292 REPORT— 1843. 
but inverse to that of the barometer, a major and minor wave occurring so as 
to produce two maxima and two minima of intensity. The full discussion of 
these observations had not yet been effected to a sufficient extent to exhibit 
all the various relations of the wind required. 
The remaining observations on pressure and temperature were next con- 
sidered, and graphic delineations of the mean hourly progress of the tempe- 
rature, pressure, dew-point and intensity of the wind brought under one point 
of view in a general diagram. 
Report of the Progress of the Inquiry into the Chemical History of 
Colouring Matters. By Professor Kane. 
Dr. Kane stated that as yet but little progress had been made in this inquiry. 
Some members of the Committee were however engaged in the investigation 
of the colouring matters of the lichens, and a few interesting results had been 
obtained. 
Meteorological Observations at Inverness. 
THESE observations were begun on November Ist, 1842, and are to be com- 
pleted on November Ist, 1843. The observations with Osler’s anemometer 
commence and terminate at the same dates. 
It is to be hoped that the Association will authorize the continuation of the 
hourly observations, &c. for another year. 
D. BrewsTER. 
St. Leonard’s College, St. Andrew’s, 
August 12, 1843. 
Report of the Committee, consisting of Sir J. Herscuen, Mr. 
Wuewe tt, and Mr. Batty, for revising the Nomenclature of 
the Stars. 
Tue Committee report that they have reconsidered the subject since their 
last Report under a great variety of forms, and taken the opinions of many of 
the most eminent astronomers both at home and abroad on it. Understand- 
ing, however, that certain celestial charts of great merit have recently ap- 
peared in Germany, and that others are in progress of publication, which, if 
answerable to the expectations they have been led to form of them, may in- 
fluence their decision both as to the names and boundaries of the constella- 
tions, they consider it desirable to defer their final decision till they shall 
have been enabled to consult these works, which they have accordingly or- 
dered; and to meet the expense of which they request a continuance of the 
grant of 30/. remaining over applicable to the purposes of the Committee. 
(Signed on the part of the Committee) J. F. W. HErscueE. 
August 14, 1843. 

On the Varieties of the Human Race. 
Srvce the last meeting of the British Association, the queries drawn up by 
the Committee appointed to investigate the varieties of the human race have 
been extensively circulated ; and although that Committee is not prepared to 
make any lengthened general report, it is due to the Zoological Section to 
state, that some interesting communications have been made by different tra- 
vellers, who have found the queries themselves and the classification of their 
objects of essential service. 
