229 



from Prof. J. L. Riddell, New Orleans, January 5, 1860, and 

 Rev. R. C. Waterston, January 10, accepting membership ; from 

 the Royal Geographical Society, London, September 9, 1859, 

 presenting Vol. 28 of their Journal. 



February 1, 1860. 



Dr. C. T. Jackson, Vice-President, in the Chair. 



Dr. C. F. Winslow exhibited a specimen of the so- 

 called " cocoa-nut pearl " set in a ring, belonging to 

 Frederic T. Bush, Esq., of Boston ; Mr. Bush offered 

 this to the Society for examination and chemical analy- 

 sis. It came from Singapore ; very few specimens are 

 found; they are highly esteemed by the rajahs, and are 

 worn like costly gems. Mr. Bush, during his residence 

 of some years in China, saw but one other, and that was 

 as large as the egg of a canary bird ; he has heard of 

 others as large as a cherry. The method of their growth 

 is unknown to him from personal observation ; but they 

 are said to be found free within the cavity of the cocoa- 

 nut. The specimen was referred to Dr. Bacon for chem- 

 ical and microscopic examination, and the thanks of the 

 Society were voted for the permission to examine it. 



Mr. Bouve said that he had seen another and a larger 

 specimen from the same locality, some years ago, in the 

 hands of a gentlemen who had been consul at Singa- 

 pore, who also stated that they are considered rare and 

 very precious by the natives. 



Dr. B. J. Jeffries exhibited an optical apparatus sug- 

 gested by Dr. Ludwig of Vienna, which introduced the 

 general subject of vision. 



