32 



ammonia largely diluted with sal-ammoniac, and hence cannot 

 be one of the alkaline earths. 



It is insoluble in potash, and is, therefore, not alumina or 

 glucina. After ignition it dissolves readily in dilute acids, and 

 is hence not zirconia or thorina. From zirconia it is further 

 distinguished by its saline solutions, being precipitated by 

 ferrocyanide of potassium. 



It is not oxide of cerium, for it does not redden in the 

 exterior flame of the blow-pipe, and because its salts are not 

 precipitated by the sulphate of potash. The quantity of the 

 yttria amounts to at least 3 per cent. 



Dr. A. is still engaged in investigating the composition 

 of pyrope ; and expressed his intention of bringing his re- 

 sults on a future occasion in a more detailed form under the 

 notice of the Academy, when he hoped also to be able to 

 assign the true formula of the mineral. 



Mr. J. Huband Smith exhibited to the Academy an an- 

 cient monastic seal, from an impression of which the annexed 

 wood engraving is taken. 



This seal has been for some time supposed to have been 

 that of the Dean and Chapter ofLismore, and it was recently 

 found among the effects of the late Rev. Sir George Bisshopp, 

 formerly Dean of Lismore ; but the legend around the seal 

 shews this supposition to be totally groundless. 



It reads thus : "sigillvm : capitvli : prioris : et : conven- 

 Tvs : DE : BVLLYNGIONA." It suxTounds the figures of the Vir- 

 gin and Child. She appears seated, and wearing a highly 

 ornamented crown ; her robe, which falls in gracefully ar- 

 ranged folds, displays no inconsiderable degree of skill and 

 tastefulness of design. In her right hand is a star of five 

 rays, intended possibly to represent the star of Bethlehem, 

 to which the infant Saviour points. It is observable that 

 his head displays the ecclesiastical tonsure. The seal is of 



