2_$0 DAVENPORT ACADEMY Ol NATURAJ SCIENCES. 



Corresponding members were elected as follows: Dr. P. J. Farns- 

 worth, of Clinton, Iowa, Professor of Materia Medica, Iowa State Uni- 

 versity. Mr. 15. F. Waller, of New Palestine, Missouri; and Miss Belle 

 M. Gilcrest, of Des Moines, Iowa. 



A letter and the advance sheets of an article for "Science," by Prof. 

 McGee, in regard to theories as to the causes of the Charleston earth- 

 quake, and the character of the work of the United States Geological 

 Survey at that point, were read; and presenting the Academy a set of 

 eight large photographs of scenes in and about the city. 



Dr. McCowen then read a paper on "Earthquakes," a concise history 

 from 1606 B. C, a summing up of the different theories as to causation 

 now in vogue, closing with suggestions as to how science may render 

 good services to humanity in recommendations as to building materials, 

 methods of construction, etc., so as to render comparatively harmless 

 the slight shocks which visit the United States and which are becoming 

 more noticeable as the country is more thickly settled. 



Dr. Parry then read an interesting account, by an eye witness, of 

 the earthquake at New Madrid, Missouri; and Mr. James Thompson, 

 a newspaper article on earthquakes, by Proctor. 



The photographs sent by Mr. McGee, and a large map prepared by 

 Mr. Pratt, added much to a clear understanding of the situation in 

 Charleston. 



Blanks sent out by the United States Geological Survey for the col- 

 lection of information in regard to earthquake shocks, were distributed. 



October 29. 1886. — Regular Meeting. 



President C. E. Putnam in the chair, eleven members present. 



Hal. Decker was elected as regular member, and Messrs. B. F. Goss 

 and E. J. Hemmings, of Pewaukee, Carl Dot-rrlinger, of Milwaukee, 

 Wisconsin, and James Gurney, of St. Louis. Missouri, as correspond- 

 ing members. 



Letters were read from Prof. Starr, of Coe College, asking the loan 

 of books; from Fred Stearns, Detroit, wishing exchanges; from Prof. 

 P. |. Farnsworth, Clinton, and Miss Belle Gilcrest, Des Moines, ac- 

 knowledging membership; from Captain Hall, asking a remittance to 

 prepare and ship specimens he has collected. 



A handsome case for the Entomological Collection was presented to 

 the Academy in commemoration of the birth-day of J. D. Putnam, its 

 former President. On motion of Dr. Parry, a vote of thanks was re- 

 turned to Mr. and Mrs. Putnam. 



