1882. $55 Trans. N. Y. Ac. Sez. 
The sections of volcanic rocks were then shown and described in the 
same manner as those of the meteorites had been ; and the interesting 
result was brought out, of a very close similarity in the microscopic 
structure of various specimens of these two classes of bodies. What- 
ever theory be held as to the origin of meteorites, that of volcanic 
rocks is sufficiently known and universally admitted: they have cooled 
from a state of fusion. If, therefore, a likeness of internal microscopic 
structure appears in the two kinds of bodies—besides in many cases a 
close resemblance in composition—we may safely conclude that me- 
teorites also have passed through a fused condition, and that the struc- 
tures in question have originated in them as they have’in volcanic 
rocks. 
Numerous other points were treated of in this paper, ¢..¢., the prob- 
able origin of the ‘crystallites”’ or ‘fusion structures” in igneous 
rocks, as due to unequal rates of cooling among the different constitu- 
ents of the fused mass, resulting in the segregation of minute portions 
scattered through the rock; also the effect upon meteorites of the fric- 
tion-heat developed in passing through the earth’s atmosphere, which 
effect is plainly shown in the sections, but is seen to be only superficial. 
For these and other details, reference must be made to the article as 
published in the Annals. 
DISCUSSION. 
Prof. R. P. WuHITFIELD, Dr. NEWBERRY and others discussed 
the paper briefly, agreeing with the views therein expressed, and 
welcoming its presentation, and also dissenting entirely from the 
views of Dr. Haun, as to the presence of organic remains in me- 
teorites. 
April 17, 1882. 
LECTURE EVENING. 
The President, Dr. J. S. NEwBERRY, in the Chair. 
A large audience was present. 
CHEVALIER ERNST VON HESSE-WarTEGG delivered the lecture of 
the evening. 
THE SUBMARINE TUNNEL BETWEEN ENGLAND AND FRANCE. 
(Abstract.) 
In regard to the necessity of such an enterprise, reference was first 
made to the well-known and very peculiar discomforts of the passage 
of the Channel in boats, and to the aggravation thereof by the poor 
construction and worse management of the steamers employed. In- 
