triphenylmethyl and some derivatives of triphenylmethane : Jules Schmidlin. The preparation of iodide of gold by the action of iodine on gold: Fernand Meyer. The iodide Aul can be obtained by the direct action of iodine upon gold at temperatures between 50° and 100°. Below 50°, or above 200°, there is no action. In the presence of water in a closed vessel iodine gives with gold the same aurous iodide.-On a yttrium earth near to gadolinium: G. Urbain. An attempt to isolate an element characterised by the band The A=488.-On 8-bromobutyric acid: M. Lespieau. amide of this acid is obtained by saturating allyl cyanide with hydrobromic acid in the cold. A crystalline mass separates, which, when dissolved in concentrated hydrobromic acid solution, deposits white crystals of the amide.The oxidation of acetol: André Kling. On the formation of formaldehyde during the combustion of tobacco: A. Trillat. The experimental results show that aldehydes are formed during the combustion of tobacco, notably formaldehydes. The toxic effects, however, are modified by the fact that these aldehydes immediately combine with the nitrogenous bases given off at the same time.-On the germination of the spores of Atrichum undulatum and Hypnum velutinum, and on their nutrition in sterilised liquid media: Paul Becquerel.-On the development of the kidney and Leydig's gland in the Elasmobranchs : I. Borcea. The kidney of the Elasmobranchs has the same value as that of the higher vertebrates.-The influence of the feeding on the length of the intestine of the larvæ of Rana esculenta: Émile Yung.-On an infectious disease of horses, with alterations in the bones, observed at Madagascar: MM. Charon and Thiroux.-On the general structure of the Tyrolese Alps west of the Brenner Railway: Pierre Termier.-Modifications undergone by the nutritive exchanges in skin disease: A. Desgrez and J. Ayrignac.

NEW SOUTH WALES.

Royal Society, September 7.-Mr. C. O. Burge, president, in the chair.-Notes on the theory and practice of concreteiron constructions: F. M. Gummow. The author outlined the theory from the present standpoint of scientific research, and after reviewing the principal applications, concluded his paper by giving particulars of a test of concrete-iron plate beams, carried out on a large scale.-Further experiments on the strength and elasticity of reinforced concrete : The author stated that the paper Prof. W. H. Warren. consisted of an experimental investigation of the physical properties of Portland cement mortars and concrete when reinforced with steel.

Linnean Society, September 28.-Dr. T. Storie Dixson, president, in the chair.-Monograph of the Australian Cicadida: Dr. F. W. Goding and W. W. Froggatt. Descriptions of all the Cicadida attributed to Australia, amounting to 115 species, comprised in 21 genera, are given. In connection with the geographical distribution of the species it may be mentioned that though many are strictly confined to the coastal forests of eastern Australia, others are found sporadically over a very large area, reappearing in widely separated districts if the suitable class of country presents itself. For example, Tibicen willsi, Dist., described from Rockhampton, ranges up the Queensland coast to Townsville, occurs also at Bourke, N.S.W., and reappears at King's Sound, N.W.A. Indo-Malayan affinity is indicated by the occurrence of the genera Gaana and Huechys.-Notes on Neuroptera, with descriptions of new species: W. W. Froggatt.-Ngarrabul and other aboriginal tribes, part ii., distribution of the tribes: J. MacPherson. The distribution of twenty-four tribes in north-east New South Wales and South Queensland, in accordance with the languages spoken and as gleaned from Ngarrabul sources of information, is discussed and mapped.-Notes on the native flora of New South Wales, part i., the Tumbarumba and Tumut districts: R. H. Cambage. These notes comprise observations on the conspicuous vegetation of the country between Wagga, Tumbarumba, Tumut, and Gundagai during the drought of 1903, and serve to show the striking differences between the flora of the low country round Wagga (600 feet above sea-level) and that of Laurel Hill or Bago, near Tumbarumba (about 3300 feet), where the vegetation presents a recognisable Tasmanian facies.

DIARY OF SOCIETIES.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17.

ROYAL SOCIETY, at 4.30.-Air Resistance Encountered by Projectiles at Velocities up to 4500 Feet per Second: A. Mallock, F.KR.S.-Theory of Amphoteric Electrolytes. Part II.: Prof. J. Walker, F.R.S.-Enhanced Lines of Titanium, Iron, and Chromium in the Fraunhoferic Spectrum: Sir Norman Lockyer, K.C.B., F.R.S., and F. E. Baxandall.-On the Group IV. Lines of Silicium: Sir Norman Lockyer, K.C.B., F.R.S., and F. E. Baxandall.-The Electrical Conductivity and other Properties of Sodium Hydroxide in Aqueous Solution, as Elucidating the Mechanism of Conduction: W. R. Bousfield, K.C., M.P., and Dr. T. Martin Lowry.--On the Wetting of Cotton by Water and by Water Vapour : Prof. D. Orme Masson, F.R.S.

LINNEAN SOCIETY, at 8.-On the Structure of the Stems of Plants: Lord Avebury, F.R.S.-Observations on Undescribed or Little Known Species of Membracide: G. B. Buckton, F.R.S.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22.

INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS, at 8.-Distribution of Electrical Energy: J. F. C. Snell.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23. GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY, at 8.-On an Ossiferous Cavern of Pleistocene Age at Hoe Grange Quarry, Longcliffe, near Brassington, Derbyshire: H. H. Arnold-Bemrose and E. T. Newton, F.R S.-The Superficial Deposits and Pre-Glacial Valleys of the Northumberland and Durham Coalfield: D. Woolacott.

FARADAY SOCIETY, at 8.-Recent Investigations Bearing on the Theory of Electrolytic Dissociation Prof. L. Kahlenberg.-The Potential of the Hydrogen-Oxygen Cell: F. J. Brislee. SOCIETY OF ARTS, at 8.-The Systematic Promotion of British Trade: Ben. H. Morgan.

54

The Origin of Life.-Dr. F. J. Allen

54

54

54

Change in the Colour of Moss Agates.-C. Simmonds. 54
Chemical Analysis for Beginners.-F. Southerden
Misuse of Words and Phrases.--T. B. S.
Reason in Dogs.-Arthur J. Hawkes
Occurrence of a Tropical Form of Stick-Insect in
Devonshire.-Prof. Robert O. Cunningham

A Probable Variable of the Algol Type.-J. E. Gore 55
The Previous Examination at Cambridge
The Exploration of the Transvaal. (Illustrated.) By
Prof. Grenville A. J. Cole

Our Museums. (Illustrated.) By R. F. S.
Dr. Frank McClean, F.R. S. By W. J. S. L.
Notes

Our Astronomical Column:

Encke's Comet (1904 b).

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