143 
there still exists a considerable number of old philosophical 
instruments, both in the possession of private individuals and 
also in public collections and museums, where they are gene- 
rally looked upon as mere curiosities, and ‘where, from their 
isolated position, they scarcely deserve to be regarded in any 
other light. Such articles, however, if they were collected 
together, and arranged in historic series, would acquire a real 
value and importance; and I am sure.that, in many instances, 
their present possessors would be glad to have an opportunity 
of transferring them to a collection where their true value 
would be thus recognised and appreciated. 
<¢ It has occurred to me, that such a museum would be 
most advantageously established in connexion with the School 
of Natural and Experimental Philosophy in our University, 
where the nucleus for its formation already exists, and where 
its permanence and security would be insured. I have ac- 
cordingly solicited and obtained permission from the Board to 
undertake its formation in connexion with that School, and 
will feel much indebted to the Members of the Royal Irish 
Academy, if they will kindly give me their assistance in car- 
rying out the project, both by making it known as exten- 
sively as possible, and also by using their interest to procure 
(h 
_ donations of such articles as will add to the interest and value 
of the collection. 
«¢ T have the honour to remain, Sir, 
*¢ Your obedient Servant, 
‘© Ropert V. Drxon, 
“ Erasmus Smith's Professor of 
Nat. and Exp. Philosophy. 
& To the Secretary of the 
Royal Irish Academy.” 
Mr. Robert Mallet read a paper giving an account of his 
experimental determination of the limits of the transit rate of 
