264 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 



explained — reference being made to the electrometer recently invented by hinl, 

 which was produced for inspection. 



The nature of evaporation was next explained, and the various phenomena 

 identified with this important agent — as the formation of dew, fog, clouds, rain, 

 &c. &c. — severally pointed out; and the various instruments, constructed for 

 measuring and determining the quantities of each, minutely described. The 

 effects of cold and electricity upon the atmosphere were considered, and a brief 

 review taken of the various natural phenomena included in the science of Mete- 

 orology. The lecturer concluded his discourse with some apposite remarks on 

 the importance of philosophical studies in general, and appealing to the fairer and 

 gentler portion of the audience, urged upon iherti the importance of looking " upon 

 philosophy with a kindly eye — not considering it as a difficult or uninteresting 

 pursuit, beyond the reach of their capacity, but regarding it as the sure guide to \ 

 thinking and acting, and esteeming the power of taking a rational or philosophical 

 view as essential to real education ; for," continued the lecturer, " it is not neces- 

 sary that a person should be what is termed scientific to be a philosopher, for aj 

 poor person, and even a child give proofs of a philosophical mind when, as they . 

 sometimes do, they observe and act truly according to the relations in which they jj 

 are placed. Besides, who that has once felt the emotion excited by the per- 

 ception of a grand or beautiful principle in Nature will deny, that this state of 

 the mind, elevated to the contemplation of a sublime first cause, is not in itself* 

 an homage — a tacit hallelujah V This lecture, like the former, was illustrated 

 with a number of interesting experiments. 



On the motion of Dr. Conolly, a vote of thanks to the lecturer was carried by 

 acclamation. 



On Tuesday evening, Feb. 6, Mr. T. Wright delivered the first of a course of 

 lectures on Fossil Organic Remains. We were glad to see the subject attract so 

 numerous an audience as was present upon the occasion, and we doubt not, as 

 the subject will necessarily increase in interest as it proceeds, that the entire 

 course will prove extensively popular. 



In his introduction, which was most eloquently written throughout, Mr. 

 Wright glanced at the rapid progress which physical science had made -within 

 the last half century. The discoveries in Chemistry, Electricity, and Magnetism, 

 with those more connected with the subject of his proposed course of Lectures, 

 namely, Geology, and Comparative Physiology, were all briefly alluded to, as 

 themes inspiring sentiments of exalted admiration. Had our limits permitted, 

 we should have been glad to have availed ourselves of Mr. Wright's permission, 

 and extracted largely from this portion of the lecture. As it is, however, we 

 tnust confine ourselves to one or two of the most striking passages. 



