246 



1853; with a brief history of each vessel's service and fate, as 

 appears upon record. Compiled by Lieut. George F. Emmons, 

 U. S. N. &c. &c. Washington, 1853. Ato.— -From the Author. 

 Report of the State Librarian to the Legislature of Pennsylvania, 

 with a Catalogue of Books for 1856. Harrisburg. 8vo. — From 

 James J. Barclay^ Esq. 



Dr. Le Conte announced the death of Prof. J. W. Bailey, a 

 member of this Society, who died at West Point, N. Y. on the 

 26th of February last. 



Prof. Trego laid upon the table a number of specimens of 

 crystallized slags from the Glendon iron works, at Easton, 

 Pennsylvania. 



These crystals have generally the primary and modified 

 forms common to the varieties of the mineral called avgite or 

 pyroxene, which is a silicate of lime and magnesia. The spe- 

 cimens have not been analyzed; but from the form and struc- 

 ture of the crystals, Prof. Trego was inclined to consider them 

 as similar in composition to augite. The limestones in the vi- 

 cinity of Easton generally contain a portion of magnesia, and 

 used as a flux in the furnace would supply lime and magnesia, 

 with perhaps some silica, while the ore would afford silica and 

 iron; thus furnishing the necessary ingredients for the forma- 

 tion of a substance similar in composition, as well as in crys- 

 tallization, to augite. 



A discussion ensued, in which a number of the members 

 took part, on the effects of magnesia n limestones when used as 

 a flux for iron ores, and on the operation of lime burned from 

 them when applied as a manure for soils and for other pur- 

 poses. 



On motion of Dr. William Harris, it was agreed that a com- 

 mittee be aj)pointed to consult with JNIr. J. R. Lambdin, rela- 

 tive to the painting of a portrait of the late Dr. E. K. Kane, 

 and to report to the Society at a future meeting. Dr. W. Har- 

 ris, Mr. Justice, and Prof. Trego, were appointed as the com- 

 mittee. 



Several manuscripts sent to the Society by Mr. E. Godfrey 

 Rehrer were laid upon the table. They consist of an original 

 subscription book, dated July 4, 1786, for raising funds to 



