192 Report from the Botanical Section. 



And although these observations are in plain language, I have no doubt 

 but the medical members present will be able to apply them in a proper 

 way. They will also be a warning to young experimenters who use 

 cyanide solutions in their electrotype operations, and who occasionally 

 keep these in presses in their bedrooms, such practices being very 

 injurious. 



I may also mention another thing in connection with this and other 

 operations where deleterious gases are evolved, that clothes absorb great 

 quantities of gas ; and the individual who works in these gaseous fumes 

 and does not change his clothes when he leaves the work, will move 

 about like a distinct planet, having an atmosphere of his own in which he 

 lives and breathes for many hours after leaving his employment. This 

 fact cannot be sufficiently impressed upon the mind of both workmen and 

 employers, who should urge the proper conditions of health — a subject I 

 have some hopes of bringing before the Society on a future occasion, in a 

 more formal manner. 



IQth April, 1851. — Tlie Vice-Pkesident in the Qiair. 



Dr. AiLEN Thomson continued his observations " On the Relations of 

 the Nervous and Muscular parts in Animals," and intimated his intention 

 of resuming the subject next session. 



Dr. Andrew Buchanan made some remarks on the importance of the 

 inquiries prosecuted by Professor Thomson, more especially in their 

 bearings upon the philosophy of the mind. 



Apil 30, 1851. — The Vice-President in the Chair. 



The concluding meeting of the Session was held this evening. 



Mr. J. G. Houston was admitted a member. 



Mr. WUliam Ferguson read " Notes on the Geology of Dunbar Shore," 

 illustrated by maps, drawings, sections, and fossils. 



Mr. J. P. Fraser read a paper by Mr. John Gray, " On the Lepid- 

 optera of the Vale and Frith of Clyde,'" illustrated by specimens. 



A paper by Mr. George W. Brown was read, " On the Composition of 

 Orkney Kelp.'' 



Mr. Keddie gave in the following Report from the Botanical Section : — 



Botanical Section. — April 22, 1851. — Dr. Walbcer Arnott in the Cliair. 



Dr. Thomas Thomson, jun. read the following paper, illustrated by 

 specimens presented by him, through Dr. Robert D. Thomson, to the 

 Herbarium belonging to the members of the Section. 



