Kane.] 380 [February. 



abutments, or by a tie-band at the bottom. In the case of an arch 

 (or of its reverse, a suspension bridge), tliis disposition of the 

 load is proper, but, in domical structure, even when of stone 

 or brick, where the only tensional strength of each course as a 

 band, is that derived from the friction of superimposition, and, 

 more evidently yet, when of iron, there is no reason why all 

 the available strength of the materials should not be employed. 



In brickwork domes, hoop-iron bands laid in the courses 

 would give immense strength. 



But the great point to which he would call attention, was 

 the want of mathematical investigation. The subject embraced 

 not only domes and their varieties of thickness, but included a 

 flat plate, supported on all sides (or all around), and even of 

 this general and common case, we had no formula connecting 

 the strength of materials (either by compression or extension), 

 with surface and thickness. 



No demonstration had shown whether the head of a cylinder 

 should be concave, or convex, or flat. 



Mr. Briggs remarked that it was probable that some student, 

 following in the steps of M. Lame, would solve these problems ; 

 but now they stood a reproach to " applied mechanics," that 

 practical operations were inexplicable. 



The minutes of the Board of Officers and Council at their 

 last meeting, were read. 



Pending nomination, No. 586, and new nominations, Nos. 

 587 and 588, were read. 



General T. S. Kane offered the following preamble and 

 resolution, which were considered and adopted : 



Whereas^ There is reason to believe that the Northwestern 

 Territory, recently ceded to the United States by the Russian 

 Government, possesses resources, in productions and naval fa- 

 cilities, of much greater value and importance than has hither- 

 fore been supposed, the ^arly development of which, by explora- 

 tions in Geodesy and Natural History, is deemed to be of high 

 importance to the interests, both of science and of commerce, 

 therefore — 



Besolved, That the officers of this Society be requested to 

 sign and transmit to Congress a memorial, asking the earliest 

 possible action for the commencement and execution of proper 



