Page images
PDF
EPUB

Gemmell, Emeritus Prof. John G. McKendrick; Leeds, Dr. Nathan Bodington (Vice-Chancellor); Liverpool, Mr. Alfred W. Winterslow Dale (Vice-Chancellor); London, Dr. Augustus Desiré Waller; Manchester, the Victoria University, Dr. Alfred Hopkinson (Vice-Chancellor); St. Andrews, Lord Balfour of Burleigh (Chancellor), Dr. Andrew Carnegie (Rector), Principal James Donaldson, Very Rev. Principal Alexander Stewart, Principal John Yule Mackay (Dundee), Prof. James Musgrove, Prof. John E. A. Steggall (Dundee); Wales, Mr. Henry Rudolf Reichel (Vice-Chancellor). Colleges and Learned Societies:-Bangor, University College of North Wales, Prof. Philip J. White; Bristol, University College, Principal C. Lloyd Morgan; Dublin, Royal College of Physicians, President Sir William J. Smyly; Royal College of Surgeons, President Henry Rosborough Swanzy; Edinburgh, Royal College of Surgeons, President Charles Watson MacGillivray; Glasgow, West of Scotland Agricultural College, Principal Robert Patrick Wright; London, British Academy, Prof. Henry Francis Pelham, President of Trinity College, Oxford; British Medical Association, Mr. George Cooper Franklin (President); Charing Cross Hospital Medical College, Dr. William Hunter; Guy's Hospital Medical College, Dr. Frederick Taylor; Inner Temple, Hon. Mr. Justice Grantham; King's College, Rev. Principal Arthur Cayley Headlam; London Hospital Medical College, Dr. Wm. Bulloch; Middlesex Hospital Medical College, Mr. Andrew Clark; Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, Mr. Alderman R. A. Robinson (President); Royal Academy of Arts, Mr. John Macallan Swan, R.A.; Royal College of Physicians, Sir Richard Douglas Powell, Bart. (President); Royal College of Science, Prof. W. Gowland; Royal College of Surgeons, Mr. Edmund Owen (Vice-President); St. Bartholomew's Hospital Medical College, Sir Dyce Duckworth; University College, Principal T. Gregory Foster.

(2) British Dominions beyond the Seas:-Canada : Dalhousie University, Halifax, N.S., Prof. Jas. G. MacGregor; University of Toronto, Prof. A. B. Macallum. Africa South African College, Prof. P. Daniel Hahn. Australia and New Zealand: University of Tasmania, Prof. John Walter Gregory. India: Calcutta, Asiatic Society of Bengal. Colonel Alf. Wm. Alcock.

(3) Other countries :-America (South): University of Ecuador, General Don Emilio M. Teran. AustriaHungary: University of Vienna and Imperial Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Prof. Jakob Schipper; University of Buda Pesth, Prof. Ignacz Goldziher; Bohemian University of Prague, Prof. Vaclav E. Mourek; German University of Prague, Prof. Ferdinand Hueppe. Belgium: University of Brussels, Prof. Count Eugene Goblet D'Alviella. France: Institut de France, Prof. Emile Boutroux, Prof. Salomon Reinach. Germany: University of Berlin, Prof. Hans Dellbrück; University of Greifswald, Prof. Friedrich Löffler. Italy: University of Padua, Prof. Giuseppe Veronese. Norway: University of Christiania, Prof. A. Taranger. Russia: St. Petersburg, Imperial Academy of Military Medicine, Prof. Henry Turner. Sweden: University of Upsala, Prof. Henrick Schück (Rector); Stockholm, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Prof. Einar Lönnberg. Switzerland: University of Geneva, Prof. Charles Borgeaud; University of Bern, Prof. Hugo Kronecker; University of Zürich, Prof. Theodor Vetter.

Among the guests of the University other than delegates there were many illustrious men of science, such as

(1) England:-Dr. T. Clifford Allbutt, regius professor of physic, University of Cambridge; Dr. Henry E. Armstrong, professor of chemistry, Central Technical College, London; the Right Hon. Lord Avebury, F.R.S.; Sir Robert S. Ball, professor of astronomy and geometry, Observatory, Cambridge; Colonel David Bruce, C.B.; Dr. Wm. Burnside, professor of mathematics, Royal Naval College, Greenwich: the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury; Prof. W. Watson Cheyne, professor of surgery, King's College, London; Sir William Crookes; Sir Edward Elgar: Dr. Naval Herbert MacKay Ellis, Director-General, Medical Service; Dr. Arthur J. Evans, keeper of the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford; Sir John Evans, K.C.B.; Prof. A. R. Forsyth, Sadlerian professor of pure mathematics,

Trinity College, Cambridge; Right Hon. Sir Edward Fry, F.R.S.; Dr. Richard Tetley Glazebrook, director of the National Physical Laboratory, Bushy House, Teddington; Dr. A. S. F. Grünbaum, professor of pathology, University of Leeds; A. D. Hall, director, Rothamsted Agricultural Experiment Station, Harpenden, Herts; Prof. Joseph Larmor, secretary of the Royal Society; Sir Norman Lockyer, K.C.B.; Dr. Alexander Macalister, professor of anatomy, University of Cambridge; Dr. Donald Macalister, president, General Medical Council; Major Percy Alex. MacMahon, secretary, British Association; Prof. Raphael Meldola, president of the Chemical Society; J. E. Quibell, Bedrashein, Egypt; Sir Wm. Ramsay, K.C.B., professor

[graphic]

FIG. 2.-Front of Marischal College Buildings, looking southward. of chemistry, University College, London; Sir Henry E. Roscoe, late professor of chemistry, Victoria University; Major Ronald Ross, C.B., Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Rev. Archibald H. Sayce, professor of Assyriology, University of Oxford; Dr. George D. Thane, professor of anatomy, University College, London; Dr. Thomas E. Thorpe, C.B., director of Government Laboratories, London; Dr. J. A. Voelcker, chemist to Royal Agricultural Society of England.

(2) Scotland :-William S. Bruce, leader of the Scottish Antarctic Expedition (1902-4), Edinburgh; Sir Henry Craik, K.C.B.; the Right Hon. the Earl of Elgin, K.G., G.C.S.I., LL.D., D.C.L.; Right Hon. Richard Burdon

[blocks in formation]

(3) Ireland :-Dr. Jas. Little, professor of physic, University of Dublin; Prof. John Pentland Mahaffy, senior fellow, Trinity College, Dublin, late professor of ancient history.

(4) Other Countries:-Yacoub Artin Pasha, UnderSecretary of State for Education, and president of the Institute of Egypt, Cairo; Dr. G. Stanley Hall, professor of psychology, Clark University, Worcester, Mass., America; Prof. H. J. Hamburger, professor of physiology, Groningen; Prof. O. Kellner, K. S. Landwirthschaftliche Versuchsstation, Möckern, Leipzig; Prof. Oscar Liebreich, professor of pharmacology, University of Berlin; Prof. Friedrich Trendelenburg, professor of surgery, University of Leipzig.

The great event of Thursday was the opening of the new buildings at Marischal College by the King and Queen. The whole of the large quadrangle was filled with a sea of faces, and Dr. Marshall Mackenzie's "granite miracle" was the subject of universal admiration. The Principal read an address from the University, and His Majesty in a strong voice declared the buildings open. The Rector asked leave to present the following gentlemen :

coincided with entering into the possession of a new legacy which makes the University's outlook on the future hopeful. The response to the University's invitation on the part of sister institutions and her own sons and daughters was exceedingly hearty. What began as a primarily academic ceremony broadened out into a civic festival, partly through the kindness of their Majesties, partly through Lord Strathcona's princely generosity, and partly because of the cordiality of the relations between town and gown. But there can be no overlooking the fact that the success of the celebrations was the natural reward of most thoughtful and detailed organisation, of putting brains as well as goodwill into an arduous task. Vivat, crescat, floreat Universitas Aber

[blocks in formation]
[graphic]

Non-migratory Danube salmon, and British fish, in the Thames. The small fish, natives in British waters, are four times the age of the less small-an alien from the Danube. From "Salmon Fishing," by W. Earl Hodgson.

Mr. Alexander M. Gordon, Mr. Alexander Wilson, Dr. William Dey, Dr. Angus Fraser, Dr. David Littlejohn, Dr. Albert Westland, Prof. Matthew Hay, Prof. John Harrower, Prof. Neil J. D. Kennedy, Prof. Robert W. Reid, Prof. James W. H. Trail, Prof. Henry Cowan, Prof. James B. Baillie, Prof. Stephenson, Prof. Charles Niven, Prof. David J. Hamilton, Prof. Alexander Ogston, Prof. William M. Ramsay, Mr. Patrick Cooper, Mr. Theodore Crombie, Dr. John Fleming, Mr. Alexander O. Gill, Mr. David M. M. Milligan, Mr. James Murray, M.P., Mr. Andrew R. Williamson, Mr. A. Marshall Mackenzie, A.R.S.A., the architect, and Mr. W. Wilfred Campbell.

[blocks in formation]

quarry," for instance, the instincts, or rather whims, of the salmon are written about very pleasantly. Mr. Hodgson discusses the old question as to whether or not the salmon feeds in fresh water, and is inclined to think that when the fish rises to a fly it does so with the intention of eating. Evidence against this contention was collected a few years ago by the Scottish Fishery Board, and it was shown that the epithelium of the stomachs of salmon in fresh water was in a catarrhal condition that made diges tion impossible. It is, on the whole, the simplest solution of this question that the salmon, when it rises to a fly, does so urged by some kind of sporting instinct.

Mr. Hodgson's book is, however, very practical as well as entertaining. Three chapters are devoted to an account of the salmon rivers of the United Kingdom, and in one very useful chapter there is an excellent account of salmon passes and some usefu 1 "Salmon Fishing." By W. Earl Hodgson. Pp. xi+314 London A. and C. Black, 1906.) Price 75. 6d. net.

(London: Bradbury, Agnew and Co., Ltd., 1906.) Price 35. 6. net.
"The Science of Dry Fly Fishing." By Fred. G. Shaw. Pp. +

suggestions as to their improvement. The account of the British and Irish rivers is rather depressing reading. Almost everywhere, save in a few favoured counties, there is the tale of pollution. We agree with Mr. Hodgson that this is preventable. The crude by-products of various manufactures need never be turned into fishing rivers-such a thing, for instance, as the reckless discharge of sawdust into a stream, and the consequent destruction of hosts of trout, ought certainly not to be permitted. With modern methods of septic purification it is a scandal that salmon rivers and streams should still be the repositories of crude sewage; but local sanitary authorities are difficult to move, and so far as the prevention of the pollution of rivers is concerned the law is a hass."

[ocr errors]

The book is excellently printed and illustrated. Particular praise should be given to the series of seven plates at the beginning of the volume illustrating eighty typical salmon flies. The colouring and printing of these plates leave nothing to be desired. Altogether Mr. Hodgson's book should be a very welcome addition to the sportsman's library. In Dry Fly Fishing Mr. F. G. Shaw makes a creditable attempt to make clear that which he terms the "science" of trout fishing. Chapters i. and ii. give directions how, when, and where to cast a trout fly. Chapter iii. deals with the selection of the fly, and includes a discussion of the range of vision of the fish. Chapter iv. gives a useful account of some aspects of pisciculture, and chapter v., "The necessities of the trout fisherman," is devoted to a consideration of the " gear" necessary for the craft. The book is abundantly illustrated. If the niceties of trout fishing can be taught by means of diagrams and practical directions, then Mr. Shaw's book ought to be very useful; but, as he says himself, "It is of no use to read books in order to determine your actions when actually fishing. Common sense is the most valuable guide." Nevertheless, the experience of others is always interesting, and no doubt the tyro, and even those of greater knowledge, will learn much from this work. J. J.

ONL

PROF. LUDWIG BOLTZMANN. NLY two years ago Dr. Ludwig Boltzmann, professor of physics in the University of Vienna, celebrated his sixtieth birthday. On that occasion a Festschrift was presented to him containing papers by about 125 physicists from all parts of the world. The announcement of Prof. Boltzmann's death, which was reported in the London papers of September 8, will be received with regret, not only by physicists of repute, but by every student who has attempted to gain an insight into the mysteries of molecular physics.

Ludwig Boltzmann was born on February 20, 1844. Before he was twenty-two years old, on February 8, 1866, he read a paper before the Academy of Sciences of Vienna entitled "Ueber die mechanische Bedeutung des zweiten Hauptsatzes der Wärmetheorie." The opening sentences of the paper may be freely translated as follows:

"The identity of the First Law of Thermodynamics with the principle of vis viva has long been known, on the other hand the Second Law occupies a peculiarly exceptional position, and its proof is based on methods which are not only uncertain here and there, but are in no case obvious. The object of this paper is to furnish a purely analytical and perfectly general proof of the Second Law of Thermodynamics, as well as to investigate the corresponding principle in Mechanics."

Little did the young Boltzmann imagine that the task he had thus set before himself would occupy his whole lifetime.

A year later, after having obtained the doctorate, and having been appointed assistant in the physical institute at Vienna, we find him writing on the number of atoms in a gas molecule and the internal work of gases.

66

In 1868 he published his first important paper on the law of partition of energy under the title of Studien über das Gleichgewicht der lebendigen Kraft zwischen bewegten materiellen Punkte." The problem had been previously attacked by Maxwell, but Boltzmann soon found difficulties and objections arising out of Maxwell's treatment, and it was one of the objects of the paper to place the theory on a more satisfactory basis. A second paper on the same subject ("Weitere Studien ") was published in 1872, and in it the important theorem now known as Boltzmann's "minimum theorem" or the H-theorem" first saw the light. That this theorem is not independent of assumed hypotheses has been amply shown by discussions in NATURE and elsewhere in which Watson, Burbury, and other physicists took part early in the 'nineties; but, granting these premises, it is proved that in a system of molecules a tendency exists to assume an equilibrium distribution of energy analo gous to the tendency to heat equilibrium in a material gas. It was not until 1892 that Boltzmann published a third part to his "Studien." In it he deals with difficulties that had been raised in the discussion referred to in connection with the assumption that the kinetic energy of the system could be reduced to a sum of squares, and he also examines certain test cases of the kinetic theory proposed by Lord

Kelvin.

In 1875 Boltzmann, then a corresponding member of the Vienna Academy of Sciences, treated the problem for the case of a system of molecules in a field of external force.

From Vienna Boltzmann went to Graz, where he was appointed professor in the university. After going there he wrote, in 1876, a paper on the integration of the equations of molecular motion, and several other minor papers on the kinetic theory. A fresh line was started in 1877, although the underlying idea had been suggested by Boltzmann in 1871, and employed by Dr. Oskar Emil Meyer in his book of 1877. This was the application of the theory of probability to the problem of energy-partition. The method of treatment adopted is highly instructive; Boltzmann starts with considering a system of molecules the energy of each of which can only have one or other of a series, of discrete values a series of counters marked 1, 2, 3 . . . might be used in illustration—and he investigates the most probable distribution of energy for a number of them drawn at random. From this simple case he is led by gradual stages to the more complicated case of a gas the molecular state of which is specified by generalised coordinates.

In 1880 to 1882 Boltzmann published long and important papers on viscosity and diffusion of gases, in which the consequences of Maxwell's assumption of the "inverse fifth" law of intermolecular force were fully discussed. In 1884 he was evidently attracted by Helmholtz's work on monocyclic systems, and lost no time in applying the method to the kinetic theory. In this connection the possibility of building up statistically monocyclic systems was considered. But a further application suggested itself in the possibility of representing thermodynamic and other phenomena by means of mechanical models. In his "Vorlesungen über Maxwell's Theorie," pub

lished in 1891, Boltzmann makes use, not only of monocycles, but also of what he calls "bicycles," illustrating the phenomena of mutual induction of electric currents.

In 1885 Boltzmann was raised from "corresponding" to ordinary member of the Vienna Academy. He remained at Graz until about 1891, when he was called to Munich. A year or two later he visited England and called on the present writer at Cambridge, and thus a personal friendship sprang up. In 1894 the British Association meeting at Oxford, with its memorable field-day on the kinetic theory, came simultaneously with Lord Rayleigh and Sir William Ramsay's announcement of the discovery of argon. The part which Prof. Boltzmann took in these discussions will long be remembered. He received an honorary degree, and expressed some amusement at being made a Doctor of Laws. "It were better they made me Doctor of Science," he remarked. It was, however, pointed out that as an authority on the laws of thermodynamics the title was a fitting one.

In 1895 Boltzmann was transferred from Munich to Vienna, where he resided until his death, with one exception. In 1904 he was called to the University of Leipzig, and actually went there for a short time, but the change did not suit him, and he was back again in Vienna almost immediately.

In 1899 he was elected corresponding fellow of our Royal Society, and allusion has already been made to the universal and widespread enthusiasm shown over his diamond jubilee five years later.

Those who knew Boltzmann will remember the pair of heavy, highly-powerful spectacles resting on a deep groove in his nose. For many years his eyesight had been failing, and he found it increasingly difficult to complete the many researches which were on his mind. He appears to have ended his life during a summer holiday at or near Abbazia, a neighbourhood which he frequently visited with his wife and family.

[ocr errors]

We have alluded to some of Boltzmann's earlier writings more or less in chronological order. One of his most important later works is his book Vorlesungen über Gastheorie " (Leipzig: Barth), the first volume of which bears the date 1895 and the second 1898. It fills an important gap in the literature of the kinetic theory, and renders much of Boltzmann's own work more accessible to general readers than it would be if his separate papers had to be consulted. While Boltzmann's chief energies were concentrated on the difficult problems of the kinetic theory, other branches of physics were by no means neglected. In evidence we have his book of lectures on Maxwell's theory, papers on Hertz's experiments, and an address on the methods of theoretical physics. Artificial flight also interested the Vienna physicist, who some years back gave a discourse on the subject, illustrated by models. Among his recreations allusion may be made to music. His thick fingers descending | on the keys of the piano well knew how to produce those variations in timbre which are understood in Germany, but the want of which makes English people often say that the piano is devoid of soul. He would often play in trios with his son and eldest daughter.

making some assumptions, we are, at all events, in
possession of theories of molecular phenomena in
which the assumption in question is of the simplest
and most self-evident character, and the agreement
with experiment as close as could be expected. These
theories are in a very large measure results of the
labours of Ludwig Boltzmann.
G. H. BRYAN.

NOTES.

THE results of the Gordon-Bennett balloon race, as

announced in the daily papers, show that the sixteen competitors who started from Paris on Sunday afternoon all landed within a belt comprised between the meridians of 1° east and 1° west of Greenwich. The longest and most northerly journeys were those of Lieut. Lahm (U.S.A.), who landed near Whitby-about 400 miles from Paris after a journey of 23 hours; Signor Vonwiller (Italy), near Hull; Comte de la Vaulx (France), near Walsingham, four miles from the Norfolk coast; and the Hon. C. S. Rolls, near Sandringham. A second group landed in the south of England, this group comprising M. J. Balsan (France), at Singleton, near Chichester; Prof. Huntington (Great Britain), at Sittingbourne, Kent; and Captain Kindelan (Spain), near Chichester. The next group were carried from Paris in directions between west and north-west, and landed on or near a strip of the French coast extending from Dieppe to near Caen. These were Herr Scherle (Germany), near Dieppe; Mr. F. H. Butler (England), Comte de Castillon (France), and Señor Salamanca (Spain), all three at Blonville, near Trouville; Baron von Hewald (Germany), at Coudé, near the mouth of the Seine; Captain von Abercron (Germany), at Villerssur-Mer; and Lieut. Herrera (Spain), at Cabourg. A little south of this group, M. Santos Dumont landed at Broglie after having met with an accident to his arm. A different course was followed by the Belgian competitor, M. van den Driesche, who landed at Bretigny, a place 19 miles south of Paris, soon after midnight.

SIMULTANEOUSLY with this competition, another of the same character, in which seven balloons took part, started from Milan. This was one of a number of aeronautical

competitions organised during the month of September in connection with the exhibitions, other contests be.ng arranged for aëroplanes, machines, and models, both with and without motive power. Whether owing to this clashing or to other causes, the aëronautical pavilion at the Milan Exhibition shows a remarkable dearth of exhibits, the only really successful attempt at a complete and wellorganised exhibit being that of the Prussian Aeronautical Observatory in Lindenburg. These exhibits mostly illus trated apparatus for the meteorological study of the upper layers of the atmosphere, and their systematic display under the charge of Prussian officials in their smart military uniforms only made the absence of other important exhibits the more conspicuous.

THE second International Conference on Wireless Telegraphy, which is now sitting in Berlin, is likely to prove of great interest and importance from both the national and commercial points of view. Delegates from nearly all countries have accepted the German Government's invitation, and are now in Berlin. The preliminary conference If of 1903, which was also convoked by the German Govertment with the hope of securing general support for its contention that intercommunication between ships fitted

It may be that the kinetic theory of gases is even now regarded as being less complete and perfect in itself than many other physical theories, such as the electromagnetic theory of light. But the study of irreversible phenomena stands on a far higher order of difficulty than that of purely reversible effects. it has been impossible to build up a statistically irreversible. system out of reversible elements without

with wireless telegraphy apparatus and shore stations should be made compulsory without regard to the system employed-ended in a protocol embodying the German view bring signed by all the delegates attending the conference except those of Great Britain and Italy. The basis of the discussions at the present conference will be the protocol above mentioned, though further proposals arising out of the recommendations contained therein have been put forward. At first sight the proposition of universal intercommunication seems to have considerable attractions, but many difficulties will have to be overcome before it can be carried out. The present conference may, therefore, have greater issues and unforeseen results than are expected, and the scientific world will be especially interested, as should the proposed treaty be entered into by our delegates who are drawn from the Post Office officials, the Army, and the Navy-future improvements in wireless telegraphy would be more or less confined to a specified basis. As to which is the best system of wireless telegraphy of the many now at work, the question is one that may well puzzle the delegates, and may take many years of practical working of wireless telegraphy before it can be satisfactorily answered.

A SHORT description of a new method of colour photcgraphy, described by Prof. Lippmann before the Paris Academy on July 30, was given in NATURE of August 30 (p. 459). Mr. F. Cheshire, writing from the Birkbeck College, London, states that Mr. Julius Rheinberg suggested in the British Journal of Photography of January 1, 1904, a method which is, I think, identical for all prac tical purposes with that now proposed by M. Lippmann. We have referred Mr. Cheshire's letter to Prof. Lippmann, who, in the reply with which he has favoured us, expresses regret that he overlooked Mr. Rheinberg's article, and agrees that the method proposed in it is the same in principle as that described by him. Prof. Lippmann adds that about three years ago he obtained successful results by this method, using very imperfect apparatus, still in his laboratory, and a grating roughly made by hand. In July last he obtained a more suitable grating, and the results of his experiments with it were described in his recent

paper.

THE fifteenth International Geodetic Congress was held at Budapest last week. Sir George Darwin invited the congress to meet at Cambridge in 1909.

ON September 27 a series of severe earthquakes was felt at San Juan de Puertorico, and a sharp and prolonged earthquake shock occurred at St. Thomas, Danish West Indies.

THE Vienna correspondent of the Daily Chronicle announces that Herculaneum is to be excavated by the united action of England, France, Germany, Italy, the United States, and other countries.

To honour Prof. Ronald Ross, Prof. Boyce, and Dr. J. L. Todd, and in recognition of the decoration recently conferred on them by the King of the Belgians for services in research into tropical diseases at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, the Lord Mayor of Liverpool gave a luncheon at the Town Hall on Monday. Sir Alfred Jones announced that the King of the Belgians has just subscribed the sum of 1000l. to the Liverpool School.

THE first International Congress for Cancer Research met last week at Frankfurt-on-Main under the presidency of Profs. von Leyden, Czerny, and Ehrlich. All those

invited to take part in the work of the congress are actively engaged in cancer research, and a number of important papers were contributed, so many, in fact, that discussion had to be restricted; and the clinical, experimental, and statistical branches of the cancer problem were fully represented. Their Royal Highnesses the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Baden were present at the opening

ceremony.

THE Council of the Institution of Civil Engineers has, in addition to the medals and prizes given for communications discussed at the meetings of the institution in the last session, made the following awards in respect of other papers dealt with in 1905-6-a Telford gold medal to Mr. G. A. Denny; a George Stephenson gold medal to Prof. W. E. Dalby; Telford premiums to Messrs. W. R. Baldwin-Wiseman, G. N. Abernethy, H. R. C. Blagden, M. R. Collins, and James Kelly; a Crampton prize to Mr. P. T. Gask. For students' papers the awards are:Miller prizes to Messrs. Ralph Freeman, A. F. Harrison, A. J. Grindling, T. R. Grigson, J. W. D. Ball, and A. Morris. Mr. A. F. Harrison also gained the James Prescott Joule medal. The awards will be presented on Tuesday, November 6, when an inaugural address will be delivered by the president, Sir Alexander B. W. Kennedy,

F.R.S.

THE authorities of the Clifton Zoological Gardens, Bristol, have recently made considerable improvements designed for the increased comfort and display of their collections. Two years ago a new lion house was built, having the cages within communicating with four openair ones iron barred on three sides. The animals placed in these cages showed so distinct a preference for the open air, and improved so materially, that the older range of houses has been entirely reconstructed, and was thrown open to the public on Saturday, September 22, for the first time. As now reconstructed, seven open-air cages are placed along the front of the old house, and communicate with the dens within. The cages are lofty, being between 10 feet and 12 feet in height, about 12 feet wide, and 14 feet long. They are supported upon a brickwork base 4 feet in height, and separated from the public by a stout iron rail, placed 3 feet away from the cage fronts. It is noteworthy that a Rhesus monkey was formerly kept in an outer cage in the gardens for quite a number of years, winter and summer alike, and fared well even in hard frost and snow. When taken into the monkey house, however, it quickly sickened and died.

on

THE news of the death of Monsignor Molloy, ViceChancellor of the Royal University of Ireland and Rector of the Catholic University, Dublin, will be received with deep regret by all who knew him in Dublin and elsewhere. Mgr. Molloy was one of the delegates to the Aberdeen University celebrations, and died suddenly at the house of his host in Aberdeen on Monday morning. Dr. Molloy was born at Mount Tallant House, near Dublin, September 10, 1834, so that he was in his seventy-third year. From 1874-1887 he was professor of natural philosophy in the Roman Catholic University College, Dublin. From an obituary notice in the Times we learn that toward the close of 1883 the bishops, who were the governing body of the University, transformed the old buildings in Stephen's Green to the Jesuit Order, and the Rev. W. Delany became president under the new régime. Dr. Molloy remained in residence in the college, and, putting his talents as a teacher at the disposal of the new administration, he succeeded Dean Neville, of Cork, as Rector of

« PreviousContinue »