REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 15 



eign libraries and establishments especially interested in the subjects 

 treated of ])y the journal.- 



A grant has been approved pai behalf of Dr. A. F. Zahni. professor 

 of physical science in the Catholic University of America, in Wash- 

 ington City, for a series of experiments on the laws of atmospheric 

 resistance to moving bodies. This research, which is still in progress, 

 will be reported on later. 



The experiments of Mr. Alexander Larsen, of Chicago, on lightning 

 flashes and fluorescence, carried on by means of simi)le mechanism 

 adapted and arranged by himself , have been aided by a moderate gi-ant 

 from the Hodgkins fund. These experiments, which ai'e now in prog- 

 ress, are expected to yield results of scientific value. 



In view of the numerous incjuiries received from investigators and 

 specialists, it may l)e again stated that the Hodgkins prize competition 

 of the Institution was deflnitely closed December 31, 1894, and that no 

 further competition on any subject is at present proposed by the Insti- 

 tution. A recent circidar stating the conditions which, in accordance 

 with the will of the donor, govern the administration of the Hodgkins 

 fund, including also a mention of the Hodgkins medal, which may be 

 awarded for important contributions to our knowledge of the nature 

 and properties of atmospheric air, and stating the conditions govern- 

 ing the award of grants which are occasionally approved, is sent to 

 those requesting it. A brief history of the Hodgkins foundation, not- 

 ing the medals and prizes awarded, and mentioning the investigations 

 which have been furthered by the fund, has been published in the 

 Quarterly Issue of the Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections. 



NAPI,E8 TABLE. 



The question of the renewal of the lease of a talkie in the Naples 

 Zoological Station, which was held under advisement for some months, 

 was tinally decided in the affirmative, and the contract renewed on 

 behalf of the Institution for three years from January 1, liM)4. 



Since this action, applications for the seat have been received, and 

 that of Prof . J. B. flohnston, head of the Department of Zoology in 

 the University of West Virginia, which had been submitted a second 

 time, in compliance with the rule of action observ^ed in the interest of 

 all candidates, was approved for six months fi-om September 1, 1904. 

 Doctor Johnston is the author of several important papers on the com- 

 parative anatomy of the brain and cranial nerves of the lower verte- 

 brates, and his session will aiiord undoubted advantages for his study 

 of the problems of vertebrate morphology and the evolution of the 

 nervous system. 



The additions to the buildings at the Naples Station now in progress 



"will add much to the space available for research, and this, together 



with the larger numl)er of tables now supported by scientitic institu- 



