4f^ Proceedings of the ^oe'iet^ of Arts. 



Acoustics, Optics, Chemistry, besides some of national industry, 

 mental improvement, and the like. Although he deprecated 

 the too frequent change of management of such a Society, as 

 interrupting the regular course of great projects, it was essen- 

 tial to profit by the peculiar talents of different individuals. 

 He himself had ever endeavoured to promote the best interests 

 of the Society, as promoting public benefit, and he now retired 

 with the consciousness of having fulfilled his duty. 



The thanks of the Society were unanimously voted to the 

 Ofiice-Bearers for the past Session, and in particular to Sir 

 John Graham Dalyell, the President, for his able and impartial 

 conduct in the chair. 



23rf November 1840.— Andrew Fyfe., M. D., F. R. S. E., 

 President, in the chair. 



Before proceeding to the business of the evening, the 

 Society resolved, on the motion of the Secretary, to present 

 a loyal and dutiful address of congratulation to her Most Gra- 

 cious Majesty the Queen, on her Majesty's having given birth 

 to a Princess, and appointed a Committee to prepare and for- 

 ward the Address. The following communications were then 

 made : — 



1. Observations on the state of the Arts in Italy; with a brief account 

 of Cameo-cutting, Mosaic-work, Pietra Dura_, and also of some of the do- 

 mestic Arts, and mechanical contrivances of the Italians. By Charles H. 

 Wilson, Esq., architect, A. E. S. A., M. S. A., Edinburgh. Illustrative 

 Drawings and Sjiecimens Avere exhibited. (754.) Thanks voted, and to 

 be printed in the Transactions. 



2. Specimens of Pl.me Surfaces produced on Cast-Iron without grind- 

 ing, by Mr Joseijh Whitworth, engineer, Manchester, Hon. M. S. A. Com- 

 municated by Sir John Eobison, K. H., F. R. S. E., M. S. A. (756.) 



Mr Sang remarked, that grinding, when properly executed, produces a 

 much more perfect plane. Thanks voted to Sir Jolm Eobison. 



3. Description of the process of Daguerreotype, with Specimens and Dia- 

 grams demonstrating the action of light in that process, both in respect 

 to Landscape and Miniature Portraits. By Mr Thomas Davidson, optician, 

 12 Eoyal Exchange, Edinburgh. Communicated by Mungo Ponton, Esq., 

 F.E.S.E., Foreign Secretary. (745.) 



Mr Davidson described his improved apparatus, by which both Land- 

 scape and Miniature Portraits may be taken by merely reversing the lenses. 

 He also shewed his improved Camera, and his mode of polishing the plates, 

 which is done without oil. He explained the effect of light in that pro- 



