the excrement of various birds showed that entire and apparently uninjured seeds are voided constantly. Redwings, fieldfares, and other thrushes were compelled during the frost to subsist largely upon hedgerow fruit, and entire seeds of the wild rose (Rosa) and hawthorn (Crataegus), among others, might have been collected from their droppings by thousands. From the excrement of smaller birds the author obtained many undigested seeds of the bramble (Rubus).-The Foraminifera from the coast of the island of Delos, part ii.: H. Sidebottom. Particular attention was directed to those species that are new to the Mediterranean. The dimorphic structure of many of the Foraminifera was also pointed out. January 10.-Prof. W. Boyd Dawkins, F.R.S., in the chair. On the supposed antagonism of Mendelian to biometric theory: A. D. Darbishire. The author, after referring to the conflict of the Mendelians and biometricians, explained the methods of investigation of the two schools. The biometricians apply statistical methods and deal with masses of individuals, and therefore with average characters; the Mendelians devote their attention to the study of the individual components of the mass, and endeavour by means of experiments to ascertain the nature and mode of modification of the characters of the units. Mr. Darbishire sought to show that the two views are not irreconcilable, but that the real truth was to be arrived at from a survey of both.-The cause of the period of chemical induction: C. H. Burgess and D. L. Chapman. PARIS. Academy of Sciences, January 23.-M. Troost in the chair. New researches on the secular alterations of hydrocarbon of organic origin: M. Berthelot. Details are given of the chemical examination of a fatty substance found in an Egyptian vase of about 1600 B.C.-Some metals found in archæological excavations in Egypt: M. Berthelot. Analyses of two specimens of bronze dating from about the second dynasty. On the increase of volume of molten cast iron, saturated with carbon in the electric furnace, at the moment of solidification: Henri Moissan. Iron which is free, or nearly free, from carbon, in passing from the liquid to the solid state, follows the ordinary law, its density increasing. On the contrary, when saturated with carbon at the temperature of the electric furnace, it increases in volume when solidifying.-Study of lunar photographs. Considerations on the course of solidification in the interior of a planet: MM. Loewy and Puiseux. As the result of an examination of photographs of the moon's crust, the author has been led to support the geological view of the constitution of the earth, that of a thin crust with a liquid core, as against the rigid solid theory of the mathematicians.-Note on the three volumes of the Annales de l'Observatoire de Nice: M. Bassot.— On a recent ascent of Vesuvius: J. Janssen. Numerous specimens of gases from the fumerolles and of lava and scoria were collected, and photographs taken of the absorption spectra of the vapours issuing from the cone during an eruption. The description of a detailed examination of these is reserved for a future communication.--The calculation of ordinary and suspension bridges: M. Considère. Observations of the Borrelly comet (1904 e) made by F. Courty with the large equatorial at the Observatory of Bordeaux: G. Rayet. On families of surfaces with plane orthogonal trajectories: S. Carrus.-Remarks on the preceding communication: Gaston Darboux.-On the approximation of functions by polynomials considered in relation with the theory of partial differential equations : application to the problem of the initial state in mathematical physics: A. Buhl.-On a hyperelliptic surface: E. Traynard. On the integrals of total differentials belonging to an irregular surface: G. Castelnuovo.-On linear differential equations of the second order containing one parameter M. Tzitzeica.-On a theorem of M. Borel : F. Riesz.-On the deviation of falling bodies towards the south and on the curvature of lines of force: Maurice Fouché. On the magnetic field to which a body in motion in an electric field is submitted: H. Pellat. On the ions of the atmosphere: P. Langevin. The experiments of the author lead to the conclusion that there are only two kinds of ions present in the air, one having a mobility several thousand times smaller than the other. The apparatus used by Ebert only measures the first of these.-Contribution to the study of ionisation in flames: Pierre Massoulier. On the specific coefficients of magnetisation of liquids: Georges Meslin. The action of very low temperatures on the phosphorescence of certain sulphides: F. P. Le Roux. Remarks on a paper of MM. A. and L. Lumière dealing with the same subject.-On a new mineral containing radium: J. Danne. Some plumbiferous minerals, notably a pyromorphite, found in the neighbourhood of Issy-l'Évêque, have been found to contain radium, and it is a noteworthy fact that none of these minerals contain uranium. The amount of radium is variable, a ton of the mineral furnishing quantities of radium bromide of the order of a centigram.-The dissociation of strychnine salts as measured by the rotatory power. The rotatory power in homologous series. The influence of the double linkage: J. Minguin. The deviations were measured in the first place when the strychnine and acid were present in molecular quantities, and then in presence of an excess of acid. The differences observed point to a dissociation taking place. On cæsium methylamide: E. Rengade. Cæsium dissolves in anhydrous liquid methylamine, forming at first a metal methylammonium; this soon evolves hydrogen and the methylamide is quantitatively formed. The amide detonates on heating, giving rise to cæsium cyanide and hydrogen. Water, allowed to act slowly, produces cæsium hydroxide and methylamine.-The action of phosphorus pentachloride upon some tertiary cyclic amines. Syntheses of colouring matters and formation of phosphorus: P. Lemoult. The products of oxidation of anthracene octahydride: dihydro-oxanthranol and hexahydroanthrone: Marcel Godchot.-Thymomenthol and its derivatives: Léon Brunel. This is obtained from thymol by the Sabatier and Senderens reaction; its physical and chemical properties are given and the preparation of several derivatives described.-Contribution to the study of some derivatives of benzodihydrofurfurane: A. Guyot and J. Catel. On the agricultural value of humic materials: J. Dumont. On the elliptical character of the new Borrelly comet (e 1904): G. Fayet. It is shown that no parabola can satisfactorily represent all the observations, an elliptical orbit with a period of about eight years better representing the facts. An electrical pendulum with free escapement : Ch. Féry. The arrangement described is remarkable for the small expenditure of electrical energy required to work it, less than 0.5 watt per annum. The diurnal variation of a clock beating half seconds fitted with the apparatus described is less than 0.3 second.-On the nitrates of potassium and ammonia and on the law of Bravais : Frédéric Wallerant. The coal basin of French Lorraine : Francis Laur.-On the diatom-bearing level of the ravine o. Égravats, near Mont Dore, Puy-de-Dôme: M. Lauby. -On the biology and anatomy of the suckers of Osyris alba: A. Fraysse.-On the biology of the Cestoda: L. James and H. Mandoul.-The action of magnesium and of magnesia on micro-organisms: F. Dienert. NEW SOUTH WALES Royal Society, November 2, 1904.-Mr. C. O. Burge, president, in the chair.-Pot experiments to determine the limits of endurance of different farm crops for certain injurious substances, part iii., barley and rye: R. Helms and Prof. F. B. Guthrie. The authors describe experiments with barley and rye in continuation of those on wheat and maize (Proc. Roy. Soc. New South Wales, xxxvi. p. 191, and xxxvii. p. 165) to determine the tolerance of these plants to certain ingredients commonly present in the soils and water used for irrigating in certain parts of the State, namely, sodium chloride and sodium carbonate; also the effect produced upon their growth by the presence of small quantities of plant poisons occasionally met with in fertilisers, such ammonium sulphocyanide, sodium chlorate, and arsenious acid.-The classification and systematic nomenclature of igneous rocks: H. Stanley Jevons. The author concludes that the most convenient as general classification for the present time would be one constructed as follows:-(1) Based on alkali-lime-content of principal and minor mineral constituents. Produces two series alkaline and calcic. (2) Based on similarit principal mineral constituents. Produces seven sections, e.g. granitic, gabbroic, theralitic, &c. (3) Based on community of origin from similar parent magmas. The latter are defined by the presence of certain index minerals in the consolidated rocks (e.g. a granite, a granite-aplite, and a rhyolite, &c., may all be derived from one magma; other granites, rhyolites, &c., will be derived from similar magmas). Produces twelve orders, e.g. granates, essexates, &c. (4) Based on habit of mass. Produces seven families in each order, e.g. granophites, dioromicrites, gabbrolavites (basalts), &c. (5) Based on nature of minor mineral constituents. Produces a number of genera in each family, e.g. muscbigranophite, anaugi-hyper-peridotite (harzburgite). (6) Based on texture, but to be applied only in families where there is much variety of texture. Produces subgenera, e.g. spheri-mono-rhyolite, graphi-bi-rhyolite, &c. The system of nomenclature described is an elaboration of that already proposed by the author in a preliminary paper in the Geological Magazine (1901). BENGAL. Asiatic Society of Bengal, January 4.-Hierarchy of the Dalai Lama (1406-1726): Rai Sarat Chandra Das. The author gives a history of the origin and growth of power of the Dalai Lama.-On the prevalence of fevers in the Dinajpur district: Dr. L. Rogers. This paper deals with the results of a special inquiry into the causes of the very high mortality of above forty per thousand in the Dinajpur district. It is shown that the higher death rates in certain places are due mainly to malaria, the increased prevalence of which is closely related to a high ground water level due to unalterable physical conditions of the district. In the second part of the paper the varieties of fever met with and distribution of the anopheles which can carry the infection are dealt with, and the impracticability of mosquito destruction as a preventive measure in the district as a whole is pointed out. The wider distribution of quinine in each village through the agency of the primary schoolmasters so as to reach the children, who mainly die of the disease, is recommended as the only practicable method of lessening the death rates from malaria among the people of Lower Bengal. DIARY OF SOCIETIES. ROYAL SOCIETY, at 4.30.-On the Compressibility of Gases between One Atmosphere and Half an Atmosphere of Pressure: Lord Rayleigh, O.M., F.R S.-On the "Blaze Currents" of the Gall Bladder of the Frog: Mrs. A. M. Waller.-The Theory of Photographic Processes: On the Chemical Dynamics of Development: S. E. Sheppard and C. E. K. Mees.-On the Relation between Variations of Atmospheric Pressure in North-East Africa, and the Nile Flood: Capt. H. G. Lyons. -Note on the Determination of the Volume Elasticity of Elastic Solids : Dr. C. Chree. F.R.S.-Theory of the Reflection of Light near the Polarising Angle: Prof. R. C. Maclaurin. ROYAL INSTITUTION, at 5.-Forestry in the British Empire: Prof. W. Schlich. CIVIL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS' SOCIETY, at 8.-The Mechanics of Flour Milling: A. R. Tattersall. LINNEAN SOCIETY, at 8.-Descriptions of New Chinese Plants (with lantern slides): W. J. Tutcher.-European Cirolanina (Isopoda): Dr. H. J. Hansen. RÖNTGEN SOCIETY, at 8 15.-Some Points in the Construction of a High Frequency Machine: Dr. Clarence A. Wright. CHEMICAL SOCIETY, at 8.-Studies in the Camphane Series. Part xvi. Camphorylcarbimide and Isomeric Camphorylcarbamides: M. O. Forster and H. E. Fierz. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3. ROVAL INSTITUTION, at 9.- Blood Pressure in Man: Prof. T. Clifford Allbutt, F.R.S. GEOLOGISTS ASSOCIATION, at 7.30.-Address on Modern Methods in the Study of Fossils: the President, Dr. A. Smith Woodward, F.R. S. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6. SOCIETY OF CHEMICAL INDUSTRY, at 8.-The Theory of Dyeing. Part ii. Pseudo-solution and Desolution: W. P. Dreaper.-The Fading of Inks and Piginents: J. W. Lovibond. SOCIETY OF ARTS, at 8.-Fountain Pens: James P. Maginnis. ROYAL INSTITUTION, at 5.-The Structure and Life of Animals: Prof. INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS, at 8.--Discussion: Floating Docks: L. E. Clark. -Papers: Alfreton Second Tunnel: E. F. C. Trench.-The Reconstruction of Moncreiffe Tunnel: Dugald McLellan. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8. SOCIETY OF ARTS, at 8.-Time Development in Photography, and Modern Mechanical Methods of carrying it out: R. Child Bayley. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9. ROYAL SOCIETY, at 4.30.-Probable Papers: (1) On the Conversion of Electric Oscillations into Continuous Currents by means of a Vacuum Valve: (2) On a Kummeter for the Measurement of the Length of Long Electric Waves, and also small Inductances and Capacities: Prof. J.A Fleming, F.R.S.-Report on an Area of Local Magnetic Disturbance in East Loch Roag, Lewes, Hebrides: Captain A. M. Field, R.N.Phosphorescence caused by the Beta and Gamma Rays of Radium: G. T. Beilby.-(1) The Spectrum of Scandium and its Relation to Celestial Spectra; (2) Note on the Spectrum of a Centaur; (j) Oo the Stellar Line near A 4686: Sir Norman Lockyer, K.C.B., F.K.S., and F. E. Baxandall.-On Europium and its Ultra-Violet Spectrum: Sir William Crookes, F.R.S. ROYAL INSTITUTION, at 5.-Forestry in the British Empire: Prof. W. Schlich, F. R.S. INSTITUTION OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS, at 8.-Fuel Economy in Steam Power Plants: W. H. Booth and J. B. C. Kershaw (Conclusion of discussion.The Value of Overhead Mains for Electric Distribution in the United Kingdom: G. L. Addenbrooke. MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY, at 5.30.-General Theory of Transfinite Numbers and Order-types: Dr. E. W. Hobson.-On the Reducibility of Covariants of Binary Quantics of Infinite Order. Part ii: Mr P. W. Wood. ADAM HILGER, LTD., MAKERS OF Prisms of Glass, Quartz, Iceland Spar, and other Materials. Nicol, Foucault, Hartnack, Thompson, Rochon, Wollaston, and other ༄། ། Special and Experimental Optical Work a Speciality. 75a CAMDEN ROAD, LONDON, N.W. Awarded Gold Medal St. Louis Exhibition, 1904. AWARDED MEDALS WHEREVER EXHIBITED, including 9 at the great Paris Exposition of 1900. JAS. J. HICKS 8, 9 & 10 HATTON GARDEN, LONDON, SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENT MAKER TO THE WAR OFFICE, INDIA OFFICE, ADMIRALTY, &c. 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By BY WILLIAM DODGE FROST, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin. Third Revised Edition. 8vo. 75. net. MODERN THEORY OF PHYSICAL PHENOMENA, RADIO-ACTIVITY, IONS, ELECTRONS. By AUGUSTO RIGHI, Professor of Physics in the University of Bologna, Authorised translation by AUGUSTUS TROWBRIDGE, Professor of Mathematical Physics in the University of Wisconsin. Crown 8vo. 55. Det. NOTES AND QUESTIONS IN PHYSICS. By JOHN S. SHEARER, B.S., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Physics, Cornell University. 8vo, 7s. 6d. net. By H. S. HALL, M.A., and F. H. STEVENS, M.A. LESSONS IN EXPERIMENTAL AND PRACTICAL GEOMETRY. By H. S. AN INTRODUCTION TO THE CALCULUS. By Based on Graphical Methods. GEORGE A. GIBSON, M. A., F.R.S. E., Professor of Mathematics in the Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College. Crown 8vo. 35. 6d. EDUCATION.-" Mr. G. A. Gibson has written a Treatise on Graphs and an Introduction to the Calculus. Both these are perfectly reliable, and are remarkable for their cheapness. They furnish admirable introductions to the study of graphs and the Calculus, and their various applications. GRAPHIC STATICS. By T. ALEXANDER, C.E., M.Inst. C.E.I., M.A.I. (hon. causa), Professor of Engineering, Trinity College, Dublin; and Professor A. W. THOMSON, D.Sc., C. E., Member Inst. Engineers, Scotland. A Graduated Series of Problems and Practical Examples, with numerous Diagrams all drawn to Scale. 8vo. Limp Cloth. 25. SCIENCE OF COMMON LIFE (Being a New Edition of " of "Experimental HYGIENE"). By A. T. SIMMONS, B.Sc. (Lond.), Associate of the Royal College of Science, London, and E. STENHOUSE, B.Sc. (Lond.), Associate of the Royal College of Science, London. Globe 8vo. THE FEBRUARY NUMBER NOW READY. SCHOOL 2s. 6d. WORLD. A MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF EDUCATIONAL WORK AND PROGRESS. PRINCIPAL CONTENTS. Greek in the Secondary School. By W. H. D. Rouse, Litt. D., E. L. Milner-Barry, M. A., and F. W. 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