618 F)vccc(lir,gs. 



Abstract. 



After giving a short sketch of the life of Dalton, the lecturer de- 

 scribed the views that were held before his time with regard to chemistry, 

 dwelling at some length on the " phlogistic " theory of Stahl. This was 

 generally accepted by chemists for many years. The discoveries of 

 Priestley and Cavendish, however, gave it a severe shock, and it was 

 finally overturned by Lavoisier, who founded what may be called the 

 new chemistry. Dalton threw himself eagerly into the path pointed out 

 by Lavoisier, with tlie result of discovering what was the atomic theory, 

 upon which the whole of modern chcmistr}^ was built. Dalton's theory 

 was then described in detail, and it was pointed out how far it had been 

 amplified by later observers. The general tendency of recent scientific 

 thought in regard to atoms and the forces controlling them was also 

 brieflv alluded to. 



Sevexth Meeting : lotJt September, 1890. 



James Stewart, C.E., President, iu the chair. 



Mr. J. T. Nott, B.A., gave a lecture on " The Eemarkable 

 Character of our Native Fauna." 



Abstract. 



The remarkable character of the Now Zealand fauna was considered 

 chiefly from the point of view of geographical distribution, the views of 

 Wallace, Huiton, and others being largely quoted. 



Eighth Meeting : 67// October, 1890. 



James Stewart, C.E., President, in the chair. 



Neiv Member.— G. W. Bull. 



Papers. — 1. "On Spontaneous Division in Star-fish," bv 

 Professor A. P. W. Thomas. 



2. " Notice of the Occurrence of the Basking Shark 

 (Selache maxima, L.) in New Zealand," by T. F. Cheeseman, 

 F.L.S. {Transactions, p. 126.) 



3. Professor Thomas exhibited a new and improved ribbon micro- 

 tome recently obtained from England for the University College, and 

 explained its mode of working. 



4. " The Story of John Rutherford," by Archdeacon W. L. 

 Williams. (Transactions, p. 453.) 



Dr. Purchas asked whether it would not be possible to identify 

 Rutherford's dwelling-place in New Zealand by the tattooing which he 

 had received. He was of opinion that the Maoris had diilerent kinds 

 of tattooing in different districts ; and if the tattoo represented in the 

 portrait of Rutherford was reliable — and it appeared to him to be so 

 — an expert in such matters ought to bo able to name the tribe with 

 which he resided. He agreed with Archdeacon Williams in disbelieving 

 Rutherford's story of the capture of the " Agnes " and the massacre of 

 the crew, for if this had really occurred in the East Capo district 

 the Maoris must have had some traditions relating to it. 



