Lang W. H.
Published: January 2013

The deposits of the Devonian period over a large area in the interior of North America to the south of the great lakes are known to be wholly of marine type and to have continued those of the Silurian period. They were formed in a great gulf open to the south. Along the western border of this gulf shore-deposits and, during Upper Devonian times, deposits of Old Red Sandstone type were accumulated, while in the middle of the gulf the resulting rocks were limestones and shales. In Ohio, following on a narrow band of what is regarded as Oriskany Sandstone (Lower Devonian), the Corniferous limestone and some local representatives of the Hamilton formation represent the Middle Devonian. Above this comes a great mass of black shale, which here represents the whole Upper Devonian and may continue up into black shales of the Lower Carboniferous. A black shale at the base of the Upper Devonian rocks has an extensive range in the central region of North America, being represented by the Huron shale in Canada and the Genessee shale in New York. Drifted land plants from the coast of the gulf, or from islands in it, have been found in the black shale and also in the underlying Corniferous limestone, and some other fossils are commonly spoken of as Algæ but have afforded little or no botanical information.
XXXI.—The Permian Fish Dorypterus.
Authors: Gill E. Leonard
Published: January 2013

Though first described so long ago as 1842, the remarkable fossil fish named by Germar Dorypterus hoffmanni has never become well known among palæontologists. This fact, due no doubt to its extreme rarity, is exemplified in the figures of the fish which appear from time to time in text-books: there is a decided tendency for the more recent figures to show less resemblance to Dorypterus than the earlier ones. The present paper is an attempt to make the structure of this interesting fish better known. It gives the results of a study of the four known English specimens, and, as far as possible, it embodies these results in a new restoration which, it is hoped, will help towards making future illustrations of Dorypterus rather less misleading than those now current.
XXXII.—The Continuity of the Vertebrate Nervous System: Studies on Lepidosiren paradoxa
Authors: Ballantyne Frances M.
Published: January 2013

As is well known, one of the chief problems relating to the vertebrate nervous system is the question of its continuity or discontinuity both in the adult and in the embryo. The upholders of the latter theory believe that the neurones of the adult are not in continuity but only come into close contact by means of the synapses, while in the embryo the young nerve grows out through the tissues with a free end, and only secondarily unites with its particular end-organ. Much experimental, physiological, and pathological evidence has been brought forward in support of this view, and its upholders include most of the neurologists of the day, whose knowledge, however, relates chiefly to the higher vertebrates and who have made no, or at most very little, detailed study of the phenomena presented by the more primitive forms.
III.—Size in Relation to Internal Morphology. No. 2, The Vascular System of Selaginella
Authors: Wardlaw Claude W.
Published: January 2013

The influence of Size as a factor in the stelar morphology of the Filicales (2) and of some Primitive Plants (3) has already been discussed in the Proceedings of this Society. The aim of the present investigation is to determine by actual measurement to what extent Size may have acted as a causal factor in determining the structure and arrangement of the vascular system of Selaginella.
I.—The Igneous Intrusions between St Andrews and Loch Leven
Authors: Walker Frederick , Irving John
Published: January 2013

Though the conspicuous volcanic phenomena of the Fifeshire coast-line have for long attracted the attention of petrologists, the igneous geology of the interior has not been studied in any detail. The petrological sections of the relative Geological Survey Memoirs, together with Geikie's Ancient Volcanoes, describe numerous inland vents and intrusions, while a large number of the doleritic sills has recently been made the subject of a most interesting paper by Mr D. Balsillie, but a belt of country stretching from St Andrews to Loch Leven proved to be practically virgin ground from the point of view of the igneous geologist. It is the intrusions of this area, together with a few pyroclastic deposits, which form the subject of the present communication. Only rocks which have hitherto been undescribed are treated petrologically, though in the case of several better known intrusions alterations of the published maps have been found necessary.
II.—Size in Relation to Internal Morphology. No. 3. The Vascular System of Roots
Authors: Wardlaw Claude W.
Published: January 2013

In recent papers published in the Proceedings and Transactions of the Society the importance of Size as a factor determining the morphology of the vascular system of Pteridophytes has been discussed (2, 3, 29). The purpose of this memoir is to submit data concerning the vascular system of roots, and to determine to what extent Size may have acted as a causal factor in influencing the morphology of these structures. It has been pointed out that the most useful material for these causal studies is to be found where there is only primary vascular tissue, free from complexities such, for example, as the formation of secondary wood. In the case of leafy shoots the vascular system is often profoundly influenced by the insertion of the appendages, especially where the latter are of the megaphyllous type. In many of these instances the resulting vascular structure is due to a complex of so many interacting factors that the specific effect of any one is very difficult to determine. To understand the influence of any one factor in particular we must turn, as Professor Lang has pointed out, to the study of favourable cases (19). These are to be found where the structure is of primary nature, unaffected by the activity of secondary meristems, and where the organ in question is influenced as little as possible by the insertion of appendages.
IX. Comparison of the North Polar Distances of Thirty-eight Principal Fixed Stars, on the 1st of January 1800, as determined by Observations made at Greenwich, Armagh, Palermo, Westbury, Dublin, and Blackheath
Authors: Groombridge S.
Published: January 2013

By comparing the longitudes and latitudes of the fixed stars, as computed from their right ascensions, and north polar distances, determined by observations made at distant periods, Astronomers have been enabled to ascertain, with the utmost accuracy, the precession of the equinoxes. The great accuracy, however, which has lately been introduced into the construction of astronomical instruments, and the more general cultivation of Practical Astronomy, will hereafter be the means of ascertaining the minute changes in the places of the fixed stars, which have been denominated their proper motion, and which, probably, arise from a motion of the solar system in absolute space.
XII. On certain Appearances observed in the Dissection of the Eyes of Fishes
Authors: Drummond James L.
Published: January 2013

Some months ago, in investigating the anatomy of the eyes of fishes, I washed off the back silvery part of the choroid coat of the haddock, with a hair pencil, and about half a teaspoonful of water. The latter became of a milky colour, and on examining a drop of it, with an Ellis's aquatic microscope, I found the milkiness to be owing to innumerable slender, flat, silvery spicula, which had composed the substance of the choroid. They seemed to be in constant motion, apparently rolling upon their axes, but having no degree of progressive movement. The light reflected from their surface was very brilliant, like that from polished silver, and often disappeared, and again returned, with alternations so rapid, as to produce a twinkling, very like that of a fixed star.
XIV. On the Diffusion of Heat at the Surface of the Earth
Authors: Murray John
Published: January 2013

An argument which I had stated against the Huttonian Theory of the Earth, in so far as it relates to the operation of a central heat, was honoured some time ago with a reply by a distinguished Member of the Society. Respect for the opinion of Mr Playfair led me to consider attentively the reasoning he employed; and still feeling some confidence in the grounds on which the original argument rests, I propose to offer a few observations with regard to it. The question farther involves the consideration of the mode in which heat is distributed at the surface of the globe. This, when minutely investigated, presents a very perfect arrangement, by which the escape of caloric is prevented, while its equal distribution is more effectually attained; and the subject, under this point of view, may have some interest, independent of its relation to any controversial discussion.
XVII. Biographical Account of the late John Robison, LL.D. F.R.S. Edin. and Professor of Natural Philosophy in the University of Edinburgh
Authors: Playfair John
Published: January 2013

The distinguished person who is the subject of this memoir, was born at Boghall, in the parish of Baldernock, near Glasgow, in the year 1739. His father, John Robison, had been early engaged in commerce in Glasgow, where, with a character of great probity and worth, he had acquired considerable wealth, and, before the birth of his son, had retired to the country, and lived at his estate of Boghall.
XIII.—Tables for facilitating the Computation of Differential Refraction in Position Angle and Distance
Authors: M'Laren
Published: January 2013

The annexed tables are intended to facilitate the computation of the corrections for refraction which have to be applied to differential measures, such as are made with the micrometer or heliometer.

Differential measures are of two kinds :—(1) Direct measures of differences of right ascension and declination; and (2) measures of position angle and distance. In either case the observer only seeks to determine the relative positions of the objects under observation; and the correction for refraction consists in the applying to each reading a quantity representing the difference of the separate effects of refraction on the apparent places of the two stars, whose relative positions are to be determined.
XVI.—On Cases of Instability in Open Structures
Authors: Sang E.
Published: January 2013

In the course of some remarks on the scheme proposed for the Forth Bridge, which remarks are published in the eleventh volume of the Transactions of the Royal Scottish Society of Arts, I was led to enunciate, among other theorems, one of a somewhat unexpected character, to the effect that any symmetric structure built on a rectangular basis, having no redundant parts, and depending on longitudinal strain alone, is necessarily unstable. This theorem was established by arguments restricted to the single matter under consideration; it is one of an extensive class, and I now propose to discuss the subject from a general abstract point of view.
XXIV.—On the Thermal Conductivity of Iron, Copper, and German Silver
Authors: Mitchell A. Crichton
Published: January 2013

Shortly after I read to the Society my paper on “Thermal and Electric Conductivity” (Trans. R. S. E., 1878), in which I stated that the results were “by no means final, even so far as my own work is concerned,” I was requested by Sir Wyville Thomson to undertake the examination of the “Pressure Errors of the ‘Challenger’ Thermometers.” This investigation led to another on the “Compression of Sea-Water,” and allied subjects, which is not yet finished. Meanwhile, though I had prepared everything for my promised repetition of the experiments on Thermal Conductivity, the bars formerly used having been nickelised, &c, I found that it would be impossible for me to carry out the investigation. I therefore asked Mr Mitchell, who, as Neil-Arnott Scholar, had already done good and careful work on Thermal Conductivity in my Laboratory, to repeat the experiments under the altered conditions. I put at his disposal all the apparatus which was employed in the former research. The Government Grant Committee allowed a sum for the payment of a computer to reduce the results, and the observations were at once commenced. The results are now laid before the Society, and are probably as good as the method and the thermometers employed can furnish.
I.—On Polyzomal Curves, otherwise the Curves √U + √V + &c. = 0
Authors: Cayley
Published: January 2013

If U, V, &c, are rational and integral functions (٭)(x, y, z)r, all of the same degree r, in regard to the co-ordinates (x, y, z), then √U + √V + &c. is a polyzome, and the curve √U + √V + &c. = 0 a polyzomal curve. Each of the curves √U = 0, √V = 0, &c. (or say the curves U = 0, V = 0, &c.) is, on account of its relation of circumscription to the curve √U + √V + &c. = 0, considered as a girdle thereto (ζῶμα) and we have thence the term “zome” and the derived expressions “polyzome,” “zomal,” &c. If the number of the zomes √U, √V, &c. be = ν, then we have a ν-zome, and corresponding thereto a ν-zomal curve; the curves U = 0, V = 0, &c., are the zomal curves or zomals thereof.
III.—On the Temperature of the Common Fowl (Gallus domesticus)
Authors: Davy John
Published: January 2013

During the last three years I have made a large number of observations on the temperature of the common fowl under different circumstances, the results of which I now beg leave to submit to the Society, with the hope that they may be considered not altogether uninteresting to the physiologist.

The fowls tried were chiefly of the pure Dorking breed. At the time they appeared to be healthy, and all in good condition. They had all the run of a field adjoining the poultry yard.

In all the trials the same thermometer was used,—each degree of which, that of Fahrenheit, was divided into ten parts, and had been warranted correct by the makers after comparison with a standard.
VI.—On Vortex Motion
Authors: Thomson W.
Published: January 2013

1. The mathematical work of the present paper has been performed to illustrate the hypothesis, that space is continuously occupied by an incompressible frictionless liquid acted on by no force, and that material phenomena of every kind depend solely on motions created in this liquid. But I take, in the first place, as subject of investigation, a finite mass of incompressible frictionless fluid completely enclosed in a rigid fixed boundary.
I. A Description of the Strata which occur in ascending from the Plains of Kincardineshire to the Summit of Mount Battoc, one of the most elevated points in the Eastern District of the Grampian Mountains
Authors: Imrie
Published: January 2013

The most mountainous parts of Scotland are situated in its western and north-west districts. From those parts of the country, several chains of mountains branch off, and continue their courses in various directions, and to various extent. The most extended of those chains is that of the Grampians. This chain takes its rise from nearly about the centre of the above alpine district, and continues its course in a direction almost due east, or perhaps a little to the south of that point, until it disappears in the German Ocean, betwixt the towns of Aberdeen and Stonehaven.
VI. Some Account of the Large Snake Alea-azagur, (Boa Constrictor of Linnæus), found in the Province of Tipperah
Authors: Russell James
Published: January 2013

A Large snake of this species was brought to Comillah. It measured 15 feet 3 inches in length, and 18 inches in circumference about the middle. This measurement, however, varied considerably by the wreathings and contortions it made, in order to free itself from confinement.
VII. Chemical Analysis of a Black Sand, from the River Dee in Aberdeenshire; and of a Copper Ore, from Arthrey in Stirlingshire
Authors: Thomson Thomas
Published: January 2013

The specimen which formed the subject of the first of the following analyses, was brought from the banks of the river Dee, about seven years ago, by my friend Mr James Mill, who at that time resided in Aberdeenshire. By him I was informed, that considerable quantities of it are found in different parts of the bed of that river,—that it is called by the inhabitants ironsand,—and that they use it for sanding newly written paper. I tried some experiments in the year 1800, in order to ascertain its nature; but was too little skilled at that time, both in mineralogy and practical chemistry, to manage an analysis of any considerable difficulty.
XI. Experiments on Allanite, a new Mineral from Greenland
Authors: Thomson Thomas
Published: January 2013

About three years ago, a Danish vessel was brought into Leith as a prize. Among other articles, she contained a small collection of minerals, which were purchased by Thomas Allan, Esq; and Colonel Imrie, both members of this Society. The country from which these minerals had been brought was not known for certain; but as the collection abounded in Cryolite, it was conjectured, with very considerable probability, that they had been collected in Greenland.
XII. A Chemical Analysis of Sodalite, a new Mineral from Greenland
Authors: Thomson Thomas
Published: January 2013

The mineral to which I have given the name of Sodalite, was also put into my hands by Mr Allan. In the Greenland collection which he purchased, there were several specimens of a rock, obviously primitive. In the composition of these, the substance of which I am about to treat, formed a constituent, and, at first appearance, was taken for felspar, to which it bears a very striking resemblance.
XIII. Demonstration of the Fundamental Property of the Lever
Authors: Brewster David
Published: January 2013

It is a singular fact in the history of science, that, after all the attempts of the most eminent modern mathematicians, to obtain a simple and satisfactory demonstration of the fundamental property of the lever, the solution of this problem given by Archimedes, should still be considered as the most legitimate and elementary. Galileo, Huygens, De la Hire, Sir Isaac Newton, Maclaurin, Landen, and Hamilton, have directed their attention to this important part of mechanics; but their demonstrations are in general either tedious and abstruse, or founded on assumptions too arbitrary to be recognised as a proper basis for mathematical reasoning. Even the demonstration given by Archimedes is not free from objections, and is applicable only to the lever, considered as a physical body.
V.—On the Physiological Actions of Drugs on the Secretion of Bile
Authors: Rutherford William
Published: January 2013

Since the liver is an organ whose due activity is indispensable for the maintenance of health; since it is frequently the subject of disorder, and consequently receives a large share of attention from the physician, it is obviously of great importance that he should possess precise knowledge of the manner in which it is affected by medicinal agents.
VI.—On Some New Bases of the Leucoline Series. Part II
Authors: Robinson G. Carr , Goodwin W. L.
Published: January 2013

In a former paper read before the Society, and published in the Society's “ Transactions,” on ” Some New Bases of the CnH2n—11N series,” obtained from the “ vitriol-tar,” from the distillation of shale, evidence was given of the isolation of three bases of this series, in addition to the Leucoline, Iridoline, and Cryptidine of G. Williams.
VI. Additional Communications respecting the Blind and Deaf Boy, James Mitchell
Authors: Gordon John
Published: January 2013

The following circumstances respecting the Blind and Deaf Boy, James Mitchell, have come to my knowledge since the publication of Professor Stewart's Memoir; and I doubt not but the Society will think them worthy of being recorded. They are derived from the most accurate and authentic of all sources, the boy's sister, Miss Mitchell.

In the month of April 1814, Mr Parker, an English gentleman, (distinguished, as I have since learned, for his active benevolence,) did me the honour to wait upon me, to communicate a plan for the instruction of young Mitchell, which had some time before occurred to him, and which he was very desirous should be put to the test of experiment. This method seemed in no respect inconsistent with those principles which in all circumstances appear to regulate the acquisition of language; and I therefore expressed my willingness, to promote, by every means in my power, the object which Mr Parker had in view.
VII. On the Education of James Mitchell, the young Man born Blind and Deaf
Authors: Dewar Henry
Published: January 2013

The practicability of instructing in any kind of language a person blind and deaf from infancy seems not to have occurred to the friends of James Mitchell till suggested by Dr Gordon, whose ideas on the subject are contained in Professor Stewart's account published in the Transactions of this Society. An attempt has been since made to put in practice a plan for the same purpose, proposed by Mr Parker, an English gentleman who resided for a short time in Scotland. This consisted in accustoming him to handle the letters of the alphabet, formed of pieces of wood or paste board, when placed together so as to compose different words significant of tangible objects, and making him handle the objects in order to learn their meaning.
VIII. On the Optical Properties of Muriate of Soda, Fluate of Lime, and the Diamond, as exhibited in their action upon Polarised Light
Authors: Brewster David
Published: January 2013

It has long ago been remarked by the Abbé Hauy, that the property of Double Refraction is not possessed by any of those crystals the form of whose integrant molecule is distinguished by its symmetry, such as the Cube and the Regular Tetraedron. This class of minerals comprehends Fluate of Lime, Muriate of Soda, Spinelle Ruby, Muriate of Ammonia, Alum and the Diamond; and though M. Hauy had examined only a very small number of doubly refracting crystals, yet, with the exception of the Diamond, which I have found in many cases to possess the property of Double Refraction, his remark was confirmed by the experiments of Malus, Biot and myself, who considered all the crystals of this class as exercising no more action upon polarised light than a mass of water.
IX. On a New Optical and Mineralogical Property of Calcareous Spar
Authors: Brewster David
Published: January 2013

It has been long known to those who have studied the optical properties of Calcareous Spar, that there are numerous specimens of that mineral which form a multiplicity of images, affected with the most brilliant colours. These colours were considered by Malus, and other philosophers, as the colours of thin plates, and were supposed to be produced by a film of air, included in accidental fissures or fractures within the crystal. I have already shewn, from numerous experiments, that this opinion is erroneous, and that the various colours with which the images are affected, arise from the transmission of polarised light, through an extremely thin film or stratum of calcareous spar, which has different thicknesses in different specimens, but which has an invariable position, being always parallel to a plane passing through the longer diagonals of the rhomboidal faces.
XI. An Analysis of Sea-Water; with Observations on the Analysis of Salt-Brines
Authors: Murray John
Published: January 2013

The composition of Sea-Water has been variously stated by different chemists, not only with regard to the proportions of the salts which it holds in solution, but with regard even to the ingredients themselves.

According to Lavoisier, it contains muriate of soda, muriate of magnesia, and muriate of lime, sulphate of soda, sulphate of magnesia, sulphate and carbonate of lime. The proportions he assigns are, in a pound of water, (French weights) 126 grains of muriate of soda, 14¾ grains muriate of magnesia, 23 grains muriate of lime mixed with muriate of magnesia, 7 grains of sulphate of soda and sulphate of magnesia, and 8 grains of sulphate and carbonate of lime.
XII. Elementary Demonstration of the Composition of Pressures
Authors: Jackson Thomas
Published: January 2013

It is well-known as a fundamental principle in statics, that “Two pressures, represented in direction and quantity by “two adjoining sides of a parallelogram, are equivalent to one “represented in direction and quantity by the diagonal “which passes through the point at which these sides meet.” A demonstration of this proposition, that shall be at once sufficiently concise, and sufficiently elementary, to admit of its being with propriety introduced into a course of academical instruction, has been hitherto, so far as I know, a desideratum. The following may perhaps be found to possess that advantage.
XIV. A General Formula for the Analysis of Mineral Waters
Authors: Murray John
Published: January 2013

The analysis of Mineral Waters has always been considered as a difficult operation. Numerous methods are employed to discover their ingredients, and estimate their quantities, many of which are liable to errors. This diversity of method itself is a source of discordant results. And to those not familiar with such researches, it presents the difficulty often of determining what process is best adapted to discover a particular composition. Hence the advantage of a general formula, if this could be given, applicable to the analysis of all waters. The views which have been stated in the papers, connected with this subject, which I have had the honour of submitting to the Society, have suggested a method which appears to me to admit of very general application, and to be simple, not difficult of execution, nor liable to any sources of error but what may be easily obviated. The principles on which this method is founded, and the details of the process itself, form the subject of the following observations.