Intelligence and Miscellaneous Articles. 15 



tenth cubic inch of hydrogen was yielded in 4-5", at the second 

 position in 210". Testing the same phsenomenon by the 

 needle, the first position gave a permanent deflection of 60°, 

 and the second of 45°. By the first method the difference 

 detected was equal to the value of the difference between 45 

 and 210, or 165. By the second, the difference was equal to 

 that between 60 and 45, or 15. Had the divisions of the 

 needle galvanometer been in seconds, or in thirds, or even in 

 tenths of degrees, its indications would still have been inferior 

 in delicacy to those which the watch and meter thus afforded, 

 with the utmost precision and facility. 



72. It will appear subsequently that this superior precision, 

 readiness and certainty, do not constitute the only advantages 

 presented over the magnetic needle, and are not the only rea- 

 sons why this particular method of experimenting should be 

 preferred. 



XI. Intelligence and Missellaneous Articles. 



THE HERSCHEL DINNER. 



WE deem it proper to record briefly in this Journal the circum- 

 stances attendant on the recent festival in honour of Sir John 

 F. W. Herschel, and in commemoration of his return from Southern 

 Africa, after having executed a minute astronomical survey of the 

 Southern Hemisphere, in accordance with the intention and in fur- 

 therance of the design of his illustrious father. A meeting of the 

 leading men of science and officers of various scientific institutions 

 in the metropolis having taken place in the apartments of the Geolo- 

 gical Society, at a time when the arrival of Sir J. Herschel in his 

 native land was daily expected, to consider and arrange the best 

 means of giving him that welcome with which every lover of know- 

 ledge was eager to greet him, it was resolved that a pubhc dinner 

 should be held on the occasion, to which he should be invited, and 

 a vase of silver, to be purchased by the subscriptions of the friends 

 of science, presented to him. Forty-six Stewards were appointed, 

 including several noblemen distinguished by their patronage of 

 science, or their connexion with scientific institutions ; His Royal 

 Highness the Duke of Sussex, K.G,, P.R.S., having consented 

 to take the Chair, and R. I. Murchison, Esq., F.R.S., V.P.G.S., 

 was appointed Honorary Secretary. The following is a list of the 

 Stewards : 



H, R. H. THE DUKE OF SUSSEX, K.G., P.R.S., in the Chair. 



STEWARDS. 



His Grace the Duke of Northumberland, K.G., F.R.S. 



The Marquess of Lansdowne, K.G., F.R.S. 



The Marquess of Northampton, V.P.R.S., F.G.S. 



The Earl Fitzwilliam, F.R.S., F.S.A. 



The Earl of Burlington, V.P.R.S., Chancellor of the Univ. Lend. 



The Bishop of Norwich, P.L.S., F.G.S. 

 Airy, G. B., F.R.S., Astron. Royal. I Baily, F., Treas. R.S., P.R.A.S. 



Babbage, C, F.K.S., Luc. Prof. Camb. 1 Beaufort, Capt., R.N.,F.R.S.,F.R.AJ5. 



