Proceedings of the Society of Arts. 403 



Casemakers, &c. ; also of Paper Hangings with Metallic and other groundfl 

 were exhibited and presented to the Society by Sir John Robison, K. H., 

 Sec. R. S. E.j M. S. A. The special thanks of the Society were given 

 from the Chair to Sir John, for the donation of these very beautiful and 

 elegant specimens (some of them priced), and for the interest he has all 

 along felt for the improvement of the useful arts in this country, by in- 

 troducing whatever is new and useful from foreign countries. 



5. A new Gimblet (French) not liable to burst the wood it passes 

 through, and not requiring to be drawn out until the hole be completed^ 

 was also exhibited by Sir John Robison. This gimblet M'as much ad- 

 mired ; cuts clean, and makes a beautifully smooth circular hole. Sir 

 John mentioned that he hoped they would be soon manufactured in this 

 country, as he had sent patterns to some of the English tool-makers. 

 — Thanks voted. 



7. Mr Bald exhibited — 1. An ancient piece of Point-work (needle- 

 work) by a Nun, and supposed to be some hundred years' old, at least 

 in the time of the Charleses of England. Also a specimen of modem 

 Point-work, worthy the attention of Ayrshire embroiderers, as a work for 

 females, or ladies retired, as an occupation yielding emolument. Mr 

 Bald also read a Dissertation upon this kind of work, sent him by two 

 ladies. At the request of the members, Mr Bald agreed to place these 

 specimens in tlic shop of Mr Blackwood, 43 George Street, for the in- 

 spection of the ladies. 2. An ancient Fan, the work of France or Italy, 

 at least 160 years old ; the drawing upon it in Indian ink is exquisite, 

 representing the union of philosophy with religion. 3. Two Busts, cut 

 in Ivory, from France, a male and female figure, most exquisitely and 

 symmetrically carved. Thanks were voted to Mr Bald for the exhibition 

 of these specimens. 



8. Donation. — General Tables for computing the Obliquity of the Eclip- 

 tic ; converting Mean Solar into Sidereal Time, &c. &c., with the Cata- 

 logues of Bessel and Brinkley, &c. By William Galbraith, M.A. Se- 

 cond Edition. Edin. 1836. From the Author. — Thanks. 



9. Donation. — Barometric Tables for the use of Engineers, Geologists^ 

 and Scientific Travellers. By William Galbraith, M.A. Edinburgh, 1833. 

 From the Author. — Thanks. 



Onesiphorous Tyndall Bruce of Falkland, F.R.S.E., was admitted as 

 an Ordinary Member. The Society adjourned to 28th March. 



March 28. — Sir John Graham Dalyell, Kt., President, in 

 the chair. The following communications were laid before the 

 Society : — 



1. On the expediency of forming national establishments for moulding 

 and casting works of art, with observations on the improvements which 

 would result from the adoption of such a measure. By Charles H. "^^'il* 

 son, Esq. R.I.A. & A.S.A. Communicated by Sir John Robison, K.H., 



