276 Proceedings of the Royal Society. 
the front view, seeming, as we move, to turn from their first 
direction. 
In portraits, the permanence of direction, with reference to the 
spectator, and corresponding change of its apparent position in 
space when he moves to ejther side, depends upon the same prin- 
ciples. The nose drawn in front with its central line upright 
continues directed to the spectator though viewed obliquely ; or if 
the right side of the nose is represented, it must appear directed 
to the right of the spectator in all situations; and eyes that turn 
in a due degree from that direction toward the spectator, so as to 
look at him when viewed in front, will continue to do so when 
viewed obliquely. 
On the same evening was read, 
New Phenomena caused by the Effects of Magnetic Influence. By 
Mr. Abraham.—Communicated by Mr. W. Tooke, F.R.S. 
In this paper Mr. A. detailed a series of experiments upon the 
passage of electricity through magnetized steel bars, which lead 
him to conclude that they possess a much better conducting power 
than the same bars in their comnfon state, and consequently that 
they are better adapted for the preservation of buildings from 
lightning. On bringing one point of a magnetic discharging rod 
to the negative side of a charged jar, and presenting the other to 
the positive ball, he observed a deep red light between them, 
which he ascribes to the contact of the condensed magnetic and 
and electric atmospheres surrounding the ball and point.— 
Mr. Abraham concluded his paper with some observations upon 
certain atmospheric phenomena, especially relating to the Aurora 
Borealis, which he is inclined to ascribe to the joint influence of 
the electric and magnetic powers. 
Thursday, June 3. 
Dr. John Thomson of Edinburgh, was elected into the Society. 
Charles Lemon, Esq., was admitted a Fellow. 
