Morning journal and courier., 1883-11-16
Academy of Sciences.

Prot Brewers Paper on the Subsidence
 of Particles iu Ltquids-Other VaIua bIe
 PApers-The SesxtOn to Ee Continued To-
 Day.
 Professor William H. Brewer read paper on the subsistence of particles in liquids yes terday morning at the opening of the third days session of the National Academy of Sciences. He had number of bottles and glasses containing water, some of which cor tained water which had been taken from the Mississippi river at various points several years ago. It is noticeable fact that the water taken nearer the source of the ri1 CT contained heavier particles of matter than that nearer the mouth. This peculiarity is due to the fact that in it's long course to the ocean the heavier particles of matter are de- posited in the river's bed. The longer the water stands in the bottles the clearer it be- comes, and fresh water is slower in clearing than salt. Alkalis will hasten precipitation for time and then they retard it. Acids re- tard precipitation. Freezing hastens it. The professor talked at length upon the impor- tance of the geological suggestions resulting from these Investigations and queried wheth- CT the deposits of matter in strata by wafer was not way in which mineral veins were found. He also spoke of possible effects the deposits of fresh water rivers might have upon forming bars and the like upon enter ing the salt of the sea
 Considerable discussion was had upon the subject opened by Prof. Brewers paper. The main point of the discussion was the fact that the wave powers of the large bodies of water is more instrumental in forming new features of land than smaller bodies such as rivers. Professors Rowland, Siiliman, Pow ell, Johnson, Hunt, Newberry and Gibbs took part in the discussion.
 Professor H. A, Rowland read his paper oD 8 new photograph of the solar spectrum. His invention of a machine called ''concave grating, 'by which better photograph of the suns rays from the prism than has ever been produced in England can be obtained, was the bhief point spoken of.
 It was quite late when the afternoon ses- sion was resumed and the attendance was somewhat smaller than at ths other sessions Knots of the scientists gathered in the hall way and discussed their hobbies while the papers were being read. A few ladies were in the lecture room, and 8 few students hitched about uneasiIy while the papers were being read. Prof. Elias Loomis is constant 8 tendant, occupies the same seat and pays the closest attention to all that is said.
 Prof. s. P. Langley spoke on atmospheric absorption at the afternoons session. He held that the atmosphere of the earth takes away one-helf of the heat of the sun. Prof s. NeWcomb read paper on the theory of errors of observation and the probabIs re suits. His treatise showed ingenuity, and great mathematical lore. Prof. James Hall then read paper. His title was, ''Note upon the physical aspects of the higher members of the OhemuDg group and the developmo ont and distribution of the fossil genera Ptychop- teria and Leptodesma, preceded by review of khaD Daakanidoa Avin nf ho Vonian system"
 Prof. Hall has devoted great part of his life work to the prosecution of his inves- tigations of the Chemung period and he has obtained good results. He made use of charts and specimens to illustrate his argu- warmly congratulated upon the progres made. President Marsh thanked him on be- half of the academy for his paper.
 President Marsh then called upon Prof Dana and asked if he had anything to say to the academy in addition to what he told those who accompanied him Wednesday on the drift of the New Haven region, but the professor said he would say nothing further. President Marsh called upon Professors Gibbs, SiIIiman and Newberry for papers, but they did not respond. Their papers will therefore be brought up to-day. The following are the remaining papers and from the nun Der it is doubtful if the business of the acad- emy is concluded to day.
 On some new primary change forms of albuminous matter, R. H. Chittenden (by invitation).
 Preliminary notice of phospho-vanadates, aresenio- vanadates and atimonio-vanadates, WoIcott Gibbs.
 On the probable existence of new acids of phosphorus Wolcott Gibbs.
 Marriage institutions in tribal society, J. W. Powell
 Personality in the measures of Vsnus' diameter as derived during transit across the sun, O. T. Sherman (by inYitation).
 The reduction of barometric observations to sea level, Elias Loonlis.