1858.] Astronomical Experiment on the Peak of Teneriffe. 497 



exhibits the phenomena of subaerial volcanic action, at elevations 

 extending from 9000 to 12,200 feet. 



Having exhibited the prevailing colours by a vertical light, a 

 ray of electric light was next thrown upon the model, at a low 

 angle, so as to bring out the forms, and especially the angle of 

 slope, pf the various cones and craters.] 



Studied in this manner, the model will yield so much informa- 

 tion, that I will not venture to detain the audience longer, save 

 with a very few words on the social bearing of this astronomical 

 experiment on the Peak of Teneriffe. The claims of science to 

 respect amongst men, for its services in promoting the union of 

 nations and the brotherhood of mankind, have been often dwelt on. 

 Of this admirable and humanizing tendency, is not our experiment 

 on Teneriffe an example, within its little range ? See an observer 

 sent out by the English Government, received in a fortified town of 

 the Spaniards, not only without distrust, but as frankly as if one 

 of themselves. And did they suffer by it ? We took no notes of 

 their forts and guns, and military array, we applied ourselves to 

 our scientific business alone ; and if we have brought away anything 

 more from Teneriffe than what I have already had the honour of 

 describing to you, it is, respect and admiration for the Spanish 

 character ; and grand ideas of the results to astronomy as well as 

 some other sciences, if this first experiment, this mere trial of a new 

 method, be annually repeated, and energetically followed out. 



[C. P. S.] 



WEEKLY EVENING MEETING, 



Friday, March 12. 



Thb Duke of Northumberland, K.G. F.R.S. President, 

 in the Chair. 



William B. Carpenter, M.D. F.R.S. 



On the Lmvest (Rhizopod) Type of Animal Life, considered in its 

 relations to Physiology, Zoology, and Geology, 



Among the unexpected revelations which the modem improved 

 microscope has made to the scientific investigator, there is perhaps 

 none more fertile in interest, than that which relates to the very 

 lowest type of animal existence ; from the study of which both the 



