528 Proceedings. 



The writer had been investigating this acid (characteristic of the 

 aconite plant, or monk's-liood, but which in the arts is obtained from 

 citric acid), and had discovered some interesting reactions — one almost 

 unique in chemical experience — which were described. By an accidental 

 oversight in preparing the acid— boiling a solution for ten hours instead 

 of five — he found he had obtained an acid of quite different character. 

 This, submitted to the usual tests, proved to be diconic acid. This dis- 

 covery, Professor Eascerfield explained, was of importance. Diconic acid, 

 owing to the tedious process necessary for its production — long boiling 

 in closed tubes, under pressure, having been necessary — had been little 

 studied. Mr. Bee had now opened the path for any one who wished to 

 investigate the subject, as the acid could now be readily prepared in open 

 vessels, and in any quantity required. 



3. " Notes on some New Lepidoptera from Lake Waka- 

 tipu," by G. V. Hudson, F.E.S. (with exhibits). 



Exhibit. — Professor Easterfield exhibited a hot-air engine, 

 and explained its use. 



Seventh Meeting: 17 tk December, 1903. 

 The President, Professor Easterfield, in the chair. 



Governors of Neiv Zealand Instikite. — On the motion of 

 Mr. G. Hogben, seconded by Mr. A. McKay, Professor Easter- 

 field and Mr. Martin Chapman were appointed to represent 

 the Society on the Board of Governors of the New Zealand 

 Institute. 



Paper. — "On Anatomy of Paryphanta fumosa," by 

 R. Murdoch. 



Annual Meeting : 13th April, 1904. 

 Professor Easterfield, President, in the chair. 

 Nciu Member. — Alfred Cockayne. 



The annual report and balance-sheet was read and 

 approved. 



The receipts were given as £176 14s. 2d., and the expenditure 

 £103 5s. 2d., leaving a balance in hand of £73 9s. 



The Research Fund— a fixed deposit in the bank — now amounts to 

 £38 15s. 9d., which increases the credit balance to £112 4s. 9d. 



Election of Officers for 1904. — President — Professor 

 Easterfield ; Vice-Presidents — G. Hogben, M. A., and E. Tregear, 

 F.R.G.S. ; Council—^. C. Harding, G. V. Hudson, F.E.S., 

 Professor H. B. Kirk, C. E. Adams, B.Sc, Sir James Hector, 

 E.R.S., Martin Chapman, and C. T. Richardson. 



Papers. — 1. " On the Occurrence of Starch in Timber," 

 by Professor Kirk. 



2. "On the Constitution of some Resin-acids," by Pro- 

 fessor Easterfield. 



