bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
1. On the Description of Oval Curves, and those having a plurality of Foci.
Authors: Maxwell Clerk , Forbes  
Published: June 2016

Mr Clerk Maxwell ingeniously suggests the extension of the common theory of the foci of the conic sections to curves of a higher degree of complication in the following manner:—(1.) As in the ellipse and hyperbola, any point in the curve has thesum or differenceof two lines drawn from two points orfoci= a constant quantity, so the author infers, that curves to a certain degree analogous, may be described and determined by the condition that the simple distance from one focusplusa multiple distance from the other, may be = a constant quantity; or more generally,mtimes the one distance+ ntimes the other = constant.
2. On the Parallel Roads of Lochaber; with Remarks on the Change of relative Levels of Sea and Land in Scotland, and on the Detrital Deposits in that Country. Part II.
Authors: Milne David 
Published: June 2016

The author proceeded to shew that the lake theory of the Lochaber shelves was not inconsistent with any established geological truths, but was on the contrary supported by them.He alluded to the occurrence in the Lochaber district, as well as in other parts of Scotland, in valleys far from the sea, not only of lakes at high level, but of beach lines on hill-sides precisely analogous to those of Glen Roy, and shewing depressions of water to nearly the same extent. One of the localities referred to is a valley near Inverournan, where three parallel roads are to be seen shewing a depression first, of about 197 feet, secondly, of 94 feet, and lastly, of 184 feet. The blockage required for this ancient lake, and of which a small remnant still exists, was nearly as extensive as that required for Glen Roy.
4. Results of Makerstoun Observations, No. III. On the Solar and Lunar periods of the Magnetic Declination.
Authors: Broun J. A. 
Published: June 2016

The absolute westerly declination at Makerstoun, for the mean epoch, June 1844 = 25° 17′·12.The annual motion of the north end of the needle towards the east = 5′·67.The annual periodof magnetic declination consists of a double oscillation, having nearly the following epochs of maxima and minima.
2. Theoretical Considerations on the Effect of Pressure in lowering the Freezing-Point of Water.
Authors: Thomson James 
Published: June 2016

At the commencement of this paper the two following propositions are laid down:I. That water at the freezing-point may be converted into ice by a process solely mechanical, and yet without the final expenditure of any mechanical work.II. That the freezing-point of water must become lower as the pressure to which the water is subjected is increased.
1. On the Early History of the Air-Pump in England.
Authors: Wilson George 
Published: June 2016

The early history of the English air-pump has been latterly allowed to fall into great confusion, so that the steps by which the instrument was improved, the periods at which those improvements were made, and the parties by whom they were effected, are all more or less confounded with each other, or mis-stated.It is in connection with the double-barrelled air-pump, that the accepted history of the instrument is chiefly erroneous, but the mistakes made in reference to the more complex engine, have ultimately involved in confusion even the authentic records of the steps by which the earlier single-barrelled air-pump was improved, so that the account of its successive alterations must commence with its earliest and simplest construction.
Biographical Notice of Dr Chalmers.
Authors: Ramsay E. B. 
Published: June 2016

The writer of this paper commenced by stating his purpose of viewing Dr Chalmers as a public character only, and to avoid all questions which belonged to the peculiar relations in which he stood to his own religious communion; and after a brief outline of the various circumstances of his life, and the dates belonging to each, the paper proposed to consider Dr Chalmers,—I. As an Author.II. As a Political Economist.III. As a Speaker.
1. Note regarding the American Electric-Observing Clocks.
Authors: Smyth Piazzi 
Published: June 2016

The object of this communication was chiefly to exhibit a specimen of the register of the electric chronograph, wherein the second's beats of two clocks were marked side by side, one going nearly to sidereal time, and the other to solar; and the length of a second's interval on the paper was so great, and the accuracy of the punctuation such, that the minute acceleration of the one clock on the other could be registered almost from second to second.The electric register can be applied with ease to any clock, and at any distance from the recording apparatus; and two or more clocks, or they may be simple pendulums, can be made to register their vibrations on the same slip of paper.
2. Notice relative to the Pigmentum Nigrum of the Eye
Authors: Jones Thomas Wharton 
Published: June 2016

The objects proposed by the author of this paper are,—1. To correct certain opinions prevalent with regard to the membrane of Jacob, this having been frequently comfounded with another, the structure of which forms the immediate subject of the paper.2. To shew that the Pigmentum Nigrum is not a mere mucus or varnish exhaled by the surfaces on which it is found, but is deposited in a membrane distinct from the choroid, which possesses a peculiar structure hitherto unknown. This membrane, being the seat of the pigment, but not the pigment itself, which may or may not be present, the author proposes to call the Membrane of the Pigment.
3. Additional notice relative to the Freshwater Limestone in the vicinity of Edinburgh, belonging to the Carboniferous Group of Rocks
Authors: Hibbert  
Published: June 2016

In this paper, Dr Hibbert explained the progress which had been made, since he first pointed out the existence of plants as well as of fish and saurian animals, in the fresh-water limestone of Burdiehouse, towards a farther investigation of these animal remains.The following is a representation of the first saurian relic discovered in the limestone of Burdiehouse by the author:—The collection of specimens has been subsequently carried on by the Royal Society of Edinburgh, through their General Secretary Mr Robison.
2. On the force of the Latin Prefix ve or vae
Authors: Williams John 
Published: June 2016

The author, after describing shortly the history of the philology of the Latin language, and alluding to the corruptions which were introduced into the science during the dark ages, proceeded to show that the prefix ve or vae must always be regarded either as an adjective signifying small, or an adverb having the force of the Latin parum or minus.The term is to be found, in the opinion of the author, in most of the cognate languages of the great Caucasian branch of the human race, and still remains in Scotland under its Latin form ve, for the Latin V was undoubtedly pronounced like our W, [ve, wee.]
2. On the application of the Microscope to the examination of the minute phenomena of chemical action
Authors: Craig Edward 
Published: June 2016

Dr Reid read a notice by the Rev. Edward Craig, of some modes which he had adopted for examining by the microscope, the phenomena of chemical action, by means of which, the most minute changes of appearance attendant on the contact of the smallest visible quantities of substances may be observed. The method was described to be:1. The laying two or more substances on two thin flat plates of glass, and bringing them in contact with each other; so that the whole matter is spread in one thin level between the two glasses; and the several processes of union, decomposition, and crystallization may be accurately watched in a field of view of of an inch.
On Water as a Constituent of Salts
Authors: Graham Thomas 
Published: June 2016

1. In the case of the Sulphates.That water may act the part of a base in the constitution of certain hydrates of salts and of acids, had been established by the author in the case of the phosphates. The peculiarity of phosphoric acid is its capacity to unite with water as a base in several proportions, while all other acids combine with water as a base in one proportion only, so far as is yet known. By the author's discoveries in regard to phosphoric acid, the ordinary conceptions entertained of the constitution of salts were completely deranged. The salts called biphosphate of soda, phosphate of soda, and subphosphate of soda, were proved to be all tribasic salts. The common idea of a super-salt is inapplicable to any of them.
1. Observations and Experiments on the Coloured and Colourable Matters in the Leaves and Flowers of Plants, particularly in reference to the principles upon which Acids and Alkalies act in producing Red, and Yellow, or Green
Authors: Hope  
Published: June 2016

After premising some general remarks respecting the object of research, and enumerating the various authors who had written upon the subject, Dr Hope explained various terms which were to be used in the discourse. To the various coloured matters presented by the leaves and flowers of plants, De Candolle had applied the denomination of Chromule, which term he meant to adopt.There resides in the same parts of plants, in addition to the chromule, some matter probably destitute of colour, which becomes red by the action of acids, and yellow or green by the action of alkalies. To it Mr Ellis gave the name of colourable matter, which the author changes to Chromogen, When an acid, added to a vegetable infusion, causes a red colour, and an alkali a yellow or green, it has been the universal opinion that both sets of agents act upon one and the same colourable principle.
2. On the newly discovered Microscopic Entozoon, infesting the Muscles of the Human Body
Authors: Knox  
Published: June 2016

The author commenced his observations by remarking that this very interesting entozoon was discovered in 1833, by Mr Hilton, who first saw the cysts enclosing the worms, and supposed them to be cysticerci. Shortly thereafter, Mr Paget discovered the worm itself. Further information was given in two excellent memoirs by Dr Farre and Mr Owen; and to the views of the former of these gentlemen the author chiefly leans.Throughout the observations, he endeavours to shew, that the origin of this entozoon is very obscure, and is not referrible to any known bodily ailment or mode of life. He differs also from preceding observers, both in respect to the form of the cyst, its structure, and its connexions; the form he makes out to be oval, the structure distinctly granular and not cellular, that is, not composed, as some have conjectured, out of the surrounding cellular tissue; and the connexion not universal, but towards the extremities. He conjectures also, that the granular structure discovered by him on the exterior of the cysts may be the germs of future individual worms and cysts.The aged person, whose muscles after death presented these entozoon in such numbers, was quite healthy until a short period before her demise.
On the Action of Voltaic Electricity or Pyroxylic Spirit, and on Solutions in Water, Alcohol, and Ether
Authors: Connell Arthur 
Published: June 2016

The author has found a perfect resemblance to exist between the appearances presented by pyroxylic spirit (Bihydrate of Methyline of Dumas and Peligot) under voltaic agency, and those which he had previously observed in regard to alcohol; a coincidence which was to be expected, from the interesting analogy existing between these two liquids in other respects.The pyroxylic spirit, after three distillations from quicklime, had a specific gravity of 801 at 62° F., and boiled in contact with mercury at 140° F., under a pressure of 29.5 inches. The leading facts observed were the following:—Minute quantities of acid, alkaline, and saline bodies, when dissolved with rectified pyroxylic spirit, favoured the voltaic action, by increasing the conducting power of the liquid. When it held in solution of pure potash, and was submitted to the agency of thirty-six pairs of four-inch plates in a tube with parallel platinum foil poles, hydrogen was given off from the negative pole, while no gas proceeded from the positive pole. A ten thousandth part of potash had a marked effect in promoting this action.
1. On the Food of the Herring and Salmon
Authors: Stark John 
Published: June 2016

The author of this paper, after some preliminary observations, arranged his remarks under the following heads:—1. On the food and sex of the Vendace of Lochmaben. 2. On the food of the Herring (Clupea Harengus, Lin.) And, 3, On the food of the Salmon (Salmo salar, Lin.)1. As to the food of the Vendace (Coregonus Lavaretus, Fleming), he observed, that fishes in lakes, and feeding on animal food, must necessarily subsist on the small aquatic animals found in these lakes: That there is no reasonable analogy between the vendace and the herring, because they live in different mediums, the one in salt, the other in fresh water; and that their food cannot, therefore, be the same, none of the animals upon which fishes feed being common to both: That, besides, they are of different natural families: That writers on natural history state the animalcules which are found in the stomach of the vendace, and the other minute animals found in lakes, to form the food of fresh-water fishes generally; and that Leeuwenhoeck had even figured the identical animal found in the stomach of the vendace in 1833 more than 130 years before, stating that it and the other minute animals in similar localities, formed the food of the larger fishes.
3. Examination of certain Objections to the Theory of Isomorphism
Authors: Madden Henry 
Published: June 2016

The object of this paper was the refutation of certain arguments brought forward against the doctrine of Isomorphism, more especially by those who allow the existence of an approach to, although they deny absolute identity of, form.The author sets out by shewing, that most of the arguments are deduced from observations made on crystallized minerals; and he then proceeds to state the many important circumstances which tend to influence the form of these bodies, but which can be easily avoided in those salts which admit of being formed artificially; such are, the intense temperature to which they are subjected, the pressure of surrounding matter, the admixture of foreign bodies, &c. each and all of which he proves to exert a powerful influence over the forms of crystals.
1. Notice regarding a New British Species of Coregonus
Authors: Parnell  
Published: June 2016

It was stated by Dr Parnell, that in Lochlomond are found two species of Coregonus, one of which he believes to be an undescribed species, and the other, which was first noticed by Lacépède under the name of Coregonus Clupeoide, has been confounded by British naturalists with the Coregonus Laveretus, or Ulswater Gwyniard.From Lacépède's short and imperfect description of the Coregonus Clupeoide of Lochlomond, and as two species are now found inhabiting the same locality, it is impossible to state with a certainty as to which of the species he alludes; therefore the name of Coregonus Lacepedei was proposed for the one species, and that of Coregonus microcephalus for the other, as illustrative of the species.
2. On the Superficial Deposits of Gravel, Clay, Sand, &c., which cover the Rock Formations of the Lothians, and south coast of Fife
Authors: Milne David 
Published: June 2016

The author enumerated seven different deposits, overlying the rocks of the district, and subjacent to the existing soil which supports vegetation. These he described in the following order, beginning with the lowest.(1.) Sand and fine gravel, which in some places form beds twelve feet thick.(2.) Boulder-clay—being a stiff black or dark brown clay, characterised by enormous boulders imbedded in it, and which is occasionally forty feet thick.
1. On the Colour of Steam under certain circumstances
Authors: Forbes  
Published: June 2016

The author accidentally remarked, that the colour of the Sun seen through vapour issuing from the safety-valve of a locomotive engine is deep red, exactly similar to that which a column of smoke or a smoked glass gives to it.He next noticed that this colorific character of steam extended but a short way beyond the orifice, and that it gradually became more opake, and perfectly white like noon-day clouds, both for transmitted and reflected light. At moderate thicknesses, in this state, its opacity is complete.
1. Notice respecting the Drying-up of the Rivers Teviot, Clyde, and Nith, and their tributaries, on the 27th November 1838
Authors: Milne David 
Published: June 2016

The phenomenon was in the first instance described, and certain views were afterwards offered explanatory of it.It appears that, betwixt 10 P.M. on the 26th November, and 6 A. M. on the 27th November, the channels of the Teviot, Clyde, and Nith, became nearly dry for a great part or their course, so that scarcely any current flowed in them. All the mills on the Clyde, as far down as several miles below New Lanark, were stopped from want of water. The Nith was nearly dry as far down as Enterkinefoot; and the mills on it, and on its tributaries, were stopped. This was the case also on the Teviot. The phenomenon was most strikingly manifested in the higher parts of the rivers, near their sources. The small streams from which they derive their supplies, were in general completely dried up. The rivers, in the lower parts of their course, were not entirely deprived of their current; nor were the rivulets, which there supplied them, nearly so much affected as the rivulets in more elevated districts.
2. On the Means employed to prevent Forgeries of Bank Notes, Bills of Exchange, Cheques. &c
Authors: Traill  
Published: June 2016

“The author prefaced his remarks by a short history of Bills of Exchange, and other kinds of paper currency; in which he pointed out the economy and convenience of a well regulated paper circulation.“The means usually employed to diminish the facilities to forgery are—“1. Colouring the paper, or the pulp of which it is manufactured, by various vegetable and mineral substances, either singly or combined. The best attempts of this sort have been imitated by a clever hand and a pencil.
2. A Specimen of Clavagella Balanorum (Scacchi)
Authors: Traill  
Published: June 2016

“This is a rare and interesting species of Clavagella, now inhabiting the shores of Naples, presented by Sir Thomas Brisbane.‘When that part of Lamarck's work on Invertebrata, which contained the class Conchiferœ, appeared in 1818, among the order Tubicolœ;, he introduced the genus Clavagella, of which he describes four species only, and they are all fossil. Even at the conclusion of his great work, in 1822, he appears not to have known any living species.
3. Account of Earthquakes felt in Scotland during the Autumn and Winter of 1839
Authors: Milne David 
Published: June 2016

“1.The first part of the paper described the number and intensity of the shocks felt between the 3d October 1839 and 13th April 1840, the point (situated near Comrie) from which they emanated, and the distance to which they extended.“II. The next part of the paper was occupied with an account of the effects, both physical and moral, produced by the shocks.Under the first class were described the different kinds of injury done to walls, according to their direction, and the nature of the ground on which they were built. Under the second were mentioned the alarm felt by the inhabitants of Strathearn during the great shock of 23d October, as also the quick perception of it by the lower animals, and the terror they evinced at it.
1. Report of a Committee on the Papers of David Hume, bequeathed to the Society by the late Baron Hume
Authors: Hume David 
Published: June 2016

The Committee to whose examination the papers bequeathed to the Royal Society of Edinburgh by the late Baron Hume, has been intrusted, in the view of suggesting what might be the most proper and useful plan for their future disposal, consistently with the peculiar character and functions of the learned body to which they now belong, having proceeded to examine their contents with care, have now to offer, though not without considerable hesitation, the views that have occurred to them.Independently of some valuable and interesting autographs of Mr David Hume, to be mentioned in the sequel, the important part of this bequest, to which the attention of the Committee has been more particularly directed, consists of a miscellaneous and very broken mass of letters, which may, in general, be described as the Private and Confidential Correspondence of that illustrious philosopher and historian. Of these letters, about one hundred and forty-five are written by Mr Hume; the number of those addressed to him is about five hundred and fifty; making a total of nearly seven hundred letters.
On the Human Races in Britain, enumerated by Tacitus
Authors: Ware Hibbert 
Published: June 2016

This memoir had been undertaken as preliminary to an ethnological inquiry which the author had proposed to institute into the aborigines of the British Islands. It was premised, that, in this endeavour to seek for ancient races in those which were modern, great caution is required.It has been asked, if, at the present day, we can as readily distinguish an Iberian type from one that is Gaulish or Caledonian, as was done more than seventeen hundred years ago in the time of Tacitus? It is answered, that, by a conservative principle in our nature, directed to the persistency of types, the influences of Time, Climate, and Civilization, are rendered of little avail.
1. On the Development, Structure, and Economy of the Acephalocysts of Authors; with an Account of the Natural Analogies of the Entozoa in general
Authors: Goodsir Harry D. S. 
Published: June 2016

The Acephalocyst or Hydatid is composed of a vesicle containing fluid. It propagates by means of internal gemmules, which are developed between the layers of the membrane composing the vesicle, and, after a certain time, are thrown off internally.The author, after pointing out these distinguishing characters of the Hydatid, referred to the confusion which had arisen, from want of proper observations on this point, and which, with other causes, had been the reason why the animal nature of these creatures had been denied by some writers of great authority.
Opening Address, Session 1862–63
Authors: Forbes  
Published: June 2016

Gentlemen,—I propose to address you on this occasion with reference to the following points:—First, to recapitulate briefly the origin, the objects, and the Constitution of Societies similar to our own.Secondly, to trace the rise and general history of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.Thirdly, to consider what changes the progress of science and of society render necessary or desirable in the working of associations like ours, and how far such changes are safe and prudent.
3. On a Clay Deposit with Fossil Arctic Shells, recently observed in the Basin of the Forth
Authors: Brown Thomas 
Published: June 2016

The author having stated the circumstances which led to his discovering this bed with its fossils near the harbour at Elie, referred to a drawing of the section, and explained the position and contents of the different strata.Specimens of the shells were exhibited, as named by Dr Otto Torrell of Lund, who had supplied important information as to their distribution. They are all, without exception, now living in the Arctic Seas. A majority of them are exclusively Arctic.