1891. ] NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 119 
May 18th, 1891. 
STaTeD MEETING. 
About one hundred persons present. 
In the absence of officers, ADDISON BROWN was chosen to 
preside. 
The minutes of May 11th were read and approved. 
C. F. Cox, A.M., was introduced, and delivered a lecture en- 
titled 
WHAT IS A DIATOM ? 
illustrated by a large number of lantern slides. At the close: of 
the discourse a vote of thanks was tendered to the lecturer, and 
the meeting adjourned. 
May 25th, 1891. 
StaTED MEETING, ASTRONOMICAL SECTION. 
Pror. Rees in the chair. 
About twenty-five persons present. 
The minutes of the meeting of April 27th were read and ap- 
proved. 
The following paper was read, entitled 
THE HISTORY OF LEXELL’S COMET FROM 1770 To 1890. 
BY CHARLES LANE POOR. 
(No abstract. ) 
The paper illustrated the action of Jupiter and Saturn in 
drawing comets into the solar system. 
June Ist, 1891. 
REGULAR Business MEETING. 
VicE-PRESIDENT Dr. HUBBARD in the chair. 
Eight persons present. 
