C O N T P: N T S. xxi^i 



VII. Obfervacions and Experiments on Steel refembling chat of Damafcus ; 

 with an eafy Ted for determining the uniform Qi^iality of Steel before it is 

 employed in Works of Delicacy or Expence — — p. 468 



Defcription of a fabre of Damafcu;. Its reputed properties. Suppofed procefs for making Damaf- 

 cus fteel. Experiments by wliicb a fimilar ftcel was made. Inferences which explain the proper- 

 ties of this ileel. Examination of all Kinds of lleel by the application of a weak acid. Great 

 utilitj'of fuch an examination, 



VIII. On the Irritability of the Pollen of Plants. With an Account of a Com- 

 pofuion for clofing wide-mouthed Veilels (continued from page 313) p. 471 



IiTitation of pollen by ardent fpirit. Wide-mouthed vefTels clofed by fpermaceti and caoutchouc. 



IX. Experimental Refearches to afcertain the Nature of the Procefs by which 

 the Eye adapts itfelf to produce diftinftVifion — — p, 472, 



Imbricated texture of the fclerotica in the eyes of birds. Obfervations. Probability that fome birds 

 are directed in their flight by the re-aftion of the air rather than by fight. Inllance of bats de- 

 prived of their eyes, and fuppufed to have a fixth fenfc. Mr. Home's leS:iire. i. Examination of 

 the variable convexity of the cornea, by obferving the image in its virtual focus. 2. Attempts to 

 difcovcr whether the axis be elongated. 3. Probabihty that the eye Is adjufted by changes in the 

 curvature of the cornea and in the axis of vifion, together with a motion of the cryftalline lens. 

 <). Peculiarities of the eyes of quadrupeds — are fuch as increafe their power of feeing near obje&s. 

 5. Peculiarities in birds; — tend to increafe the fteadinefs of adjuftment, and adapt the eye to very- 

 near objefts. 6. Peculiarities in the eyes of fifli. 



'New Publications 



— p. 479 



I' E B R U A R Y 



