Record. xxxix 



ing to mathematical and optical principles. The invention of 

 the ophthalmoscope, by which the refraction can be deter- 

 mined objectively, of the ophthalmometer, which assures the 

 astigmatism of the cornea, and the introduction of remedies, 

 by which the accommodation can be paralyzed, followed in 

 rapid succession. By means of these instruments and meth- 

 ods of precision, the medical adviser is governed by well- 

 established laws in the selection of spectacles, and this now 

 belongs to the domain of science. 



The lecture was illustrated by a number of copies of old 

 paintings and by drawings. 



April 18, 1904. 



Attendance, twenty-five. 



President Edwin Harrison in the chair. 



The following were elected active members of the Acad- 

 emy : Dr. A. Siebert, Geo. H. Zollmann, Wm. F. Boyle. 



The lecture of the evening was delivered by Dr. Coulter, 

 being: "Typical Swamp Areas and their characteristic 

 Plants." The same was illustrated with lantern slides. 



May 2, 1904. 



Attendance, twentv-two. 



President Edwin Harrison iu the chair. 



A paper of Mr. B. F. Bush, on " The Genus Othake 

 Ratinesque" was presented by title by Prof. W. Trelease, and 

 referred to the Council for publication. 



Mr. Charles M. Rice was elected an active member. 



The lecture of the evening was delivered by Prof. Dr. L. 

 Wittmack of the Berlin Universitv, beino- a treatise on " Our 

 Knowledge of Prehistoric Seeds." He described the seeds 

 examined by him, from the pyramids of Egypt, from the 

 ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, from the mounds of North 

 America, and the excavations at Anco, in Peru. The seeds 

 from Egypt and Pompeii were chiefly : wheat, barley, 

 coreander, a large bean, lentils, olives, dates, plums, etc. ; but 



