146 
frequent close proximity of geological records, which in reality are 
the results of causes acting at very distant periods of time; and 
the possibility of taking in, at a glance, effects which had been 
produced at times incalculably distant. Illustrative examples were 
given. The difficulty that the human mind has in forming a 
conception of prolonged length of time, was dwelt upon, and 
illustrations of the meaning of ‘‘a million years”? were given. 
The doctrine of uniformity was then enunciated, and a series of 
calculations given with respect to the dates of denudation and 
accumulation, &c., and the possible and probable periods of time - 
represented by the stratified rocks; the same question was then 
viewed from its physical aspects. The ‘‘ sensuous representation 
of time,’’ presented to the mind by geological phenomena, was 
brought out by striking examples; and, finally, the author con- 
trasted the story of the origin of our scenery, as set forth in 
accordance with the theory of known denuding agencies, acting 
through long periods of time, with the same story, as given in 
accordance with speculative theories concerning Titanic outbursts 
and former cataclysms. 
XXXII.— On the Unity of Natwre—By the President, Srpyzy 
Harvey, F.C.S. 
oth FEBRUARY, 1888. 
On occupying the Presidential Chair for the first time, 
Mr. Harvey gave a short but lucid address on the above subject, 
showing that in the operations of nature there are no clearly 
and definitely marked divisions as there are in the sciences. In 
illustration he alluded to the wonderful forces at work to produce 
a tiny flower, and showed that to understand its life history we 
must have a knowledge of geology, mineralogy, physics, chemistry, 
and indeed of every branch into which science is divided. He 
then referred more particularly to chemistry, alluding to the 
wonderful progress it had made in recent times, especially as a 
useful science applicable to Arts and Science. Most surprising 
results have been recently obtained in the production of organic 
compounds by synthesis, and he mentioned especially the production 
of indigo and glucose in 1887, 
XXXIII.— On the leading Theories and Present Knowledge mn 
Meteorology. —By G. 8. Saunpers, F.L.S. 
12th ApRIL, 1888. : 
The paper dealt with the subject in its popular and scientific 
phases. In the former, the errors and more practical approxima- 
tions on the variations of weather were alluded to, whilst in the 
