Trans. N.Y. Ac. Sct. 66 Feb. 18, 
Where the strands separate on entering the anchorages they were 
completely enclosed in paraffine, as it would hereafter be difficult to 
paint them at those points. 
As to the ways in which the wires were attacked, they were three: 
First : As if acted upon by an acid, showing clearly the so-called 
“fibre” of the wire. Second: A roundish, black-looking lump of 
hard scale would be found, which, when knocked off, would leave a 
deep pit in the wire. This scale was largely composed of sulphur, 
and resembled a sulphide of iron. Third: In a few cases the ‘‘ skin” 
of the wire was corroded through in a narrow slit, and then the whole 
interior eaten out, much like the decay of wood at the heart. This 
was not often seen, but might easily have been overlooked. 
Professor W. P. TROWBRIDGE inquired whether the wire had been 
examined at any portion of the catenary, and also whether there was 
anything known in reference to the lifetime of the bridge; and sug- 
gested that a single wire broken or rusted would make a weak point in 
the cable. 
Mr. COLLINGWOOD replied that the damage to the wires did not 
extend more than two feet from the anchorages in any case. The 
cables had been examined at the points where they passed over the 
towers, and at several intermediate points, and (with the exception of 
damage to the wrappings, which was easily repaired) the wives, on 
which the strength of the bridge depends, were intact. Experi- 
ments for tensile strength and stretch were made on both old and new 
wire, using an accurate gauge, registering to the yobs of a 
foot, and the stretch, reduction of area at point of rupture, and 
strength were practically identical. The paint was found defective at 
many points on the cables, and, to insure a perfect covering, the old 
paint was shaved off and two heavy coats of new put on. There is 
no reason why the bridge should not last a thousand years, if properly 
cared for in the future. 
The PRESIDENT remarked that the atmosphere in Pittsburg was 
charged with sulphuric acid, and that this acid-water was certain to 
make its way into the cable through any crevice, and soon destroy 
the iron. No mere decomposition of any hydrocarbon could yield so 
large a quantity of water as that found. The dark product of the 
decomposition of the wire was probably the simple sulphide of 
iron. 
The subject was further discussed by Professor TROWBRIDGE, 
The PRESIDENT announced the death of Professor ARNOLD 
Guyot on February 8th, and briefly sketched his character and the 
principal incidents of his life. He was born in Neufchatel, in 
