6 Proceedings. 



Equation (3) may be converted into equation (i) by writing 



-^ for Q, ?i being a new variable, and then multiplying 



both sides of the equation by p- If in (3) we make P= i, 



wc cannot derive the equation usually given without employ- 

 ing a fractional value (J) for Q. Can this imply that the 

 equation is impossible, for can we have a fraction of 

 a molecule ? The arbitrary connections of P and Q ma}' 

 be shown as follows : — Collecting the terms involving P on 

 one side and those involving O on the other, we have 

 P X (2KCIO3 - 2KCI - 3O2) = Q X (2KCIO4 - 2KCI - 4O2), 



or 



p X ^ =. Q X ^. 



Ordinary Meeting, November ist, 1887. 

 Mr. John Angell, F.I.C, F.C.S., in the Chair. 



Professor SCHUSTER mentioned some experiments made 

 by Prof Hertz, of Carlsruhe, pointing to a curious effect of 

 light in the electric discharge. It seems, according to these 

 experiments, that when ultra-violet light is allowed to fall 

 on spheres of metal between which electric sparks are pro- 

 duced, the sparks pass more easily and can be obtained of 

 greater length. 



Dr. HODGKINSON mentioned an electrical property of 

 quartz which he had observed, and which, if established, 

 prove the unsuitability of this substance as a covering 

 medium for campasscs, watches, and other magnctisable 

 instruments. 



