OF ARTS AND SCIENCES. 



85 



He thought there could be little doubt that the members of the 

 nitrogen series are isodimorphs, forming two isomorphous series, 

 one rhombic and the other monometric ; and that it was highly- 

 probable that the residuals he had noticed in some of the ele- 

 ments might be owing to a difference in the atomic weights 

 of those elements in their two allotropic states. 



An interesting discussion followed Professor Cooke's commu- 

 nication, in which Professor W. B. Rogers, Professor H. D. 

 Rogers, and Professor Peirce took part. It was stated by- 

 Professor Peirce that the number seven, omitted in the common 

 differences between the atomic weights of the elements, was 

 also omitted in the series of fractions representing the relative 

 distances of the planets from the sun, and the distribution of 

 leaves around the stem of a plant. 



Professor Agassiz made a communication on the funda- 

 mental law of distribution of organic forms. Further remarks 

 on the same subject were made by Professor H. D. Rogers, in 

 respect to its geological relations ; by Dr. Pickering, who de- 

 scribed the method he had followed in his researches respect- 

 ing the distribution of animals ; and by Professor Peirce. 



Three liiiudred aud ninety-second meeting. 



January 10, 1854. — Semi-Monthly Meeting. 



The President in the chair. 



The Corresponding Secretary, by appointment, acted as Re- 

 cording Secretary, after the reading of the proceedings of the 

 last meeting by J. Hale Abbott, the Secretary pro tern, of 

 that meeting. 



Dr. Hayes made a verbal communication on the disappear- 

 ance of marsh-gas (light carbnretted hydrogen) in nature, — 

 occurring, as he had ascertained, by its spontaneous combus- 

 tion, converting it into carbonic acid and water at ordinary 

 temperatures, even at 32° Fahr. He had ascertained the same 

 fact in respect to carbonic oxide also. 



Remarks on this communication were made by Professor 

 Cooke and Professor Horsford. 



