24 



In the absence of the Author, Dr. Thomson read the first part of a 

 paper " On the jnesent state of the question of Compass disturbances and 

 mode of adjustment in Iron Ships, and the difficulty of dealing with it," 

 by the Rev. W. Scoresby, D.D., F.E.SS.L. & E., Member of the Insti- 

 tute of France, &c. : a considerable portion of this paper has been 

 published in the Athenmim. 



TWELFTH ORDINARY MEETING. 



Royal Institution. — April 16th, 1855. 

 JOSEPH BROOKS YATES, Esq., F.S.A., Sen. V.P., in the Chair. 



The Rev. H. H. Higgins exhibited two cases of local insects, from 

 the collection which is being formed in the Royal Institution Museum. 



Mr. T. 0. Archer exhibited a section of one of the Brazilian 

 climbers, which displays transversely a Greek cross ; also a specimen 

 of the " trial nut," or ordeal beau used by the natives of Calabar, and 

 read an account of Dr. Christison's observations upon its poisonous 

 qualities. 



The concluding part of Dr. Scoresby 's communication was tlien read. 



THIRTEENTH ORDINARY MEETING. 



Royal Institution. — April 30th, 1855. 



JOSEPH DICKINSON, M.D., F.R.S., &c., President, in the Chair. 



Mr. Enoch Harvey's resignation was accepted. 



The papers read before the Society were : 



" On Trade rind Partnership — the relative duties and proper liahilities 





