Dubois.] 202 [February. 



The Queen of England having sent a present to the King of Siam, 

 of a photographic apparatus, it was confided to this minister of State, 

 and by the help of a Prussian artist who was on his way to Japan, 

 and also of an English treatise which was read to him by an Ameri- 

 can missionary, he became acquainted with the principles and prac- 

 tice, and taught them to his son. These pictures are some of his 

 productions. One of them is a portrait of himself, in a costume fitted 

 to a warm climate. They were brought as a present from him, to 

 several of the officers of the United States Mint, in care of Dr. House, 

 returning to this country on a visit. 



It is most interesting to observe the march of this admirable art, 

 not waiting for the previous civilization which might seem requisite 

 to give a taste for it, or at least a capacity for using it. But a little 

 reflection will show that its products are exactly fitted to wake up the 

 torpid mind, and to convince even the barbarian, of the intrinsic 

 value of the arts and sciences, and of the social status which produces 

 them. 



Mr. P. E. Chase communicated an account of a gas explo- 

 sion at Haverford College. Prof. Cresson made some remarks 

 to elucidate the explosions which take place from defective 

 gas pipes. 



Pending nominations Nos. 541, 547 and 548, were read. 



And the Society was adjourned. 



Stated Meeting, February 16, 1866. 



Present, thirteen members. 

 Dr. Wood, President, in the Chair. 



A letter of acceptance was read from Dr. H. C. Wood, 

 dated Philadelphia, February 5th, 1866. 



A letter was read announcing the decease of a member, 

 E. J. Bring, of Lund, dated Stockholm, 27th 11th month, 

 1865. 



A letter desiring exchanges was received from C. H. Hart, 

 Corresponding Secretary of the Numismatic and Antiquarian 

 Society of Philadelphia, which Society was, on motion, 



