Trans. N. V. Ac. Sci. 46 Nov. 28, 



that is, we get a knowledge of the machinery with which the functions 

 of life are accomplished, a knowledge of the order and manner in 

 which these functions are performed ; but the primum mobile, the real 

 " power behind the throne," remains as yet unseen and unknown to us. 



November 28, 1881. 



Lecture Evening. 



The President, Dr. J. S. Newberry, in the Chair. 



The hall was filled to overflowing. 



In introducing the lecturer of the evening, the President stated : 



'Captain Cheyne asks you to examine his plans carefully. He has 

 been with three expeditions to the Arctic regions, and has spent there 

 five and a half years. He has been there under so many circumstances 

 that he knows, perhaps better than any other man, the difficulties to be 

 encountered and how to overcome them. He comes recommended by 

 the highest authorities in England. His plan is not chimerical, and it 

 is certainly heroic. Men will yet surely go to the Pole, if they have to 

 crawl there on their hands and knees ; and an enterprise of this kind is 

 worthy of attention in these days, if only to withdraw the minds of 

 men from their shops and money-getting and purely selfish occupa- 

 tions." 



Commander John P. Cheyne, R. N., F. R. G. S , then delivered 

 the following lecture : 



The Discovery of the North Pole Practicable. 



(Abstract.) 



Reference was first made to the large number of local committees — 

 sixty-two — and of influential persons in England who have signified 

 their approval of this enterprise. 



A Council has been formed in England and is now awaiting the 

 news from America. As soon as it has heard of action taken here 

 toward the formation of an Anglo-American expedition, the members 

 of the Council will bestir themselves. It was originally designed, by 

 means of an expedition, the cost of which would have been about 

 ^30,000, to include the circumnavigation of Greenland, besides the 

 journey to the North Pole. 



The following plan is proposed for reaching the Pole. A small vessel 

 will be engaged to convey the exploring party, with provisions for 

 two years and a half, to St. Patrick's Bay, near Discovery Harbor, 

 leave them there, and immediately return. The party will consist of 



