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GEOLOGICAL SECTION. 
Only one Meeting, on 20th February, 1902, was held in connection with 
this Section, upon which occasion the Chairman (Mr, A. W. Lucas, F.G.S.) 
read a Paper entitled ‘“‘ How Rocks were formed,’ which was illustrated by 
Lantern Slides and Specimens. At this Meeting, the Notes on the Flood at 
Elyn, December 30th to 31st, 1901, communicated by Mr. F. E. Rooper, 
were read and discussed. A Summary of these is re-printed on page 25. 
EGERTON GILBERT Secretary. 


NATURAL PHILOSOPHY SECTION. 
On Thursday, November 14th, 1901, Mr. J. KenT SMITH read a 
Paper on ‘“‘ Water.” After a rapid survey of the Chemical and Physical 
properties of Water, Mr. Kent SmitTH drew special attention to the 
Inorganic impurities of Water, such as Salts of Calcium and Magnesium. 
After describing their effects on Water for Domestic and Manufacturing 
purposes, he suggested several economical ways for the elimination of these 
deleterious substances. The Paper was illustrated by experiments and 
lantern slides. 
On Thursday, December 5th, tgor, Mr. H. J. BAX read a Paper 
entitled ‘‘An Outline of the Theory of Evolution.” In the course of his 
remarks, Mr. Bax said that although Evolution is only a theory, it is the 
only possible working hypothesis for scientists at the present time. It has 
nothing to do with creation, and when it has served its purpose, will quietly 
disappear into history. Its own history is a typical argument in favour of 
the theory, for we can trace its beginnings amongst the writings of the 
early Greek Philosophers. The difficulties of classification, due to the 
wonderful variation in Nature, was the scientific beginning of the idea of 
Evolution, and Darwin’s ‘‘ Origin of Species,” placed matters on a clearer 
foundation. Variation in environment, and the capacity of adaptation in 
living matter, gave rise to the innumerable varieties of specimens in the animal 
and vegetable worlds; the obscure process of natural selection causing the 
survival of the fittest. In this manner scientists trace a gradual development 
of life from the lowest forms to the highest, as represented by man. The 
development of a horse’s limbs is a good specimen of special development, 
for during the tertiary period (some three million years) four of five toes 
disappeared. Proof of man’s evolution is obtained from geological remains, 
and also from man himself, for he carries some 70 vestiges of useless or 
atrophied organs, all of which were necessary to lower forms of life. 
The idea of Evolution as one of gradual and progressive growth is now 
traceable in all departments of intellectual activity, Our greatest living 
Philosopher (MR. HERBERT SPENCER) has applied the theory not only to 
man’s physical nature, but also to his mental and moral spheres, defining 
Evolution as: an integration of matter and concomitant dissipation of motion, 
during which matter passes from an 
indefinite ( definite 
incoherent toa coherent 
homogeneity heterogeneity ; 
and during which the retained motion undergoes a parallel transformation. 
On Thursday, February 13th, 1902, MR. JOHN WELSH, M.R.C.S., read 
a Paper on ‘Sleep.’ The various theories respecting the causation of 
Sleep in Plants and Animals were lucidly and concisely explained, as were 
also the phenomena of Hypnotism, Catalepsy, Somnambulism, and Dreams. 
The physiological action and chemical nature of Drugs and Stimulants were 
clearly demonstrated. The subject was illustrated by original diagrams. 
J. BAIRSTOW, Secretary. 
