IBSdiJ the Advancement of Science. 2\\ 



for low temperatures not for higher ; the comprehensive 

 formula of Dulong and Petit deduced from exact experi- 

 ments ; the application of Libri to various cases ; the mathe- 

 matical theory of Fourier ; the exchange of temperature, 

 their mathematical consequences and application to the 

 theory of the earth ; he made of all these to bear upon 

 geological phenomena, internal heat, and the peculiar high 

 temperature of the earth. 



8. Dr. AUman explained his theory of a geometrical con- 

 nexion between the elementary cells and tubes of plants, 

 and their more complex organs, illustrating his views by 

 models. He traced a mathematical arrangement in the 

 different parts, and proposed some theoretical laws of their 

 distribution. 



9. Mr. Snow Harris on the nature of electrical attraction 

 with experiments. The author is of opinion, that neither 

 the theory of one nor of two fluids, explains all the pheno- 

 mena of electrical attraction and repulsion. He makes 

 exceptions to the law of the inverse square of the distance, 

 as much depends upon the state and circumstances of the 

 bodies as evinced by delicate experiments. He exhibited 

 his apparatus for measuring the force of attraction between 

 electrified plates and spheres. Some observations made by 

 Professor Powell and Mr. Whewell shewed that plates will 

 attract nearly as the inverse distance of the molecules at- 

 tract in the inverse square. Mr. S. Harris explained, and 

 remarked, that it was not his object to refute the theory of 

 Melloni, or the law of the inverse square of the distance, but 

 that his views were perfectly consistent with facts, and 

 enabled him beforehand to estimate the degree of the at- 

 tractive focus acting on substances of all shapes, at all dis^ 

 tances, by conduced and induced electric action. Professor 

 Stevelly made some remarks to reconcile theory with ex- 

 periment. 



10. Dr. Reid read a paper on the form and construction of 

 buildings intended for public assemblies, and on the com- 

 munication of sound in them ; interruption of the unity of 

 tone was the great source of confusion or loss of sound in 

 buildings by reverberation. He illustrated his views of the 

 propagation of sound, by several facts not generally known, 

 from which it appeared that the subject is as yet but little 



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