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lections and library, and, remembering how it has also passed 
through a similar trial, tenders its heartfelt sympathy. And 
desiring to remedy, as far as lies within its power, the loss 
that has thus fallen upon Science and the City of Chicago, 
offers to furnish full sets of all the publications of the Lyceum 
for the new Library, which it hopes to see rapidly acquired by 
the Academy. 
The resolution was unanimously adopted. 
Dr. H. C. Botron moved that the Lyceum appoint a 
Committee of one to receive contributions of books for the 
Chicago Academy of Sciences. 
The motion was unanimously adopted. 
Pror. A. M. EpwaArps was appointed a Committee for 
the purpose, and proposed that the members of the Lyceum, 
desiring to assist, forward their contributions to the rooms of 
the Society, 64 Madison Avenue. 
The following paper was read. 
On some Chemosmotic Phenomena and a New Theory of 
Fermentation. 
By O. Loew. 
Electro-capillarity is the name given by Becquerel to 
certain chemical actions, caused by the reaction of two bodies 
upon each other through an intervening membrane. Bec- 
querel (Jahresbericht, 1866-68,) has found that under these 
conditions, the chemical reaction is substantially modified. 
If a solution of Copper Sulphate is placed upon one side of 
the membrane, and Potassium Sulphide upon the other, in- 
stead of Copper Sulphide, metallic Copper will be precipitated. 
Becquerel ascribes this unexpected result to the action of 
electric currents, and calls it ‘‘ Electro-capillarity.” 
In my opinion this name is not sufficiently definite, since 
the action of electricity is not required to explain the results 
obtained. .I would propose the name ‘“ Chemosmosis,” for 
