3 70 Batav'i an Society of Sciences, Haarlcjn. 



carcous earth, the soda, phosphorus, iron, &:c.? or are these 

 substances hitroduccd into the animal body in some other 

 way? or are there any experiments and observations which 

 would lead us to suppose that at least some of" those prin- 

 ciples, although we are unable to compose or analyse them 

 bv chemical means, are produced by a peculiar action oJr' 

 the livinc organs?" In case the author should adopt in his 

 answer the last opinion, it will be sufficient that he prove 

 clearly the production of one of the al)ove-nientioued prin- 

 ciples. 



*' 3. What are the facts which our experience has satis- 

 fiactorily established regarding the acceleration of the ger- 

 mination ttf seeds, which Humboldt first attempted by 

 sprinkling them with oxymuriatic acid : — as well as regard- 

 ing the other methods, besides common manures and heat, 

 which have been employed to forward the vegetation of 

 plants in general and their germination in particular? how 

 far can we explain, by the physiology of plants, in what 

 manner these methods act ? what assistance can w^e derive 

 from our knowledge upon this point, in our further re- 

 searches regarding cither the means already had recourse to 

 and others ? and what advantage can we reap from the 

 facts already ascertained on this subject, iri the cultivation 

 of useful veo-etables ?" 



The following questions continue to be proposed for an 

 unlimited time : 



<' 1. What have wc learnt by experience respecting the 

 Vitilitv of certain animals which are apparently noxious, 

 especially in the Low Countries ? and what precautions are 

 to be observed regarding their extirpation ?" 



" 2. What are the indig&nous plants hitherto least known 

 for their virtues, which may be advantageously admitted 

 nito our dispensaries, and which may supply the place of 

 foreign remedies?" 



The niemoirs which the society expects upon this ques- 

 tion, must exhibit not only the virtues and advantages of 

 these indigenous remedies, according to testimonies from 

 foreign countries, but also according to proofs and observa- 

 tions made originally in our own provinces. 



*' 3. What indigenous plants, hitherto not in use, can 

 be emploved foi- the purposes of wholesome nourishment at 

 a low price? and what nutrient plants from other countries 

 can be cultivated here with the same view ?" 



" 4. What indigenous plants, hitherto not used as dyes, 



may be made to yield, according to accurate experiments, 



good colours, the preparation and use of which nnght bo 



7 introduced 



