Zoological Society, 211 



Nor was any change produced, either by an increase of temperature 

 or by a variation in the hydrometric state. 



The details are then given of a very elaborate series of experiments 

 with atmospheric air, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, muriatic acid, 

 carbonic acid, sulphurous acid, sulphuretted hydrogen, and other 

 gases, undertaken with the view of comparing one with another 

 under a great variety of modifications. 



In conclusion, the author remarks, •* Thus induction appears to be 

 essentially an action of contiguous particles, through the interme- 

 diation of which the electric force originating or appearing at a cer- 

 tain place, is propagated to or sustained at a distance, appearing there 

 as a force of the same kind and exactly equal in amount, but oppo- 

 site in its direction and tendencies. Induction requires no sensible 

 thickness in the conductors which may be used to limit its extent, 

 for anun-insulated leaf of gold may be made very highly positive on one 

 surface, and as highly negative on the other while the induction con- 

 tinues without the least interference of the two states. But with 

 regard to dielectrics, or insulating media, the results are very differ- 

 ent ; for their thickness has an immediate and important influence 

 on the degree of induction. As to their quality, though all gases 

 and vapours are alike, whatever be their state, amongst solid bodies, 

 and between them and gases, there are differences which prove the 

 existence of specific inductive capacities." 



The author also refers to a transverse force with which the direct 

 inductive force is accompanied. The experimental proof of the ex- 

 istence of such a force, in all cases of induction, is, from its bearing 

 on the phsenomena of electro-magnetism and magneto -electricity, of 

 the highest importance, and we cannot but look forward with the 

 greatest interest to the promised communication in which these and 

 other phsenomena relating to this subject will be reviewed. 



ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 

 [Continued from vol. xi. p. 474.] 



January 10, 1837. — A paper was read, entitled " Observations on 

 the Phosphorescence of the Ocean, made during a voyage from 

 England to Sydney, N.S. Wales.'* By George Bennett, Esq., F.L.S., 

 Corresp. Member of the Society. 



The author commences this paper with adverting to the very slight 

 progress which naturalists have made in their attempts to elucidate 

 the history of the phsenomena connected with the phosphorescence 

 of the ocean, and notices some of the imaginary advantages which 

 former observers have attributed to its presence ; among others that 

 of its indicating to mariners the existence of shoals and soundings, 

 a circumstance which his own experience has not enabled him to 

 confirm. He then proceeds to remark, that the sea, when phospho- 

 rescent, exhibits two distinct kinds of luminosity, one in which its 

 surface appears studded with scintillations of the most vivid descrip- 

 tion, more particularly apparent as the waves are broken by the vio- 

 lence of the wind or by the passage of the ship through them, as 

 though they were electric sparks produced by the collision, and which 



2A2 



