292 



(Continued from p. 176.) 



Another exactly similar retort-house, standing within ninety 

 feet of the one destroyed, as well as several smaller buildings 

 around, was left comparatively uninjured. The conjecture 

 was ventured that the waves of the gust may have corre- 

 sponded in time with the normal vibrations of a roof of that 

 particular shape and area. Upon this possibility, when the 

 building is reconstructed, such isochronous vibrations will be 

 guarded against by a lattice-work of horizontal braces from 

 wall to wall, at an angle of forty-five degrees from end to end 

 of the building, stiffened by girders. In attempting to escape, 

 two of the workmen were killed ; the rest, paralyzed by terror, 

 crouched on the floor, and were all saved. The building fell 

 forward, in the direction of the wind, the roof falling partly 

 outside of the fallen walls. Professor Cresson contrasted those 

 narrow, vortical, undulatory meteors which prove so destruc- 

 tive when they traverse the American forest. Mr. Lesley 

 described the Medford (Mass.) storm of 1851, in which the 

 undulation of the tornado was rendered visible from each side 

 of its track by the column of mud which it absorbed and held 

 suspended in the air. 



The minutes of the Board of Ofiicers and Members of 

 Council were read; and, on motion of Prof. Cresson, the 

 resolution, recommended for the adoption of the Society, was 

 discussed, and, on motion of Judge King, postponed to the 

 next meeting. 



Pending nomination, No. 397, was read. 



The chairman of the Committee on the Hall reported the 

 selection and purchase of a carpet, and moved that the com- 

 mittee have authority granted them to renovate the principal 

 room of the Society and the Librarian's room, which was 

 granted. 



On motion of Mr. Fraley, the Librarian was authorized to 

 comply with the request of the Librarian of the Toronto Uni- 

 versity, and furnish Nos. of the Proceedings from No. 59 on- 

 ward, and place the Toronto University upon the list of Cor- 

 responding Societies. 



And the Society adjourned. 



