329 



struction of the human figure, in which we should expect d priori to 

 find the most perfect development of symmetric beauty. Diagrams 

 were exhibited which represent, with remarkable accuracy, the humau 

 figure ; and it was explained that not a single lineal measure is 

 employed in their construction. The line which shall represent the 

 height of the figure being once assumed, every other line is deter- 

 mined by means of angles alone. For the female figure, those angles 

 are, one-half, one-third, one-fourth, one-fifth, one-sixth, one-seventh, 

 and one-eighth of a right angle, and no others. It must be evident, 

 therefore, that, admitting the supposition that the eye appreciates 

 and approves of the equal division of the space about a point, this 

 figure is the most perfect which can be conceived. Every line makes 

 with every other line a good angle. The male figure was stated to 

 be constructed upon the female figure by altering most of the angles 

 in the proportion of 9 : 8 ; the proportion which the ordinary untem- 

 pered flat seventh bears to the tonic. 



A drawing was exhibited, which had been designed with great care 

 from the life, by the distinguished academician John A. Houston, Esq, 

 On this drawing the author had constructed his diagrams ; and tho 

 coincidence of theory with fact was seen to be complete. Professor 

 Kelland concluded by claiming for the author the attention of the 

 Society, lie argued, that a principle so simple and comprehensive 

 in its character, and thus far apparently truthful in the conclusions 

 to which it leads, merits, and should receive, the most complete and 

 rigid examination. Whatever might be the ultimate result (and it 

 promised to be satisfactory in the extreme), the ingenuity, energy, 

 and zeal, shewn by the author, entitle him to our warm approba- 

 tion. 



The following Donations to the Library were announced : 



Magnetical and Meteorological Observations made at the Royal Ob- 

 servatory, Greenwich, 1847. 4to. — From the Observatory. 



Journal of tho Statistical Society of London. Vol. XIII., Part 1, 

 Bvo. — By the Society. 



Deuxieme Memoire sur lo Daltonisnio, ou la Dyschromatopsie, par 

 E. Wartmann. 4to. — By the Author. 



The Accommodation of the Eye to Distances. By William Clay 

 Wallace, M.D. 8vo. — By t/tr Author. 



