i \ 
ON THE KEW OBSERVATORY. 177 
It would be seen (on reference to some of the following details) that 
several of the proposed experiments have resulted in the construction of a 
new magnetograph; in considerable improvements upon others; in an im- 
provement upon the barometrograph ; in a convenient method of producing 
engraved copies of photographie curves, &c., procured by the self-register- 
ing instruments; in a few minor contrivances, &c. of other kinds; and 
finally, in an attempt to institute a series of observations on the frequency 
of atmospheric electricity, intended as preliminary to the formation of a 
system, and an apparatus which should permit the self-registration of this 
species of observations. 
In the Kew Report for 1843-44, p. 141, are tabulated a very few of my 
observations on the subject of frequency made at Kew in that year; and the 
apparatus then employed, consisting of éwo atmospheric conductors, is shortly 
described. I believe that they were the first experiments of the kind which 
haye been published since Beccaria’s extremely interesting observations at 
Turin about 1750 (which were effected by means of apparatus having very 
imperfect insulating power), and I think that the above-named apparatus, of 
two conductors, &c., is somewhat better suited to the purpose than one rod 
which I now employ ; but the funds and localities at Kew do not at present 
permit the use of the former. These few experiments, however, taken in 
conjunction with Beccaria’s, with my own old experiments (at Highbury 
Terrace, and at Hammersmith, Upper Mall, not published), and with what 
little has been done at Kew this year, have tended to increase in my estima- 
tion the importance of carrying out such researches effectively. Their 
results may form a link in the chain of phenomena connecting the static 
with the dynamic electricity of the atmosphere; for it is only when frequency 
is great that galvanometers manifest a current. Jf atmospheric electricit 
exerts any agency on animal life, &c., is it not this condition (of frequency 
which has prime influence ? 
These considerations, joined to the circumstance of frequency having been 
already in some measure a subject of inquiry at the Royal Greenwich, and 
even at the Bombay Observatories (with apparatus of the kind which I use), 
naturally create very great regret that the indisposition of the observer who 
was engaged at Kew during a part of this year, caused the series of observa- 
tions on frequency to be so limited as it will be found to have been. 
We shall, I trust, fully compensate for the deficiency under Mr. Welsh’s 
able exertions next year. 
I now proceed, as usual, to matters regarding—first, the Building, Instru- 
ments, &c., of the Observatory ; secondly, to some remarks concerning ob- 
servations; and thirdly, to an account of what has been done in the way of 
experiment since the last general meeting of the Association. ᾿ 
I. Tue Βυθινο, InstRuMENTS, &e. 
The exterior of the premises has required very little repair. The addi- 
tion of a rail, &c. has been made to the former arrangements on the Dome 
for the greater security and convenience of the observer whilst attaching the 
lantern to the top of the principal conductor. 
In the interior, some painting, plastering, papering, &c. have been executed 
(in the basement). A few book-shelves have’ been added to those in the | 
North Hall, for the reception of books presented to the Association, and for 
the stock of the Association’s Reports, &c. 
A small upper apartment has been appropriated to the mechanic or pho- 
tographist as a sleeping-room. 
_ The South Upper Room (or laboratory) has been supplied with a good 
 Tathe, turning tools, various chucks and necessary appendages; also with a 
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