bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
XIII.—On the Size of the Particles in Deep-sea Deposits
Authors: Odén Sven
Published: June 2016

A new method for the mechanical analysis of soils and deposits has been developed. It consists in weighing, from time to time, on a specially constructed balance, the amount of sediment accumulated on a circular disc suspended from the balance near the bottom of a vessel containing an aqueous suspension of the sample. From the “accumulation-curve” thus obtained one finds by a series of mathematical operations a “distribution-curve,” i.e. a curve showing how the amount of particles of a certain size varies with the latter quantity.

This method has been applied to the study of some deep-sea deposits from the Challenger Office. The distribution-curves thus obtained show marked differences for the different samples, and reveal a surprising lack of very fine particles in the deposits from the largest depths, besides suggesting interesting problems for new research.
XIV.—Mathematical Note on the Fall of Small Particles through Liquid Columns
Authors: Knott C. G.
Published: June 2016

The following note presents in a simpler form the essence of Dr Sven Odén's mathematical discussion of the fall of small particles through a column of liquid, as given in his paper (immediately preceding) “On the Size of Particles in Deep-sea Deposits.”

It has the further advantage of solving the problem without taking account explicitly or implicitly of Stokes's law (or modification thereof) as to the relation connecting the time of fall with the size, form, and density of the particles considered. It is important, I think, to refrain as long as possible from making the assumptions involved in such a law of fall, and to recognise how far we may carry the investigation before introducing these assumptions.
XX.—The Structure and Life-History of Bracon sp.: a Study in Parasitism
Authors: Munro James W.
Published: June 2016

In July 1913, while collecting the larvæ of the large Pine Weevil (Hylobius abietis), I discovered a number of tiny larvæ feeding on some of them. These I succeeded in rearing, and they proved to be the larvæ of a Bracon which seemed to be B. hylobii. In July 1914 I recorded my experiments and observations.* In this record I stated that my identification of the species was based on Ratzeburg's description.† All the specimens I examined—and I have examined many—agree, for the most part, with his description of B. hylobii. In April 1914, specimens were sent for determination to Dr Szeplegeti, the authority for the family, in Budapest, but so far no reply has been received.
II.—Notices of Fellows, Honorary and Ordinary, recently deceased
Authors: Bonavia-Hunt
Published: June 2016

Henry George Bonavia-Hunt, Mus.D., was born in Malta under somewhat romantic circumstances. His father, who as private secretary to the Bishop of Jerusalem had joined the Bishop in Palestine, was plunged into the deepest grief by the death of his wife and infant son. He was returning to England in a very broken condition, but became so ill that it was thought expedient to land him at Malta. Here he was kindly received and cared for by a certain Dr Bonavia, whose young daughter nursed the stricken Englishman back to convalescence through a long and tedious illness. The inevitable followed. The lonely young widower married his devoted nurse, and later returned to England with their first child—the subject of this memoir.
VI.—The Adsorption Isotherm at Low Concentrations
Authors: Williams A. M.
Published: June 2016

1. It is pointed out that for very small adsorptions the adsorption law appears to be

for both gases and solutions.

2. The general form of the adsorption curve for solutions is deduced from the above conclusion and found to agree with the results of different observers.

The author wishes to thank Professor James Walker, F.R.S., for his assistance in the presentation of this paper.
XIII.—Some Conditions influencing the Reaction Velocity of Sodium Nitrite on Blood
Authors: Marshall C. R.
Published: June 2016

When a moderately strong solution of sodium nitrite is added to blood a change of colour almost immediately occurs, mainly owing to the formation of methæmoglobin. The actual products of the reaction are not definitely known, and are not of importance to the present paper. The rapidity of the reaction is affected by the nature and concentration of the blood solution on the one hand, and by the concentration of the sodium nitrite solution on the other. Probably other factors, such as temperature, which has not been investigated, are of importance. The experiments referred to in this paper were made at room temperatures.
XIII.—The Relation of Sea-Growth and Spawning Frequency in Salmo salar
Authors: Calderwood W. L.
Published: June 2016

The seasons at which the Atlantic salmon ascends rivers differ to a considerable extent in different countries.

In northern Norway and eastern Canada the severe winter conditions compel salmon to ascend from the sea only after the rivers have become free from ice. In one or two of the large rivers of northern Siberia it has been noticed that the salmon are well up into the upper reaches when the ice breaks up, from which it has been argued that they ascend under the ice.
XX.—Unilateral Vasoligation on the Senile Male of the Domestic Fowl
Authors: Crew F. A. E.
Published: June 2016

Unilateral ligation of the vas deferens in the mammal is a method now commonly employed in the surgical treatment of senility. The demonstrably beneficial results that follow the operation are explained on the assumptions that the testis is an endocrine gland; that if the gametogenic function is embarrassed, the interstitial tissue, regarded as the source of the sex-hormone, undergoes hyperplasia; and that associated with this increase in amount of tissue there is an increased elaboration of the internal secretion.
XXI.—Rejuvenation of the Aged Fowl through Thyroid Medication
Authors: Crew F. A. E.
Published: June 2016

In order to examine the hypothesis, so ably enunciated by the Steinach school, that senility is a phase of life that is attended by, perhaps even caused by, the inefficient functioning of one or more of the components of the endocrine system, the writer set out upon a series of attempts to evoke rejuvenation in the aged fowl. In a previous communication (Crew, 1925) an account was given of an unsuccessful attempt to produce this result in the aged cock by means of unilateral vasoligation. In this paper the results of thyroid administration to aged birds of both sexes are reviewed.
XXVI.—On the Vertical Force Changes during the “Sudden Commencement” of a Magnetic Storm
Authors: Mitchell A. Crichton
Published: June 2016

About six years ago I communicated to the Society an account of some measurements made at Eskdalemuir Observatory of the more minute changes which are almost continually occurring in the vertical component of the earth's magnetic field. The method adopted was that of connecting the terminals of a coil of wire, whose axis is vertical, to a suitable galvanometer on which was measured the current induced in the coil by changes in the vertical component of the terrestrial field.
XXIX.—The Precipitation of Sols by Polyvalent Ions
Authors: Taylor W. W.
Published: June 2016

The precipitation of sols by electrolytes naturally attracted the attention of the early investigators, and certain general relations were established. As these are to be found in any standard textbook on colloids, it is unnecessary to restate them here at length. They may be summarised as follows:— (i) A sol is precipitated by the ion of opposite electric charge, i.e. negative sols by kations, positive sols by anions; (ii) the precipitating power increases with the valency of the ion, the ratio for univalent, bivalent, trivalent being I: X:X2, the so-called valency rule; (iii) the other ion of the electrolyte tends to stabilisation of the sol; (iv) excess of the precipitating ion reverses the electric charge of the sol, which is then only precipitated by the ion of opposite electric charge; this occurs more readily with polyvalent ions.
XXX.—Salmon (Salmo salar) of the River Moisie (Eastern Canada)
Authors: Menzies W. J. M.
Published: June 2016

Included in the area of distribution of Salmo salar are the western coasts of Europe as far south as the Franco-Spanish border as well as the British Isles and Iceland, and, in addition, the eastern coast of Canada and the United States down to the State of Maine. A very large number of investigations have been made in Great Britain and various European countries, both by marking the fish in order to trace their subsequent growth and movements, and by reading their age and history from the scales. Length calculations from scale measurements have also been made in Scotland, Norway, and Sweden.
Calendar of Hume MSS. in the Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh
Authors: Greig J. Y. T. , Beynon Harold
Published: June 2016

The MSS. here calendared were presented to the Royal Society of Edinburgh by David Hume the Younger, nephew of the philosopher and Baron of the Scottish Exchequer.

The editors desire gratefully to acknowledge a grant made by the Research Committee of Armstrong College, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in the University of Durham, to assist them in the work of compiling the Calendar.
V.—On the Orthogonal Polynomials in Frequencies of Type B
Authors: Aitken A. C.
Published: June 2016

The orthogonal properties of the Hermite polynomials, their relation to the normal frequency function, and the part they play in expressing the more general frequency function of Type A, are matters of common knowledge in mathematical statistics. Less well known are the very similar properties of a class of polynomials related in the same kind of way to Poisson's frequency function of rare events and to the function of Type B which generalizes Poisson's function. These polynomials have been interestingly studied during the last few years by Ch. Jordan and by H. Pollaczek-Geiringer. (References are given at the end of this paper.) In preparation for our main object we shall gather together the principal results concerning these polynomials, together with a few others not mentioned in the extant literature.
X.—The Pigmentary System and the Dopa Reaction
Authors: Boyd Evlyn
Published: June 2016

1. A description of the mammalian pigmentary system is given together with an outline of the mechanism of melanin production and those factors which influence or control it.

2. The production of melanin by chemicophysical interaction between circulating 3-4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (dopa) in the blood-stream and an enzyme or enzymes of intracellular origin is accepted, but it is emphasised that in the interaction there are numerous opportunities for physiological interference which inhibit melanin formation.

3. The current theories of the origin of melanin are discussed and evidence supporting the nuclear origin of oxidising enzymes is given.

4. It is suggested that in the sheep some epidermal cells are more potentially pigment-producing than others, and that a gradation exists between the cell which cannot produce pigment and that which produces it to a maximum degree.

5. It is postulated that only one pigment exists, and that all animal colours are the result of a modification of this one pigment.

6. The results of staining sections of lamb and adult sheep skin with dopa are given.

7. A series ofin vitroexperiments planned to standardise the dopa reaction is described.

8. It is suggested that the dopa reaction may be used as a simple chemical test in genetic analysis whereby the pigmentogenic potentialities of a particular sheep may be analysed.
XIV.—The Fæcal Pellets of the Anomura
Authors: Moore Hilary B.
Published: June 2016

As far back as 1678 Martin Lister, in his Historiæ Animalium Tractatus, has noted that, in the case of certain Molluscs, the fæces are of a regular form, and that their shape differs according to the species; he deduces from this that the intestine must show a corresponding difference in the various species.
XV.—A Study of the Tyrosinase of Potato Tubers
Authors: Robertson Ian M.
Published: June 2016

1. A reagent (p-cresol) has been used to determine the activity of tyrosinase in the potato tuber.

2. The course of the reaction tyrosinase-p-cresol has been shown to be mono-molecular, with a short linear period at the commencement. From observations of this period, constants for the enzyme activities have been obtained and a temperature coefficient deduced.

3. The enzyme activity has been shown to depend upon stage of maturity of tuber, variety of tuber, and disease infection, but to be independent of tuber weight, environment, season, and storage conditions.

4. The probable significance of the results has been discussed.

The writer wishes to thank the Department of Agriculture for Scotland for a Grant which enabled the work to be carried out, and also Dr A. Lauder and Dr A. M. Smith of the Edinburgh and East of Scotland College of Agriculture for their interest and assistance throughout the course of the work.
XXI.—Relative Co-ordinates
Authors: Walker A. G.
Published: June 2016

If C is a given curve in a Riemannian space Vn, a system of co-ordinates (z1, z2, …, zn) can be set up at each point P of C, thus generalising moving axes along a twisted curve. If in these co-ordinates a point Q is defined relative to the point P, then Q traces some curve as P moves along C; any curve C' can be defined in this way by setting up a (1, 1) correspondence between points of C and C′. We shall take the relative co-ordinates at P to be normal co-ordinates with origin at P, the parametric directions at P being the directions of an orthogonal ennuple defined at points of C. In general, this work is too heavy except for the consideration of points within a certain distance from the curve C, and we shall therefore consider only points the cube of whose distance from C may be neglected. This is sufficient for the application to such problems as the motion of a small rigid body in space-time.
III.—Observations on the Œstrous Cycle of the Guinea-Pig
Authors: Bacsich P. , Wyburn G. M.
Published: June 2016

The pioneer work of Stockard and Papanicolaou (1917, 1919) forms the basis of most subsequent observations on the œstrous cycle of the guinea-pig, and their results are, in the main, accepted by later workers—Ishii (1920), Selle (1922), Nicol (1932), etc.
X.—Interpolated Derivatives
Authors: Spain B.
Published: June 2016

I. Various writers (Ferrar, 1927) have started out with different definitions of generalised derivatives. Essentially, the problem of the generalised derivative is a problem in interpolation. The values of the derivatives are known for all integer values of n; for all positive integers, being the ordinary derivatives; for zero, being the function itself; for negative integers, being repeated integrals. Any function of n which has the above values at the integers (i.e. any cotabular function) is a solution of the problem. Out of the infinite number of cotabular functions, there exists one discovered by E. T. Whittaker (Whittaker, 1915; Ferrar, 1925; Whittaker, 1935), called the cardinal function, possessing rather remarkable properties. In particular, if the cardinal series defining the cardinal function is convergent, then it is equivalent to the Newton-Gauss formula of interpolation.
XV.—A Theoretical Atomic Distribution Curve for Liquid Argon at 90° K
Authors: Rushbrooke G. S.
Published: June 2016

The radial distribution of the atoms (or molecules) of liquids, as of solids, can be found from X-ray scattering photographs (Zernike and Prins, 1927; Warren and Gingrich, 1934), and in this way many such distributions have been determined experimentally (Harvey, 1938, 1939; Gingrich, 1940; references in Coulson and Rushbrooke, 1939). The results are generally given as distribution curves showing p(r) or r2p(r) as a function of r, where 4πr2p(r)dr measures the probability that two arbitrarily selected atoms (or molecules) of the liquid are distant r to r + dr apart. Such distribution curves show a sequence of peaks—for ρ(r) these are usually of diminishing amplitude—and for atomic liquids successive peaks may conveniently be ascribed to successive co-ordination shells (of atoms) about any (arbitrarily selected) central atom. The position and precise shape of the peaks depends, of course, upon the temperature as well as the substance of the liquid.
XXV.—The Effect of Increased Daily Illumination and of Reversed Day and Night on the Œstrus Cycle of the Mouse (Mus musculus)
Authors: Gresson R. A. R.
Published: June 2016

In the course of a recent investigation on the fertilised egg of the mouse (Gresson, 1940a, b) it was necessary to keep a record of the time at which pairing took place. This revealed that copulation, especially in the winter, was very infrequent during the hours of daylight, and usually took place at about 12 midnight or between midnight and early morning. Similar observations were made by Lewis and Wright (1935), who found that in the autumn and winter mice seldom copulated during the day, and that while the majority of pairings took place between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m., several of their mice paired between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m., whereas in the spring pairing occurred more readily during all hours of the day.
IV.—On an X-Determinant which includes as Particular Cases both “Determinants” and “Permanents”
Authors: MacMahon P. A.
Published: June 2016

1. I define the X-determinant in the following manner. It is of order n.

where x denotes any numerical quantity, and observe that it becomes a determinant or permanent according as x takes the value −1 or +1.
V.—A Geometrical Interpretation of the Complete System of the Double Binary (2, 2) Form
Authors: Turnbull H. W.
Published: June 2016

I should like to take this opportunity of thanking the Committee of the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland for their courtesy in furthering and facilitating the work, the results of which are submitted in the following pages.
VI.—Note on the m-line Determinants whose Elements are (m−1)-line Minors of an m-by-(m + k) Array
Authors: Muir Thomas
Published: June 2016

(1) If note be taken that, when k in the title is 0, there is only one such determinant, namely the adjugate, it will be seen that what we are about to consider is a family of compound determinants which includes the adjugate as a very special case. Such determinants have not altogether escaped study, but until recently the attention paid to them has been incidental and fragmentary.
IX.—The Control Field in Magnetic Hysteresis
Authors: Gray Robert Cochran
Published: June 2016

Ewing's theory of the construction of a magnetic atom separates the atom into two portions: (a) the Weber element, possessing constant magnetic moment and capable of turning in response to an applied magnetic field; and (b) an outer (or inner) group of fixed “magnets” (i.e. electrons moving in orbits), which have like poles all directed towards the centre of the atom. Owing to the want of symmetry of the elements composing the group or shell, there are several magnetic fields, each of different direction, acting in the neighbourhood of the Weber element, and the direction of each of these represents a position of stability of the Weber element.
XII.—A Static Model for Helium
Authors: Allen H. Stanley
Published: June 2016

Helium, with atomic number 2, stands second only to hydrogen in interest for the theoretical physicist. The atom would have to consist of a doubly charged positive nucleus and two electrons. “Here,” as Sommerfeld puts it, “we stumble over the three-body problem.” In Bohr's original model of the neutral helium atom the two electrons rotate about the nucleus at opposite ends of a diameter of a circle. The work necessary to detach both electrons, or the second order ionisation potential (if it is expressed in equivalent volts), comes out too great, 82·9 volts instead of 78·6 volts. Later models conceived by Landé and by Bohr clear up some of the difficulties of explaining the separate sets of series described as the parhelium (singlet) and the orthohelium (doublet) series, but according to the calculations of Kramers, the ionisation potential of the crossed orbit model comes out 3·8 volts less than the value experimentally determined. Summing up the present position in his Presidential Address to Section A, at the Liverpool meeting of the British Association, M'Lennan says: “Although real progress has been made, it cannot be said that finality has been reached in the determination of the form of a completely satisfactory model of the atom of so simple an element as helium.”
XVII.—The Ultra-Violet Emission Spectra of the Halogens
Authors: Ludlam E. B. , West W.
Published: June 2016

Most of the work on the emission spectra of the halogens has been confined to the visible or near ultra-violet regions: but, in view of the characteristic chemical and photo-chemical properties of these elements, it has become increasingly important to make a general survey extending well into the ultra-violet. The emission spectra of chlorine and bromine in the visible and near ultra-violet up to about 370 µµ have been described by Eder and Valenta as consisting of lines, chiefly in the green and blue. For bromine, a continuous spectrum was also observed, starting at about 490 µµ; this rapidly falls off in intensity, but at about 420 µµ a second continuous band commences, extending with increasing intensity to the limit of their photograph about 370 µµ. Quite recently the investigation of the quartz ultra-violet region of chlorine has occupied several observers, chiefly from the physical point of view; Jevons has measured the ultra-violet line spectrum from 335 µµ to 207 µµ, and a communication on the same subject has appeared from Angerer.
XX.—The Magnetic Quality of Very Pure Nickel
Authors: Malcolm Ada M.
Published: June 2016

The investigations described in this paper dealt with the behaviour of specimens of specially pure nickel under various conditions and in varying magnetising fields. Several experiments were carried out.

I. The specimen being in the form of a bar about 30 cms. long and the purpose of the experiment being to find the nature of the curve of magnetisation at low magnetic fields, Lord Rayleigh's magnetometric arrangement (Scientific Papers, vol. ii) was used.
I.—The Action of “Active” Nitrogen on Iodine Vapour
Authors: Easson L. H. , Armour R. W.
Published: June 2016

The rapid progress which has been made in the last few years in the knowledge of the rotational, vibrational, and electronic energy of molecules has extended the range of chemical investigation, particularly in the region of chemical kinetics. This knowledge is derived chiefly from the study and interpretation of band spectra, and one of the most obvious cases to examine is that of “active” nitrogen which emits a characteristic spectrum and is capable of energetic chemical reaction with a wide range of substances. For most of the early work, including spectroscopic observations, we are indebted to the excellent and thorough investigations of Strutt.
IV.—An X-ray Examination of Saturated Dicarboxylic Acids and Amides of the Fatty Acid Series
Authors: Henderson Edward
Published: June 2016

Several additional members of the series of normal saturated dicarboxylic acids have been investigated by X-rays, and the results are in agreement with the conclusions arrived at in an earlier paper. In the series of mono- and di-alkyl malonic acids, successive reflection planes are separated by the length of one molecule. The series of fatty acid amides closely resembles that of the fatty acids themselves. The cleavage planes are separated by the length of two molecules oriented in opposite directions.

My thanks are due to Mr N. K. Adam for the specimens of mono- and dioctadecyl malonic acid, and to Sir James Walker for his advice and helpful criticism.
VII.—Note on the Sympathetic Nervous System of Lepidosiren paradoxa
Authors: Jenkin Penelope M.
Published: June 2016

Up to the present time no sympathetic nervous system has been described in Lepidosiren paradoxa, and the following note is an attempt to fill this gap in our knowledge.
IX.—Generalised Derivatives and Integrals
Authors: Ferrar W. L.
Published: June 2016

The various definitions which have been adopted by one or more writers for Dnf(x), where n is real but not an integer, fall roughly into three classes:—

(1) Liouville —a method which assumes a convergent expansion

and defines Dnf(x) as ΣAαneax.

(2) Riemann, Grünwald, Laurent and others—methods which, however they begin, ultimately come to the “integral definition,”

the lower limit of integration being arbitrary:

where k is a positive integer, 0<ρ<1, and n=k – ρ.

(3) Pincherle5—a method which, seeking an operator with certain properties, gives an infinite series as a definition of Dnf(x)
X.—The Law of Blackening of the Photographic Plate at Low Densities. (Third Paper.)
Authors: Baker E. A.
Published: June 2016

Of a number of absorbing and emitting systems subjected to radiation, the proportions which suffer given sequences of absorptions and emissions are examined. The simple results which follow when the proportions so affected are small are applied to the photographic action on the assumption that in exposure the grain acts as a single system. They indicate that the grain requires two absorptions in succession to render it susceptible to “full” development, and three absorptions with one intermediate “emission” to render it susceptible to “partial” development, the terms “full” and “partial” being defined. These results are found to apply over the whole range of wave-length tested, from 4800 Å. to below 2000 Å.
VIII.—Electrosynthesis in the Series of Normal Dibasic Acids
Authors: Fairweather David A.
Published: June 2016

In a previous communication the electrosynthesis of n-dotriacontanedi-carboxylic acid was described. This work has been continued, and three more acids of this series have been prepared, namely, eicosanedicarboxylic acid, HOOC. (CH2)20. COOH; tetracosanedicarboxylic acid, HOOC. (CH2)24. COOH; and octacosanedicarboxylic acid, HOOC. (CH2)28. COOH.
X.—Note on Copper-tinted Flame Caps
Authors: Cooper William
Published: June 2016

The estimation of the percentage of firedamp (methane) present in the atmosphere of a mine is usually performed by observing the height of the flame cap over the lowered flame of a safety lamp. In ordinary circumstances the safety-lamp flame is reduced in size and luminosity to render the cap visible, and the estimation of the amount of inflammable gas is made by observing the height of the cap. It was pointed out by Chesneau (1892) that the visibility of the cap was increased if certain organic chlorides and copper salts were added to the fuel. Also it was shown by Briggs (1912) that strongly coloured caps were obtained if a small quantity of carbon tetrachloride was added to the fuel and a loop of copper inserted in the lamp flame itself.
XI.—The Intermittence of Electric Force
Authors: Thomson J. J.
Published: June 2016

In this paper it is supposed that the effects produced by electric forces are intermittent and consist in the addition of finite increments of momentum occurring after finite intervals of time, and not, as is usually assumed, of a continuous flow of momentum. On the latter view, a body in the time δt receives an increment of momentum Fδt if F is the force; on the view discussed in this paper, it is a chance whether or not the body receives any increment; this chance is equal to δt/T, where T is a time, called the time interval of the force: it depends on the strength of the field and is equal to the average time between two increments. If I is the value of each increment of momentum, the expectation of increase of momentum in time δt is Iδt/T. Over intervals which are long compared with the time T the increase is the same as that under a continuous force equal to I/T, and for effects which are spread over such intervals the results of the intermittent theory agree with those of the usual theory. It seems possible, however, that in effects occurring in atoms or rays of light the times involved may be small enough to be comparable with T; in these cases the classical theory will no longer hold and an entirely different treatment is required. The paper discusses some of the effects which may be expected under these conditions : these include the spontaneous dissociation of electronic systems, the production of Röntgen rays. It follows, too, from the theory that there would be no radiation of energy from an electron describing a circular orbit; the theory, too, has an important application to the propagation of light; it shows that light cannot be propagated as divergent waves where the electric force falls off as the waves recede from the source; it requires that light should be corpuscular in character, i.e. must consist of units whose energy does not change as they travel through space.
XIX.—The Wheatstone Bridge as the Means of Measuring Linear and Angular Dimensions at a Distance, and its Application to Borehole Surveying
Authors: Briggs Henry
Published: June 2016

The Clinophone, an instrument devised by the writer several years ago, was introduced for surveying boreholes, and, in particular, the boreholes used in the freezing process of sinking shafts through heavily-watered or “running” strata. It has recently been employed in this connection at the new sinking at Seaham Harbour, Co. Durham. The freezing holes are drilled round the shaft, and each contains tubes conveying the cold solution which forms the protective ice-wall. The holes must be as vertical as possible. There is, indeed, no other application of the art of boring in which such precision in drilling is needed and where so small a maximum of deviation from the vertical has to be stipulated. An essential to success with the freezing process is that each of the boreholes be accurately surveyed so that its path becomes known from top to bottom.
XX.—On Fertility in the Domestic Fowl
Authors: Crew F. A. E.
Published: June 2016

In the case of the fowl—

(1) Fertile eggs can be expected within 24–48 hours after the introduction of the male, though the onset of fertility varies with different matings.

(2) The length of life of the sperm within the body of the female is about 15–20 days, though in exceptional cases it may be greater.

(3) Though fertility endures 15–20 days after the removal of the male, the eggs laid after the first week commonly fail to complete their development.

(4) If after the removal of the male a second male is introduced, the influence of the first sire is removed by the 7th to 10th day, the exact time differing in different cases. There is a relation between the general “vigour” of the individual and the fertilising power of the sperm it elaborates.
XXII.—Present Problems in Colour-Vision: the Laws of Visual Fatigue and of Resultant Sensation
Authors: Peddie W.
Published: June 2016

It is now universally recognised that, at least to as close an approximation as is practically testable under given conditions, a match in hue can be established in normal colour-vision between any visible light and a mixture of three suitably chosen spectrum lights. The latter are selected usually from portions of the spectrum in the close neighbourhood of three definite wave-lengths. Though considerable variation in the choice of these three standard lights is possible, it is found to be most suitable to place them in the pure red, the pure green, and the pure blue regions of the spectrum respectively.
XXIII.—A Geometry associated with the Double Binary (2, 2) Form
Authors: Saddler Wm.
Published: June 2016

The geometry associated with the double binary (2, 2) form has, previously, been exhaustively treated by Mr Kasner and Professor Turnbull by regarding the form as representing the twisted quartic: namely, the complete intersection of a sphere (more generally a quadric) and a quadric, and projectively as the bicircular quartic. A full list of references will be found in the paper of Professor Turnbull in the Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, xliv (1924), 23–50. More recently Dr Vaidyanathaswami has investigated further properties of the cyclic, using a new canonical form for the (2, 2) curve.
VIII.—The Theory of Alternants, from 1896 to 1917
Authors: Muir Thomas
Published: June 2016

In the period which we have now reached the interest taken in the study of Alternants shows comparatively little sign of slackening, especially if the years given over to the War be taken into account. Close on fifty (50) writings, in six different languages and of various degrees of importance, fall to be considered.

One noteworthy feature of the collection is the exceptional number of the papers occupied with the investigation of Symmetric Functions: approximately a third of the whole may be so classified. It is also somewhat striking in connection therewith to note that this body of work has two quite independent sources, the one centring in a small East-Prussian town, the other confined mainly to a busy city in the State of New York.
IX.—The Mechanism behind Relativity
Authors: Peddie W.
Published: June 2016

The result of the Michelson-Morley experiment was unavoidably revolutionary. The idea of an æther, through which optical effects were propagated with finite though great velocity, had grown up gradually, and had been rendered almost certain by the experimental establishment of the wave theory of light. Even on gravitational grounds, Newton himself regarded the existence of an æther as essential. Yet, in most relativistic discussions which deal with the point, he is relegated to the ranks of the direct actionists. His own words were emphatic. He said that, in his view, no one who was competent in matters of philosophic thought could be an advocate of distance action.
X.—An Electric Clock with Detached Pendulum and Continuous Motion
Authors: Steuart Alex.
Published: June 2016

A clock pendulum and movement have been designed which are never actually connected either mechanically, electrically, or magnetically, yet the movement drives the pendulum and the pendulum controls the movement. The usual “escapement” has been eliminated.

The clock has been made and tested; first in the form of a regulator, and then in the form of a heavy turret clock with triple worm gearing to the hands.

The power is derived from an electric motor in continuous motion; this raises a gravity arm which, in descending, drives the pendulum with a constant force. The motor also drives the clock hands, makes contacts to drive other dials, and may drive telescopes, chronograph drums, etc. After acting on the pendulum the gravity arm is arrested by a stop, and electric power passes to the motor while arm and stop are in contact. Current is interrupted when the motion of the motor raises the gravity arm. The speed of the motor is governed by the time of contact, but the motion of the motor is maintained between the periods of contact by a reduced current and by kinetic energy. Application has been made for a patent.
XIII.—A Static Model of the Hydrogen Molecule
Authors: Allen H. Stanley
Published: June 2016

One of the outstanding problems of physics at the present time is that of finding an explanation of chemical combination. Sir J. J. Thomson has done much to bridge the gap between chemistry and physics by attempting to extend the electronic theory of matter so as to explain how atoms may be linked together to form the stable system which constitutes a molecule. To avoid the difficulties inherent in the view that the electrons are describing orbits under forces varying rigorously as the inverse square of the distance, he assumes that the electrons take up definite equilibrium positions under their mutual repulsions and forces exerted by the positive charges. Equilibrium is secured by postulating in the latter case a more complicated law of force than the inverse square, so that the attraction between an electron and a positive charge changes to repulsion at a certain distance.
V.—Secular Changes of Rock Temperature. Note on Dr Whipple's Paper
Authors: Wrigley R. W.
Published: June 2016

The data which are available do not seem very suitable for Dr Whipple's method of analysis. As explained in my original paper, the groups into which the rock-temperature observations were divided depended entirely upon the method adopted to get rid of the effect of variations of air temperature at the surface, and the resulting means were for dates which had no connection with the long-period temperature fluctuations which were later disclosed. A series of observations extending over nearly a hundred years was thus reduced down to eight mean temperatures for periods of various lengths.
VI.—The Genus Lyginorachis Kidston
Authors: Crookall R.
Published: June 2016

The late Dr R. Kidston proposed the name Lyginorachis to include isolated petrified petioles which exhibited a structure so similar to the petioles of the well-known Lyginopteris (Lyginodendron) oldhamia (Binney) as strongly to suggest affinities with that plant.

Two species of Lyginorachis are known, both from the Lower Carboniferous rocks of Britain. In 1923 Dr D. H. Scott gave an account of L. papilio from the Cementstone Group (Calciferous Sandstone Series) of Norham Bridge, Tweedside, and briefly referred to a second species, L. taitiana, from the Carboniferous Limestone Series. Kidston had passed on these sections to Dr Scott for description.
VII.—On Charlier's New Form of the Frequency Function
Authors: Aitken A. C. , Oppenheim A.
Published: June 2016

It is known (cf. Charlier's statistical memoirs, passim) that the frequency function of Type A can be written compactly in symbolic form,

where r! ar is equal to kr, the rth seminvariant of the distribution, D = d/dz and

For most purposes it is convenient to take the mean, k1 as origin and the standard deviation, as unit. The function of Type A then becomes

where φ(x)=(2π)−½e−x2, and Ar is the coefficient of (−)rtr in the expansion of exp
VIII.—Some Noteworthy Examples of Parallel Evolution in the Molluscan Faunas of South-eastern Asia and South America
Authors: Prashad B.
Published: June 2016

One of the main objects of the study of animal distribution is to determine the probable areas of origin and dispersal—Osborn's Centres of Radiation—of the different families and genera of the various classes of animals. This is not an easy matter, and, as reference to any standard work on molluscs would show, the questions of the origin, in time and space, of the various families of molluscs, as also their relationships, are often severely left alone. The classification is, as a result, often quite arbitrary and does not show the genetic relationships of the different members. In dealing with families with a world-wide and, more particularly, a discontinuous distribution, it is a matter of grave doubt whether several of the families, as defined, are homogeneous units which originated in any one area of the globe and spread to other regions.
X.—On the Identity of Sacculina triangularis and Sacculina inflata
Authors: Boschma H.
Published: June 2016

In 1862 Anderson described a parasite of Cancer pagurus from the Firth of Forth, which he named Sacculina triangularis. The species differs from Sacculina carcini in its external form and the shape of the testes, particulars of which are described in Anderson's paper in sufficient detail to prove that the parasite is specifically distinct from Sacculina carcini. In a paper dealing with the European species of the Sacculinidæ (Boschma, 1927) I mentioned Sacculina triangularis as a distinct species, basing this statement on Anderson's description and figures. Afterwards I had the opportunity to study the anatomy of the species, owing to the kindness of Professor J. H. Ashworth, who sent me nine specimens of Sacculina on Cancer pagurus from the Firth of Forth. The following description of the characters of the species is based on this material.
XII.—Further Numerical Studies in Algebraic Equations and Matrices
Authors: Aitken A. C.
Published: June 2016

In a former paper on the same subject the writer pointed out that the sequence used by D. Bernoulli for approximating to the greatest root of an algebraic equation could be further utilised in such a way as to give all the roots. It is suggested in the present paper that there is really no need to compute a first Bernoullian sequence at all, but that by the theory of dual symmetric functions the coefficients in the given equation may be used with equal convenience. In a practical respect this simplifies the technique of root-evaluation.
XV.—Some New Facts about the Structure of the Cuticles in the Russian Paper-Coal and their Bearing on the Systematic Position of Some Fossil Lycopodiales. With a note on The Absence of Eligulate Heterosporous Lycopodiales in the Fossil-Record
Authors: Wilson Jessie A. R. , Walton John
Published: June 2016

The fossil cuticles of the paper-coal from the Moscow Basin in Central Russia were first described and figured by Auerbach and Trautschold in 1860. Since then these cuticles have been the subject of much discussion, especially with regard to the interpretation of their numerous regularly disposed perforations. According to the various views of previous investigators, several generic and specific names have been assigned to these cuticles. Auerbach and Trautschold, regarding the perforations as the result of the fall of the leaf-cushions as well as the leaves, considered the cuticles to belong to the genus Lepidodendron, and named the plant to which they belonged Lepidodendron tenerrimum.
XVII.—The Ionizing Efficiency of Electronic Impacts in Air
Authors: Thomson John
Published: June 2016

Experiments are described, the aim of which is the determination of the energy spent in producing one pair of ions when electrons of velocity corresponding to 50–270 volts are totally absorbed in air. It is found that this energy varies with the initial speed of the electron, but that it asymptotes to the value 37 ± 2 electron-volts when the energy of the electron is very great.

This value of the “volts per ion pair” is compared with those found by other experimenters. A correlation of the three electronic “constants,” the range of the electron, the ionization per unit path, and the total ionization is attempted. It is concluded that, unless in the case of very fast cathode rays or β-particles, the “ionization per unit path,” as measured by ionization chamber experiments, has no meaning.
XVIII.—Relation between the Composition of Retortable Carbonaceous Minerals and their Yield of Crude Oil
Authors: Briggs Henry
Published: June 2016

In a paper recently read before this Society the ultimate analysis was used as a means of distinguishing between the various species of carbonaceous minerals, it being shown that, by a simple graphical method, these minerals could be classified in five groups, viz.: coals, sub-cannels, cannels, parafila shales, and torbanites. Minerals from all these groups are past, present, or prospective raw materials for oil-distillation, for which purpose, indeed, the oil shales and torbanites are especially suitable. It is therefore of interest to inquire whether their yield of crude oil and the composition of these substances are related in a manner sufficiently definite to serve as a guide to those concerned in this branch of technology.
XXIII.—An X-ray Examination of d-Mannitol and d-Mannose
Authors: McCrea George W.
Published: June 2016

The X-ray examination of d-mannitol and d-mannose gives the following results:—

d-Mannitol.—Unit cell, a = 8·66 A.U., b = 16·58 A.U., c = 5·501 A.U.; Space-group, Q4; Calculated density, 1·522 grms. per c.c.; Number of molecules per unit cell, 4.

The X-ray data show that the greatest length of the molecule corresponds to the a axis, and that the molecules have a long chain configuration.

d-Mannose.—Unit cell, a = 5·53 A.U., b = 17·66 A.U., c = 7·59 A.U.; Space-group, Q4; Calculated density, 1·602 grms. per c.c; Number of molecules per unit cell, 4.

The X-ray results show that a manno-pyranose ring structure is probable in the d-mannose molecule, and that the molecule has its greatest length along the c axis.
III.—The Application of Operators to the Solution of the Algebraic Equation
Authors: Littlejohn James
Published: June 2016

The solution of the common quadratic

which is usually written

is, when expanded,

This expansion will be found to be the work of the operator each term being derived from its predecessor by this operator's agency, so that the whole solution may be written
IX.—On some Causes of the Formation of Anticyclonic Stratus as observed from Aeroplanes
Authors: Douglas C. K. M.
Published: June 2016

The following is a summary of the more important conclusions which have been put forward in this paper:—

1. The Nature and Distribution of Stratus in Anticyclones.

(1) Stratus clouds have an adiabatic temperature gradient below them, and a reversed gradient above them; within the cloud the gradient is usually adiabatic. The same relations hold for well-defined layers of haze.

(2) On the northern and eastern sides of anticyclones there is nearly always a layer of stratus, or of haze with cloud patches; the height of this layer varies between 3000 and 6000 feet above the surface, but the level is usually the same over a very large area.

(3) Stratus is common in winter on the southern sides of anticyclones.
XI.—The Adsorption of Sulphur Dioxide by Charcoal at –10° C
Authors: Williams A. M.
Published: June 2016

(1) The adsorption of sulphur dioxide by blood charcoal at –10° C. was studied, and measurements were taken of the amount adsorbed, the pressure, and the isothermal heat of adsorption at constant volume.

(2) The adsorption isotherm is a typical vapour adsorption curve, and runs the same course as that found by Trouton for the adsorption of water vapour.

(3) The heat of adsorption curve passes through a minimum and a maximum, and finally runs parallel to the adsorption axis. A tentative explanation of this is offered.

In conclusion, the author would seek to express his thanks to Professor F. G. Donnán, F.R.S., for his advice given in the course of these experiments which were performed in 1913–14 in the Chemical Laboratories, University College, London.
XII.—The Hurlet Sequence in the East of Scotland and the Abden Fauna as an Index to the Position of the Hurlet Limestone
Authors: Macnair Peter
Published: June 2016

In this communication an attempt is made to correlate the different members of the Lower Carboniferous Limestone Series of the East of Scotland with what has been chosen as the type section at Hurlet, near Paisley. For close on fifty years Scottish geologists have been endeavouring to correlate the Lower Carboniferous Limestones of Fife and the Lothians, and in general the Carboniferous Rocks of Scotland, with the Hurlet Section, but up till the present time the various attempts have only met with a partial success, the reason for this being, that our knowledge of the Hurlet section has by no means been either sufficiently detailed or accurate enough to admit of comparison with other widely separated Scottish sections. The important question also arises as to what extent the Hurlet Section can be considered as typical of the group of deposits as a whole.