1896. | NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 125 
circum-polar star traces the arc of a circle on the plate exactly, 
and from a micrometric study of these curves it is possible to 
locate the pole exactly and also to determine the right ascen- 
sion and declination of these stars. The method, if carried out 
through a number of years, would result in valuable additions to 
our knowledge of the variation of latitude, precession of the 
equinoxes, nutation and aberration constants. 
The meeting of the Section then adjourned. 
On the adjournment or the Section of Astromony and Physics 
the business meeting was resumed, President J. K. Rees in the 
chair. 
After considerable discussion regarding the adoption of the 
metric system, which resulted from the paper previously pre- 
sented by Prof. J. K. Rees, the following resolution was 
adopted, with the understanding that it should be brought by 
the Secretary before the Sections of Biology and Geology and 
then go to the Council, so that it might be acted upon at the 
annual meeting to be held on February 24th : 
‘““ Resolved, That the New York Academy of Sciences ap- 
proves of the adoption of the metric system of weights and meas- 
ures at the earliest practicable moment and that the Council of 
the Academy be requested to consider the matter with a view to 
bringing it before the Chairman of the Committee on Weights 
and Measures in Congress.” 
The Academy then adjourned. 
J. F. Kemp, 
Secretary. 
STaTeD MEETING, 
February 7th, 1896. 
Pror. J. G. CurtIs in the Chair. 
A communication from the Council was received, asking that 
the section take action on Representative Hurley’s bill ‘‘ To fix 
the standard of weights and measures by the adoption of the 
metric system of weights and measures.” 
