2 14 ROCHESTER ACADEMY OF SCIENCE. [Oct. 23, 



maintained by the difference of level. The shallower vertical plane 

 at the 60th parallel sustains the deeper planes at the other degrees of 

 latitude. 



It was contended that the pressure of a particle at the surface, 

 under the influence of these three forces, is represented by the earth- 

 pull minus the vertical component plus the horizontal component 

 while equilibrium obtains. It was conceded that if the centrifugal 

 force should act at all points vertically, or in direct opposition to the 

 earth-pull, or if the whole force should act at right angles to it, the 

 globe would asume the form of an ellipsoid ; but it was shown that 

 none of these conditions obtains. The reader maintained that the 

 greatest pressure in the vertical plane is at the 6oth parallel of 

 latitude and that such pressure varies but slightly between the 70th 

 and 40th degrees of latitude. From the 40th parallel it diminishes 

 rapidlj', with a corresponding rise of the surface, to the ecjuator, and 

 from the 70th parallel it diminishes to the pole. The argument was 

 that the shape is maintained by the varying pressures in the different 

 vertical planes, and is higher or lower as this pressure is weaker or 

 stronger ; and, consequently, that the shape of the surface of the 

 earth between the 70th and 40th parallels is very nearly that of a 

 sphere but with the lowest point at the 60th parallel. The shape is 

 maintained by this varying pressure — the bulging at the equator 

 commencing in both hemispheres at the sixtieth parallel of latitude. 



October 23, 1893. 

 stated meeting. 

 The President, Professor H. L. Fairchild, in the chair. 

 Forty persons present. 



Remarks regarding scientific observations made during the pre- 

 vious summer were made by Dr. E. V. Stoddard and Mr. F. W. Warner. 



The death was announced of Mr. George H. Harris. Upon 

 motion of Dr. Stoddard the President was authorized to appoint a 

 committee to prepare resolutions upon the death of Mr. Harris. 



The President subsequent to the meeting appointed as the 

 above committee, Mr. S. A. Ellis, Mr. .Adelbert Cronise, Mr. H. C. 

 Brewster. 



The following paper was read : 



