1890. | SCIENTIFIC AND BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS. 105 
Mr. J. E. PuTNam reported observing a peculiar form assumed by 
dust deposited on electric wires. The dust seemed to be attracted 
to the wires by the current of electricity. Wires with high tension 
currents become black much sooner than those with low tension. 
The deposits of dust were confined to the positive and negative wires. 
The soot had formed in one particular spot a little bunch of filagree 
work. Mr. Putnam also mentioned that the spiders did not build webs 
near the wires in the Edison Station. He thought that their absence 
was due to the singing noise produced by the brushes. 
The President, Pror. H. L. FartrcuHiLp, gave an illustrated 
lecture on 
COAL: ITS ORIGIN, COMPOSITION AND STRATIGRAPHY: 
Illustrated with specimens, diagrams and drawings of Carboni- 
ferous plants, and with lantern views of Pennsylvania coal-mining. 
DECEMBER 8, 1890. 
STATED MEETING. 
ite President, Pror. H. 1.) FAIRCHILD, in’ the chair: 
Twenty-two persons present. 
The Council report recommended : 
(1.) The election as active members of : 
Miss ELIZABETH BOWLES, 
Mr Wa He GALpWELE; 
Mr. BENJAMIN W. DODGE, 
Dr. CHARLES FORBES. 
Dr. GEORGE A. GOLER, 
NIRA LVAH- DD. PRATT: 
Mr. Warp V. RANGER, 
Mr. E. H. SCRANTON, 
Mr. F. W. WARNER, 
(2.) The payment of certain bills. 
The bills were ordered paid and the candidates elected by formal 
ballot. 
