bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3. On a Register Barometer for indicating Maxima and Minima
Authors: Traill
Published: June 2016

The author gave an account of a new, easy, and economical method of ascertaining the maximum and minimum of the oscillations of the barometer during the absence of the observer. It consists of two tubes, the diagonal and rectangular barometer of the author, fixed in the same frame. A piece of thick iron wire is introduced into the upper part of the former, and a similar piece into the horizontal arm of the latter. These pieces of wire are pushed before the mercurial columns, and when the mercury recedes, they remain behind, like the index in Rutherford's thermometer. That in the diagonal barometer will give the maximum, the wire in the rectangular barometer will indicate the minimum.
2. Analysis of Levyine
Authors: Connell Arthur
Published: June 2016

A few years ago, this mineral was described as a new species by Sir David Brewster, on account of peculiar optical properties ascertained by himself, and its crystallographic characters, as determined by Mr Haidinger. Berzelius, however, inferred from the analysis of a specimen sent to him by Sir David Brewster, that it is merely a variety of chabazite, its chemical constitution appearing to be, Silica 48, Alumina 20, Lime 8.35, Magnesia 0.4, Potash 0.41, Soda 2.75, Water 19.30. But, from a subsequent explanation, it seemed probable that Berzelius had analyzed not the true levyine, but a mixture of this and chabazite, constituting the specimen which was sent. The author therefore considered it desirable to execute a new analysis of the mineral in question, which he has found to yield the following results:—
2. Account of the Dissection of a Young Rorqual, or short Whalebone Whale, (the Balæna Rostrata of Fabricius); with a few Observations on the Anatomy of the Fœtal Mysticetus
Authors: Knox
Published: June 2016

In February 1834, a young Whalebone Whale was taken near the Queensferry, in the Frith of Forth. After being exhibited for a short time by the proprietors, it was dissected by the author as carefully as time and circumstances would permit. The term Rorqual is employed throughout this memoir in the sense employed by M. Cuvier, as designating “Whalebone Whales, with longitudinal folds under the throat and chest.” He thinks the present specimen quite distinct, specifically from the “Great Rorqual” (the Balæna boops, jubarte, musculus, &c), and not as M. Cuvier seems to think it, a mere variety. Among other distinctions, the Great Rorqual has 13 dorsal, and 43 lumbar, sacral, and caudal vertebræ; while the individual now under consideration has only 11 of the former, and 36 of the latter. There are, therefore, at least two species of Rorquals inhabiting the North Seas, viz. the Great Rorqual, and the one now under consideration, a specimen of which was described by Fabricius (Balæna rostrata); another dissected by Hunter, and a third casually observed by James Watson, Esq., who sent a drawing of the same to Dr Traill, by whom it was communicated to Mr Scoresby.
1. General Remarks on the Coal Formation of the Great Valley of the Scottish Lowlands
Authors: Greenock
Published: June 2016

In this paper the author stated, that although there is sufficient evidence in the mechanical origin and organic contents of the beds (some of them of extraordinary thickness and extent), which form the coal-measures, to prove the pre-existence of much larger tracts of dry land, in connection with each other, than could possibly have been afforded by the older portions of the present countries; such proofs are altogether wanting when we endeavour to restore, in imagination, what might have been the probable extent of that land, the greater part of which may now lie buried beneath the ocean, or have since been covered by more recent deposits. It appears, however, to have been clothed with a luxuriant tropical vegetation, and sufficiently elevated to have given rise to the rivers and torrents, by which the materials for composing the coal strata had been carried down into the lakes or estuaries, where to all appearance they were deposited.
2. Supplementary Notice on the Chemical Analysis of the Animal Remains of Burdiehouse
Authors: Connell Arthur
Published: June 2016

Since the Author's former communication to the Society, he has analyzed a portion of a tony fin-ray from the limestone belonging to a fossil fish which has been designated by M. Agassiz, Gyracanthus formosus.

The constituents were found to be,

He has also analyzed a portion of the fossil scales embedded in the limestone. These scales belong to a fossil genus of fish, to which the name of Megaliclithys has been given by M. Agassiz, and which is supposed to approach in character to the Lepisosteus, or Lepidosteus of Agassiz.
On the Anatomy of the Char
Authors: Knox
Published: June 2016

This brief communication stated the results obtained from the examination of the state of the Char which are caught in the Lakes of Cumberland, particularly in relation to their food and habits of living. This subject the Author promised to resume in another paper.
4. On a curious Phenomenon observed in the Island of Cephalonia, and on the proximate cause of Earthquakes in the Ionian Islands
Authors: Davy John
Published: June 2016

Dr Davy communicates the description of certain streams of seawater which appear to be constantly flowing into the interior of the earth, by four openings, near the town of Argostoli, in Cephalonia. These are now applied as sources of mechanical power. Dr Davy views this curious fact as probably related to the very remarkable local earthquakes which affect the Ionian Islands, and which appear to be disconnected with any volcanic appearances, or even the occurrence of trap-rocks. Dr Davy conceives that these phenomena may be attributable to the absorption of this quantity of sea-water constantly received into the land by the marly beds which occur in Cephalonia.
2. Essay towards establishing the Primary Properties of Parallel Lines
Authors: Nichol W.
Published: June 2016

The object of the author in this paper was to find a new method of avoiding Euclid's assumptions in the theory of parallel lines. This he endeavours to do by proving that lines making equal angles with a given line cannot recede from one another ; but he does not effect this without the introduction of the consideration of infinitely small spaces.
1. On the Mathematical Form of the Gothic Pendant
Authors: Forbes
Published: June 2016

The author commenced, by stating the general proofs of the knowledge of the principles of equilibrium displayed by Gothic architects in the structures (especially) of the pointed style. The adaptation of their edifices was to the combined ends of elegance and strength. The extension of this principle to the case of the Gothic pendant is the chief object of this paper. Sufficiency in point of strength, without redundancy of material, is considered by the author as the primary source of architectural beauty; which he has demonstrated to be the case when the depending Gothic drop is generated by the revolution of the logarithmic curve round its axis.
3. On the Sources and Composition of the different kinds of Gamboge. By Dr Christison; and on the Botanical Origin of Gamboge. By Dr Graham
Authors: Graham
Published: June 2016

Gamboge was first made known by Clusius about the commencement of the seventeenth century, as a concrete juice from China. About the middle of the same century, Bontius conceived he had traced it to a particular species of Euphorbia, growing in Java and in Siam; from the latter of which countries the whole gamboge of commerce was at that time obtained. About the close of that century Hermann announced that gamboge was produced by two species of trees growing in Ceylon, which have been since often confounded together, but which are now designated by the names Garcinia Gambogia, and Stalagmitis Gambogioides.
About the middle of last century, gamboge was referred by Linnæus to the former of these plants, and his reference was generally admitted. But about thirty years later, Professor Murray of Göttingen conceived he had traced it satisfactorily from the specimens collected by Koenig in Ceylon, and information obtained by the same botanist in Siam, to a new species which he called Stalagmitis gambogioides.
2. On Dyspnœa, and other Sensations experienced on the Summit of Mount Blanc
Authors: Barry Martin
Published: June 2016

Thirst and loss of appetite were the first symptoms experienced by Dr Barry at a height of about 14,000 feet; but it was not till he reached a height 1000 feet greater, that exhaustion and fatigue supervened. A tendency to fainting was felt, and a total indifference to the main object of the journey. After a few minutes of rest, these sensations disappeared, but were again perceived on proceeding a few steps. On the summit (15,666 feet above the sea; Barom. 17.052, Detached Therm. 30°) no particular lassitude was felt while the author performed his experiments. After the descent the author did not suffer from a state of collapse.
2. On Single and Correct Vision by means of Double and Inverted Images on the Retinæ
Authors: Alison
Published: June 2016

The author began by endeavouring to state with precision the nature of the difficulty which has been long felt on this subject. Two general facts are well ascertained, and present fair objects of inquiry, 1. That images formed on corresponding points of the retinæ of the human eyes, and on these only, naturally affect the mind in the same manner as a single image, formed on the retina of either eye; and, 2. That impressions made on different points of the retina of the eye, are naturally followed by inferences as to the relative position of the objects producing them, exactly opposite to those which follow impressions made on different points of the surface of the body.
1. An Attempt to ascertain the Relative Positions of the Athenian and Syracusan Lines before Syracuse, from the Description of Thucydides
Authors: Dunbar
Published: June 2016

The object of this paper was to ascertain the position of the Athenian and Syracusan lines from the language employed by Thucydides, particularly the prepositions. The author was led to examine the account of these lines given by Goellen and Dr Arnold, in their editions of Thucydides, and the maps they have subjoined, and to compare them with the historian's descriptions. He pointed out the error into which both seem to have fallen, respecting the fortifications of Temnites, as it did not appear, from the historian's statement, that the district was entirely inclosed, but only that part fronting Epipolæ. He also endeavoured to shew that the cross wall, built by the Syracusans, to intercept the Athenian lines in the direction of Trogilus, could not have been constructed on the south of the Temnites, as Dr Arnold supposes, but on the north of the slope of Epipolæ, and that it was not entirely destroyed by the Athenians.
2. Observations on the Pulsation of the Heart and Arteries
Authors: Knox
Published: June 2016

The author here first describes briefly what has been done by previous physiologists towards determining the differences produced on the pulse by varieties in posture, by digestion, by age, by stature, by the period of the day, and by muscular motion. He then proceeds to relate the particulars of many new observations he has himself made upon these and other points connected with the circumstances which influence the rate of the heart's contractions.
2. Observations on some New Species of British Fishes
Authors: Parnell
Published: June 2016

The author stated that a species of sturgeon, for which he has proposed the name of Acipenser latirostris, as characteristic of the species, is occasionally met with in the Frith of Forth, in the Solway Frith and in the Tay. It is called by the fishermen the Broad-nosed Sturgeon, to distinguish it from the Acipenser sturio, or sharp-nosed species. The length, in general, seven feet; weight, about eight stone. The colour of the head, back, and sides, is of an olive-grey; the belly dirty white. The body is armed with five rows of osseous shields, extending from the head to the tail. The first row runs down the central ridge of the back. The two next rows arise one on each side of the former, and immediately on the lower margin of the pectorals the other two rows commence. The dorsal shields are but very slightly carinated, the fifth being the highest in the series.
1. On an Arrangement of the Planets and Satellites, according to their Distances and Masses
Authors: Paterson John
Published: June 2016

The author has suggested an empirical law, which seems to him to regulate the arrangement of the planets and satellites. Bode long ago proposed an empirical law, which he thought regulated the distances of the planets from the sun; namely, that their distances form a series, increasing by the successive powers of the number 2. Mr Paterson has propounded another similar law, in regard to their sizes; namely, that throughout the planetary system there is a regular alternating increase and decrease in size, as the planets increase in distance from the sun, or the satellites from the planets they accompany: that there is a progressive increase from the first to the third, a decrease from the third to the fifth, an increase, again, from the fifth to the seventh, and again a decrease from the seventh to the ninth.
2. Notice regarding the Composition and Properties of certain Concrete Juices, resembling Gamboge
Authors: Christison
Published: June 2016

This notice is intended as a supplement to the observations read last session by the author, on the composition and sources of the different kinds of Gamboge. It is well known that Linnæus referred gamboge to the Garcinia cambogia, Willd.; and others have supposed that a kind of gamboge is also produced by the Xanthochymus pictorius. Both are natives of Ceylon, where, as appears from the former investigations of the author, a substance is produced almost or absolutely identical with Siam gamboge. It appeared, however, from the inquiries of Dr Graham, read before the Society last session, that this Ceylon gamboge is produced by an undescribed species of tree, and not by either of the species just mentioned.
3. Farther account of indications of Changes in the relative Levels of the Sea and Land
Authors: Smith James
Published: June 2016

The new localities in which the author has found alluvial deposits containing marine remains, occur on both sides of the river Clyde, in Loch Ryan, in the island of Skye, and on the east and west coast of Ireland. Near Glasgow, and in the county of Limerick, sea-shells were found about 80 feet above the level of high water. In the vicinity of Dublin the marine deposit was upwards of 200 feet above the sea. Mr Smith considers that indications of this change of level will be found on every part of the coasts of the British islands.
1. On the power of the Periosteum to form new bone
Authors: Syme
Published: June 2016

The object of the author in this paper is to state certain observations and experiments by which he considers it to be clearly established, that the periosteal membrane, covering the bones, has the power of secreting osseous substance and of forming new bony matter.

Duhamel, founding on a false analogy, which he supposed to exist between the periosteum and the bone on the one hand, and the bark and wood of trees on the other, was the first to lay down distinctly the theory that bony matter is formed by the investing membrane of the bones. The experiments and observations of Haller and others on the progress of ossification in young animals were believed, however, to militate against this idea, and tended rather to establish the doctrine, that new bony matter is formed by the pre-existing or old bone. Between these two theories, the opinions of physiologists and surgeons are still pretty equally divided.
1. Geological Observations on Binny-Crag in West-Lothian
Authors: Maclaren Charles
Published: June 2016

Binny Crag in West Lothian is of compact greenstone, about half a mile in length, and from twenty to one hundred and forty feet in breadth. It extends south and north, and has a small ravine on its west side, above which the highest part of the crag rises about two hundred feet. Three phenomena connected with this crag are worthy of observation. 1. It has the character of a trap vein which has ruptured the strata in a fluid state. The dip of the sedimentary rocks on its west side is to west-south-west, on the east side to the east, and in both cases at a pretty high angle. We have here, therefore, evidence of the strata having been ruptured, and a fissure formed; and we have the trap, the rupturing agent, placed on the fissure, and occupying the anticlinal line, or axis of the upheaving movement. According to the received hypothesis respecting the origin of trap, we might expect this appearance to be common, and yet it is rather rare.
1. Remarks on the Ossiferous Caves of Cefn, in Denbighshire
Authors: Traill
Published: June 2016

These caves, which were first described by the present Bishop of Norwich in 1832, and have since been more fully explored by Dr cumming of Denbigh, were visited by the author in the autumn of 1837. The principal cave is a fissure in a grand mural escarpment of the mountain limestone of Wales, about two miles and a-half south-west of St Asaph, and occurs half-way down the precipice, which seems to be about 250 feet in height. It forms at that point the southern boundary of the limestone, which constitutes the basis of the Vale of Clwyd; and is divided from the extensive greywacke slate formation of that county by the narrow picturesque Vale of Cyffredin, through which the river Elwy flows.
2. Experiments on the Growth of the Fry of the Salmon, from the exclusion of the Ova to the age of seven months
Authors: Shaw John
Published: June 2016

The author of this paper had formerly made experiments on the growth of the salmon fry, by procuring spawn from the river bed where it had been deposited by the salmon. Not considering these experiments, however, as entirely unobjectionable, he procured two fishes from the river Nith in the act of spawning; and having expressed the ova of the female in a convenient place, the milt of the male fish was made to impregnate them as nearly as possible in imitation of the natural process. The ova were then placed in ponds prepared for the purpose, and so arranged as to exclude all chances of error as to the species, or the nature of the progeny. The ponds were two in number;—one twenty-five by eighteen feet,—the other fifty by thirty feet, and two feet deep. The bottom was thickly imbedded with gravel, and a small stream of springwater entered the ponds at the upper corner, and escaped by openings at the other end.
On the Terrestrial Mechanism of the Tides
Authors: Russell John Scott
Published: June 2016

Under the title Terrestrial Mechanism of the Tides, the author of this paper means to include the consideration of those causes which regulate the propagation of the tides, so as to exclude entirely the examination of the mechanism by which they are primarily produced. The generation of the tidal elevation in the Pacific or Atlantic Ocean is a question entirely of celestial mechanics. But the tides, after having been generated by solar and lunar attraction in a manner that is found to be perfectly in accordance with the varying intensities of these forces, do not subside at the instant when these forces cease to act, but continue to exist during a long period of time, reaching our shores three days after their birth and have obeyed, during this long interval, laws perfectly independent of the original influence by which they were produced, and presented phenomena in direct opposition to it. They have obeyed the laws of terrestrial hydrodynamics. The law of the propagation of the tidal wave through the ocean and around our shores, belongs therefore to terrestrial, not to celestial mechanics.
1. Notice regarding the Composition of Dr James's Fever Powder
Authors: Maclagan Douglas
Published: June 2016

James's Powder is a patent nostrum, which has been in use for upwards of a century as a febrifuge. It was avowed by its inventor to contain antimony; but, as its mode of preparation was kept secret, the exact state in which the antimony existed in the powder was not known. The composition of James's Powder was first examined by Dr George Pearson, who published his experiments in the eighty-first volume of the Philosophical Transactions. He believed it to consist of 43 per cent. of phosphate of lime, and 57 of peroxide of antimony M. Chenevix, in the Phil. Trans. for 1801 gave an account of some experiments which he had made on James's Powder, by which he found it to contain only 44 per cent. of the oxide of antimony. Berzelius, in his Lehrbuch, gives an account of an examination which he had made of a specimen of the powder. He found that about two per cent. was soluble in water, and this he found to consist of antimonite of lime.
2. Abstract of first part of Memoir on the Mid-Lothian and East Lothian Coal Districts
Authors: Milne David
Published: June 2016

The author commenced his communication by stating, that he should divide his memoir into two parts, the first being devoted to a mere narrative of facts, the second to explanations of these facts.

In describing the geological features of the district, he noticed first the stratified or rudimentary rocks, and next the unstratified rocks.

The STRATIFIED consist of sandstone, shales, limestones, coal, and clays; which rocks seemed severally to abound or prevail, in the order now stated.
1. Practical Researches on Respiration
Authors: Reid D. B.
Published: June 2016

The object of the author was to lay before the Society the result of an investigation into the state of the air usually respired in public buildings in this country and on the continent, to shew that the amount of air usually allowed for respiration is far below what is necessary to sustain the system in a healthy tone, and to give an account of the various experiments and observations upon which this opinion was founded.

He entered also into an examination of the method that ought to be adopted in introducing and regulating the supply in different apartments.
2. Observations on the Fur Seal of Commerce
Authors: Hamilton Robert
Published: June 2016

The author states that the Fur Seal merits attention in a commercial as well as a scientific point of view. The South Sea Seal trade, though comparatively of recent origin, has been prosecuted to a much greater extent than the northern; and especially in pursuit of two species of seals,—the Proboscis Seal, or Sea Elephant, for its oil, and the Fur Seal, for its skin.

After some preliminary remarks upon the nature of the coats or robes of seals, the author, in the absence of scientific information concerning the fur-seal, turns to the works of navigators and seal-hunters, and finds distinct allusion made to it in the writings of Cook, Clayton, and especially of Mr Weddell, who commanded several expeditions undertaken chiefly for its capture.
1. On the Third Pair of Nerves
Authors: Bell C.
Published: June 2016

This paper is the first of three communications, in which is shewn the distinctions in the regular series of nerves arising from the spinal marrow, and the ten nerves which arise directly from the brain.

The author remarks, that unless we comprehend the reason of the perfect symmetry of the spinal nerves, as contrasted with the irregularity of the encephalic nerves, we must confess ignorance of much of the structure of the animal frame.

After a general view of the nerves arising from the base of the brain, and assigning the reason of their apparent irregularity, he enters on the investigation of the third nerve. He shews that it arises from the distinct columns of which the crus cerebri is composed, by courses of parallel filaments; and that these afterwards compose a dense structure resembling ganglion.
1. Notice respecting an Intermitting Brine Spring discharging Carbonic Acid Gas, near Kissingen in Bavaria
Authors: Forbes
Published: June 2016

The watering-place of Kissingen is situated in north latitude 49° 50′ east longitude, 9° 50′ from Greenwich, 60 English miles east of Frankfort. Long before it was frequented for medical purposes, its salt springs were turned to profitable account. Of these there are several, but the one recently enlarged by boring, known under the name of the Runde Brunnen, is much more remarkable than the others, on account of its Copiousness, its Temperature, its discharge of Carbonic Acid Gas in vast quantity, and its extraordinary phenomenon of Intermission.
2. Notice on the Geology of Gottland, from the Observations of Mr Laing
Authors: Traill
Published: June 2016

The fine Map of Sweden by Hissenger shews that the greatest part of that kingdom, to beyond the 61° N. Lat., may be characterized as a vast gneiss formation, skirted on the SW. and NE. by extensive detrital or alluvial formations.

The gneiss is interspersed with considerable tracts of granite, especially in the province of Ostergottland, and here and there exhibits small portions of hornblende-rock, porphyry, quartz-rock, mica-slate, and primary sandstone; but these rocks scarcely form any considerable tracts, and the scarcity of mica-slate is rather remarkable in a gneiss country.
The Colours of the Atmosphere considered with reference to a paper “On the Colour of Steam under certain circumstances,” read at the last meeting of the Royal Society
Authors: Forbes
Published: June 2016

The object of this paper was to develope an application of the fact communicated by the author on the 21st January. It was then remarked, that the discovery that steam in a certain stage of condensation is deeply red-coloured for transmitted light, seemed to offer a probable solution of a difficulty which has never yet been fairly met, namely, the red colour of clouds at sunset, and the redness of light transmitted through certain kinds of fogs.

A-pretty full history of theories proposed to account for the colours of the atmosphere was first given; it was obtained in almost every case from an examination of the original authorities.
1. On a new Galvanic Battery, and an improved Voltameter
Authors: Roberts Martyn
Published: June 2016

Electrical observers have experienced three important defects in the common galvanic trough battery, as constructed by Cruickshanks, namely, that the zinc is deposited on the copper plates, that the zinc plates become gradually covered with a coating of oxide of zinc, and that the hydrogen formed by the decomposition of water adheres in globules to the surface of the copper; the result of all which circumstances is, that the galvanic action quickly decreases in force. These inconveniences have been in part removed in the battery of Professor Daniell, in which the zinc plates are covered by an animal membrane, and sulphate of copper is substituted for acids to form an exciting solution.
5. On two Storms which passed over the British Islands in the end of November 1838
Authors: Milne David
Published: June 2016

It was stated, that the first indication of the advent of these two storms to the British islands was given by the barometer. On the 25th and 26th November, the barometer in all parts of the United Kingdom began to sink; and it is important to observe, that, not only when this sinking began, but likewise for nearly two days after, the wind was blowing E. or NE., and was accompanied by a severe frost, circumstances which of themselves cause the mercurial column to rise.
1. Solution of a Functional Equation, with its application to the Parallelogram of Forces and to Curves of Equilibration
Authors: Wallace
Published: June 2016

The functional equation to be resolved is this—

In this equation xo° and x′ denote any two values of the indefinite variable x, and c is a constant quantity. The object of inquiry is the forms of the function.

It is proved that there are two forms of the function, which alike satisfy the proposed equation: viz.

In the first of these functions x increases, while f(x) decreases; and in the second, x and f(x) increase together. The first of these functions is applied in the paper to the theorem of the Parallelogram of Forces, whilst the theory of Curves of Equilibration is deduced from the second function: these last, in their most general form, have two parameters. The curve of equilibration is formed by a perfectly flexible chain suspended in a vertical plane between two fixed points.
2. On the use of the word “Temperature” in the Analytical Theory of Heat
Authors: Kelland
Published: June 2016

“It appears to the author, that the only fact established by the experiments of MM. Dulong and Petit is the following:—That the scale of measurement by which we express our knowledge of the state of heat within a body, is not applicable to the expression of the flow of heat within or from the surface of the body. Proceeding upon this supposition, he deduces the thermometric temperature of a body, from the formulæ in v, given by M. Fourier, taking the formulæ as finally obtained, believing them to be accurate expressions of physical conditions. As, however, the letter v cannot, consistently with MM. Dulong and Petit's experiments, denote the thermometric temperature, but some exponential function of it, the author proposes, in order to prevent confusion, to employ the word “thermature” to denote that to which the flow of heat is proportional.
2. On the Functions of the Roots of the Spinal Nerves in corroboration of former observations, proving that the anterior roots are nerves of motion, and the posterior nerves of sensation
Authors: Bell Charles
Published: June 2016

The instance produced was a case which had occurred in the Infirmary, in which the anterior roots of the nerves arising from the cauda equina were engaged in a tumour, and the consequence during life, was the loss of muscular power, sensibility remaining unaffected.
1. Observations on the Influence of various circumstances in Vegetation in modifying the Physiological Actions of Plants
Authors: Christison
Published: June 2016

“The author commenced with some remarks on the various causes by which the actions of plants and of their products on the animal body may be modified, and on the great vagueness and uncertainty of the information at present possessed in regard to the influence of those causes which seem to arise in peculiar circumstances of vegetation, more especially climate, weather, soil, and the progress of vegetation. He then stated the sources of information on these points, namely, the curative or therapeutic action of drugs on man,—their effects on the healthy functions both of man and animals, either as medicines or as poisons,—their sensible qualities,—and their chemical analysis; and he assigned reasons for discarding the first of these from the inquiry, and for trusting, in a great measure, to the criterions derived from sensible qualities,—from the effects of poisons on the lower animals,—and from chemical analysis.
2. On the Fatal Effects of Air drawn into the Veins during Surgical Operations on the Neck and Shoulder
Authors: Bell Charles
Published: June 2016

“The author referred in this paper to the experience of Baron Larrey; also to operations performed by Baron Dupuytren and M. Roux, who, in removing the arm at the shoulder-joint, heard the air drawn in, and witnessed the effect in the instant death of their patients.

“He noticed the experiments made by the Academie Royal de Medicine, and conceived that they regarded too exclusively the influence of the heart and lungs. He explained the phenomenon to be owing to the elevation of the muscles of the neck, by which the atmospheric pressure was taken off, and the air drawn into the open vein.
2. On the Plane and Angle of Polarization at the Surfaces of Crystals
Authors: Kelland
Published: June 2016

The subject of Crystalline Reflexion has been treated by Mr MacCullagh and M. Neumann; but both these writers commence their investigations by assuming that certain equations hold true at the common surface of two media. The object of the present Memoir is to obtain such equations from mechanical considerations. To attain this, the following hypotheses are made:—

1. That common light consists of vibrations, whose plane of motion is continually changing without law, or is indeterminate.

2. That light, polarized in a given plane, consists of vibrations perpendicular to that plane.
3. On the Fossil Fishes of the Old Red Sandstone of Orkney
Authors: Traill
Published: June 2016

The author stated, that besides the original localities at Skaill, Ichthyolites have been found at Breckness, Quoyloo, and Kirkwall, in Pomona, in South Ronaldshay, and in Papa-Westray. The species already recognised from these localities are, 1. Osteolepis macrolepidotus. 2. Osteolepis microlepidotus. 3. Cheirolepis Traillii. 4. Cheiracanthus minor. 5. Diplocanthus crassissimus. 6. Dipterus macrolepidotus. 7. Platygnattus paucidens. 8. Coccosteus latus. 9. Plerichthys Milleri. 10. Diplopterus Agassiz.
1. On the Mode in which Musket-balls and other Foreign Bodies become enclosed in the Ivory of the Tusk of the Elephant
Authors: Goodsir John
Published: June 2016

The author commenced by stating, that “in all the specimens he had examined, two circumstances were at once detected; first, That the balls were enclosed, not in the true ivory, but in an abnormal structure; and secondly, that the holes by which the balls entered were either partially or completely cicatrized in cases of wound of the socket; which led him to suppose that, as the tusk is an organ of double growth, the membrane of the follicle and the pulp both play important parts in the process of enclosure, and that there is no regeneration of true ivory,—an hypothesis which was afterwards verified by observation. From a consideration of the opinions of Camper, Blumenbach, Lawrence, and Cuvier, it appeared that doubts are entertained as to the existence of cicatrices after wounds of the tusk, and opinions held as to the impossibility of the occurrence of such phenomena in a non-vascular substance like ivory.
1. On the force of Solar Radiation in the Arctic Regions
Authors: Richardson
Published: June 2016

Dr Richardson has reduced more carefully the Observations published in the Appendix to Franklin's Second Journey on the Force of Solar Radiation. From observations on a thermometer in the shade compared with those on a thermometer with blackened bulb in the sun, he finds a tolerably regular daily curve of radiation having its maximum at noon. But when (after allowing as far as possible for the disturbing influence of the wind) different months are compared, it is found that in spring the radiation is more intense than in summer after the disappearance of the snow, which Dr Richardson is disposed to attribute to a greater purity in the air at the former period.
3. Contributions to Optical Meteorology. No. 1. On the Polarization of the Light of the Sky
Authors: Forbes
Published: June 2016

The author began by recapitulating the observations already made known on this subject.

The facts generally admitted (principally on the authority of M. Arago) appear to be, (1.) That a clear sky reflects light polarized in planes passing through the sun, the eye of the observer, and the point of the sky observed, (2.) That this polarization is a maximum in a zone 90° from the sun. (3.) That in the parts of the sky nearly opposite to the sun, this description ceases to be accurate; for the polarization, in a vertical plane passing through the sun and the observer, vanishes at an angle with the sun considerably less than 180°,—perhaps 150° or 160° (varying according to circumstances),—and gradually reappears in a plane perpendicular to the former, at greater angles than this. (4.) That the polarization is more intense in the neighbourhood of the horizon than of the zenith. (5.) M. Babinet has recently remarked that, under certain circumstances, there is a second neutral point in the neighbourhood of the sun.
1. On the Circulation of the Blood, and the Difference of the Laws of Fluids moving in Living and Dead Tubes. Part Second
Authors: Bell Charles
Published: June 2016

He recommenced with the statement of the difference with which water flowed from a reservoir through tubes of equal calibre, but unequal lengths; and of the effect of pressure on elastic tubes, shewing that the impediment to the transmission of fluid through them was proportioned to their length. He stated that the obstruction at the turn of a tube, was proportioned to the acuteness of the angle. He then inferred that the arteries were in circumstances to render the delivery of blood unequal, unless there was a living property additional to the hydraulic laws.

Then, referring to the effect of capillary attraction, he argued, that if the law prevailed in the animal body as in dead tubes, then, on estimating the length of vessels of capillary size, and the attraction existing between solid and fluid, the circulation could not go on.
2. On a Peculiar Structure observed by the Author in the Ice of Glaciers
Authors: Forbes
Published: June 2016

This structure, which appears to have escaped the notice of authors on the subject, is a veined or ribboned appearance which pervades the whole ice of many glaciers. The veins or bands are occasioned by the alternation of ice more or less compact; that which is porous approaching to white or whitish green, the denser ice having a bluish tint. The thickness varies from a fraction of an inch to several inches, and the parallelism may be considered as complete through considerable spaces. It extends in more or less complete development from the névé, or uncompacted glacier, down to the inferior termination; and during the greater part of this space, in the case of the lower glacier of the Aar, the bands were parallel to the lofty walls by which the glacier was bounded laterally; their position was generally vertical, but sloping from below upwards and outwards as the distance from the sides of the glacier diminished.
2. On the Polarizability of Heat from different Sources
Authors: Forbes
Published: June 2016

The author of this paper states in it his belief, that the curious fact formerly announced to the Society of the greater permeability of mica, laminated by heat, to heat of low temperature, contrary to the usual character of the same substance (a property which he has since extended (see Proceedings, Jan. 1840) to changes of mechanical conditions of surface), may very probably explain, as M. Melloni anticipates, the difference in point of fact long contested between them as to the equal or unequal polarizability of heat from different sources.
3. Account of the Fossil Species of the genus Solarium, Lamarck, found in the Supercretaceous group in Italy
Authors: Michelotti M. le Chev.
Published: June 2016

This genus of shells belongs to the Class Gasteropoda of Cuvier, and to the family Turbinacea of Lamarck, of which the general character is to have the shell turreted or conoid, with the aperture rounded or oblong, and the margin disunited.

M. Michelotti was induced to undertake the examination of the fossil Italian species of this genus, from the doubts prevailing regarding the identity of some of the species in the writings of authors. He describes in all ten species, which are found in the neighbourhood of Turin, of which four have not been previously noticed. The four newly described species are Solarium neglectum, S. pulchellum, S. Lyellii, and S. humile. Two of the other species described, viz. S. Stramineum, Lamarck and S. luteum, have their living prototypes,—the first in the Indian and Mediterranean Seas, and the second in the seas of New Holland.
2. On the Visibility of rapidly revolving Lights, made in reference to the Improvement of Light-Houses
Authors: Stevenson Alan
Published: June 2016

These experiments consisted in a comparison of the visibility of lights from lenses when at rest, and when revolving with such rapidity as to produce an apparently continuous impression on the sense of sight. They were undertaken at the suggestion of Captain Basil Hall, who had himself in the spring of last year made some trials of a similar kind, in the expectation that the eye would be so stimulated by the bright flashes, that not only the almost imperceptible intervals of darkness would have no effect in impairing the visibility of the rapidly recurring flashes, but likewise the eye would actually be stimulated by the contrast of light and darkness, in such a manner that the effect of the rapid series would be greater than that of the same quantity of light equally distributed over the whole horizon by the refracting zones at present used in fixed lights, which only refract the light in the vertical direction, without interfering with its natural horizontal divergence.
1. On the Theory and Construction of a Seismometer—an instrument for Measuring Earthquake Shocks and other Concussions
Authors: Forbes
Published: June 2016

The plan of this instrument was submitted amongst others to a Committee of the British Association appointed to devise means for registering earthquake shocks. A heavy pendulum, suspended from a frame, will evidently have its bob left behind by its inertia when the frame is moved forwards by any concussion. To render such an instrument very sensible, however, the pendulum must be of great length, which presents many inconveniences in practice. The author, therefore, proposed an inverted pendulum, sustained by a steel wire, on the principle of the noddy invented by Mr Hardy, for ascertaining the stability of clock cases, The balance of gravity and elasticity (which act, the former to displace, the latter to redress, the pendulum) may be rendered as nice as we choose, and hence the sensibility of the instrument is wholly independent of its dimensions.
2. On the Anatomy of the Amphioxus lanceolatus of Yarrell
Authors: Goodsir John
Published: June 2016

After a short statement of the labours of Yarrell, Couch, Retzius, and Müller, the author gave a detailed description of the structure of Amphioxus, as observed in the dissection of one of two specimens taken by Mr Forbes in the Irish Sea. The abdominal folds, and the anterior and posterior anal fins, were described, and the existence of a fin in front of the anus illustrated by an observation made by Professor Agassiz, of the temporary existence of a similar fin in the embryos of certain fresh-water fishes.

The osseous system presented two divisions,—the true or neuro-skeleton, and the intestinal or splanchno-skeleton. The true skeleton consisted of a chorda dorsalis, equally pointed at both extremities, without the slightest trace of a cranium, and destitute of any of the peripheral vertebral elements, with the exception of a row of cells—germs of interspinous bones and fin-rays —along the base of the dorsal and anal fins.
1. On the Cultivation of the Sugar-Cane in Spain
Authors: Traill
Published: June 2016

He prefaced it by a short sketch of the knowledge which the ancients had of this plant, of its introduction into Europe, and from thence into the American Islands. He endeavoured to shew, from Spanish authorities, that very soon after the discovery of America, the Spaniards carried the sugar-cane, among other useful plants, with them to the West Indies, and sedulously cultivated it; and he considered the speculations of Labat and Lafitau, on the supposed American origin of the cane, as very inconclusive.
2. On the Theory of the Parallel Roads in the Glens of Lochaber
Authors: Mackenzie G. S.
Published: June 2016

Sir George Mackenzie read a paper on the Theory of the Parallel Shelves in the Glens of Lochaber, in which he first noticed the objections to the theories that ascribed the origin of these appearances to fresh-water lakes, the barriers of which had been destroyed at different periods; and to the ordinary action of the sea when the land was at a lower level than at present. The causes supposed to have removed the barriers, in the first case, being violent disruptions, the preservation of level and parallelism is totally inconsistent with such operations.
3. On the Results obtained with different forms of Rain-Gauges
Authors: Atkinson Joseph
Published: June 2016

The objects proposed were—

First, To discover the difference, which the height of Rain-Gauges above the surface makes in the amount of rain received by each gauge.

Second, To try the effect of an Inclined Funnel, which always presents itself towards the wind.

Third, To test the action of a Globular Gauge or Sphere.

Fourth, To investigate whether any and what difference the size of the funnel made in the quantity of rain received.
1. On the Necessity of the Sense of Muscular Action to the full Exercise of the Organs of the Senses
Authors: Bell Charles
Published: June 2016

Referring to the nerves of touch, as distributed to the points of the fingers, the author proceeded to shew that something more was necessary than the exposure of the nerve. For example, the tongue being the most perfect organ of touch, resulting from the fine supply of nerves, is yet incapable of receiving certain impressions;—so that although it could distinguish the finest hair, so fine as not to be felt by the finger, yet if applied to the artery at the wrist, it conveys no sense of pulsation.
2. On the Ultimate Secreting Structure of Animals
Authors: Goodsir John
Published: June 2016

After referring to the labours of those anatomists who had verified Malpighi's doctrine of the follicular nature of gland ducts, the author alluded to Purkinje's hypothesis of the secreting function of the nucleated corpuscules of these organs. In a rapid sketch of the results of inquiries since the appearance of Müller's work “De Penitiore Structura Grlandularum,” and more particularly of the observations of Henle and others on the closed vesicles which are situated at the extremities of certain ducts, Mr Goodsir stated, that no anatomist had hitherto “proved that secretion takes place within the primitive nucleated cell itself, or had pointed out the intimate nature of the changes which go on in a secreting organ during the performance of its function.”
4. On the Effect of Snow in apparently increasing the Force of Solar Radiation
Authors: Forbes
Published: June 2016

Referring to a communication made by him to the Society on the 1st February 1841 (see Proceedings, page 322), the author reminded the Society that he had then endeavoured to account for certain anomalous facts observed by Dr Richardson, connected with solar radiation in the Polar Regions, by adverting to the intense radiating effect of a covering of snow. The disappearance of this snowy covering in the month of May, the author had observed to be synchronous with the anomalous diminution of solar radiation, ascertained by a blackened thermometer, in the months of June and July, compared with the months of April and May.
1. On the Construction of a New Music Hall
Authors: Mackenzie George S.
Published: June 2016

The author noticed a variety of facts which were in direct opposition to the common notions entertained on the subject; and which led to the conclusion, that the chief object to be kept in view, was to destroy all sound that did not go directly from the source of sound to the ears of the audience, by preventing reflection. He described the plan of the Hall now building at the Assembly Rooms, the form of which is crucial, owing to the space on which it stands having been limited, and the necessity for connecting it with the pre-existing apartments; and he stated that he would have preferred a square, with the orchestra somewhat retired on one side.