J~* ANNUAL OI? SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY. 



definite or decided result, Mr. Baxter was ultimately, and perhaps naturally, 

 led to ask the question Dots magnetism possess any influence over chemical 

 action ? The solution of this question appeared to be almost a necessary 

 preliminary step to the continuation of Mr. Baxter's original inquiry. 



The author's investigations will be found detailed in the Edinburgh New 

 Philosophical Journal, No. 10. The following are the general conclusions 

 deduced from his investigations : 



1. Thai Magnetism (in its static or quiescent condition), does not excite or 

 originate chemical action. 



2. That when substances undergoing chemical action are submitted to the 

 'influence of magnetism (in its static or quiescent condition) no increase in the 

 chemical action is observed; but that, 



3. Under certain conditions during chemical action, the influence of mag- 

 netism is such as to indicate a directive influence over chemical action; this 

 influence being shown by a rotatory motion of the fluid around the pole of the 

 magnet. 



4. That it is not necessary for the production of this rotatory motion that the 

 solution should act chemically upon the iron bar forming the pole; for, if the 

 pole be surrounded by a metal ring, the rotation occurs, provided the solution 

 is capable of acting chemically upon this metal ring. 



5. That the influence of the magnet, as well as the existence of the chemical 

 action, and its continuation, are essential for the production of this rotation; 

 and, 



6. That the direction of the rotation is dependent upon thepo/es of the mag- 

 net, being contrary for each pole, 



DOES MAGNETISM INFLUENCE VEGETATION? 



Mr. H. F. Baxter states that the results of his inquiry into this subject are 

 negative : that is, no positive evidence has been obtained to show that Magne- 

 tism either docs or does not influence vegetation. After noticing the opinions 

 of Bccquerel, Dutrochct, and Wartmann, the author says: "As it may be 

 considered a law in vegetable physiology that all plants have a tendency, 

 during the germination of their seeds, to develop in two diametrically oppo- 

 site directions (the root and the stem), the question arose Might not this 

 direction be influenced or counteracted by submitting the seeds whilst germi- 

 nating to the influence of magnetic force? " Accordingly, a series of exper- 

 iments were undertaken by the author, which are classed under two principal 

 heads : 1st, Those in which the line of magnetic force was directed perpen- 

 dicularly to the plants; and 2d, In which the line of force was directed 

 transversely to the plants. The author gave details of the experiments, 

 which were varied and multiplied. Xo definite conclusions, however, could 

 be drawn from them relative to the effects of magnetism. Proceedings of the 

 Botanical Society of Edinburgh. 



MAGNETIC DISCREPANCIES. 



At Point Barrow, the ultima thule or north cape of the American continent, 

 between Mackenzie's River and Behring's Straits, the British relief ship 

 Plover waited for Sir John Franklin waited and hoped for two long years, 

 from the summer of 18-32 to the summer of 18-31, Avhen hope failed, and 

 her crew came home. During those two long, dreary, solid winter nights, 



