XXll. 



Prof. Nipher gave a discussion of the change in the position of 

 the gravitation of equipotential surfaces in a region occupied by 

 a liquid, the discussion involving the density of the liquid and of 

 the testing unit of the mass. 



Dr. Liideking answered some questions concerning his paper 

 on ''Anomalous Densities of Fused Bismuth," read at the last 

 meeting. 



Prof. Nipher gave the generally accepted explanation of the 

 eftect of oil in preventing the breaking of weaves, in response to a 

 question by Dr. Hulbert. 



Jmiuary ibtk, t888. 



President Nipher in the chair ; fourteen members present. 

 The President made the following annual report : 



Gentlemen of the Academy : 



At the close of another year we pause for a moment before entering upon 

 the duties of the new year. I think we may fairly say that we have made 

 definite progress — that we ai-e carrying out the objects for which the Acad- 

 emy was founded. I wish that we might be able soon to realize the great 

 prosperity to which we have been looking forward so long, that we might 

 be in possession of a home of our own, and that we might feel that our 

 valuable Library was safe against fire. Perhaps if we continue to justify 

 our right to exist by the publication of the scientic work of our members, 

 some citizen will yet put us in possession of these good things. As I take 

 it, the main object to be accomplished by us, in addition to such advance- 

 ment as we may be able to make in scientific learning, is to arouse a local 

 interest in scientific work. 



There are occasionally young men to be found, who need only to be 

 once initiated into the joys of the student of science, and they develop into 

 great and useful men. If we can succeed in producing one man of this 

 kind, we shall have rendered a valuable service. 



It is to be expected that our Academy shall be fairly representative of 

 the condition of science in our city, and of the scientific features of the 

 region which we inhabit. Money alone cannot bring us scientific men. 

 We must furnish the conditions which will make it possible for them to 

 live and grow here, and money is only one of those conditions. 



It is of course desirable that our publications shall be mainly the pro- 

 ductions of our own members, but, as we agree that we as an Academy 

 shall represent the region in which we live, we may fairly welcome the 

 productions of others who may have strayed upon our domain, and who 

 may have something to teach us of our local geology, or of the plants or 



