198 PROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY 



ferent series, instead of between those of the same series. In the 

 new method, the different constants are not computed independently 

 of each other, but by such successive steps, that any error or defect of 

 approximation continually diminishes in its effect, and gradually dies 

 out. This want of independence of computation may sometimes be 

 regretted, but since the whole series of constants is usually needed at 

 the same time, it will oftener be a gain, for it will give the means of 

 verifying the whole series by a iew independent computations cor- 

 rected by Leverrier's tables. The two methods are not, therefore, to 

 be regarded as antagonistic, but rather as complementary. 



" I have the honor of laying upon the table my formulse, and a table 

 of the coefficients of my fundamental auxiliary series, computed with 

 great care by Mr. J. D. Runkle, who is an assistant in the prepara- 

 tion of the Nautical Almanac.'''' 



Mr. Teschemacher read a paper on two minerals, Struvife 

 and Gahnite, giving an historical account of them, and show- 

 ing their identity. He also exhibited specimens of native 

 bicarbonate of ammonia, taken from a deposit, said to be of 

 great extent, found on the shore of Terra del Fuego. 



Professor Guyot gave a verbal account of the method for- 

 merly pursued, and the instruments employed, in the meteo- 

 rological observations made throughout the State of New 

 York; also of the system now adopted by the Regents of the 

 University of that State, to be carried on uniformly at a great 

 number of stations, established under his supervision, in con- 

 formity with the plan recommended by the Secretary of the 

 Smithsonian Institution. He hoped that this system would 

 be adopted in all the States, and thus uniformity, and a ready 

 mode of comparing the results, be secured. He concluded 

 by offering a preamble and resolutions, with a view of obtain- 

 ing the cooperation and aid of the Legislature of Massachusetts 

 in establishing such meteorological observations in Massachu- 

 setts, in connection with the contemplated sanitary survey of 

 the State ; and moved that a committee be appointed to take 

 the subject into consideration. Messrs. Guyot, Peirce, Lov- 

 ering, Tread well, and Bo wen were appointed the committee. 



