124 On some new Electro-chemical Phcenomejia. 



to be named after Sir William Adams, since we are indebted to 

 him for its discovery,) the method of treatment is the same as 

 for solid cataract of adults and children. The last pari of the 

 work is also accompanied by a great many interesting and ac- 

 curate observations. The whole concludes with an Appendix, in 

 which the author suggests some doubts, which appear to be well 

 founded, as to the appearances by which we distinguish the com- 

 plication of amaurosis with cataract : here also he cites cases in 

 support of his ideas. ' 



The work of which we have now given an account to the 

 Society, evinces in its author a conspicuous talent for observa- 

 tion, great experience, and much of that ingenious spirit which ifr 

 ever fertile in resources, and so useful in the practical sciences. 

 It is, in short, one of the best works ever published on the dis- 

 eases of the eye. We are of opinion, therefore, that the Society 

 owes its thanks to the author for his book ; and that it will be 

 an honour to the Society to enrol Sir Wm. Adams among the 

 muTjber of its foreign correspondents. 



(Signed) Magenbie, D.M.S. 

 N. DE Blainville.* 



XXII. On some fiew Electro-chemical Phcp?wme7ia. By 

 William Thomas Brande, Esq. F.R.S. Prof. Chem. R.I.f 



T .§ ^- 



XT has been ascertained by Sir H. Davy, that when compound 

 bodies capable of transmitting electricity are submitted to the 

 operation of the Voltaic pile, their proximate and ultimate ele- 

 ~ments are separated with uniform phenomena ; that acids are 

 attracted towards the positively electrified surface, and that alka- 

 line and inflammable substances take an opposite direction, and 

 collect at the negative pole. 



Of the 7tllima(e chemical elements of bodies, the greater num- 

 ber exhibit the last-mentioned cliaracter, and a few only appear 

 to be attracted towards the positive extremity of the Voltaic in- 

 strimient ; and as bodies possessed of dissimilar electrical powers 

 attract each other, it has been concluded, that the inherent elec- 

 trical state of the former is positive, that of the latter negative. 



These chemical effects were at first regarded as peculiar to 

 the Voltaic pile, and were considered to depend upon the opera- 

 tion of a new agent, termed the Galvanic fluid, until Dr. Wol- 



* This Report was read, and highly approved by the Society, at a Ge- 

 neral Meeting held on the 28th of May 1814, when Sir William Adams 

 was unanimously elected one of its correspondent members. 



t From the Philosophical Transuctions for 1814, part i. 



las ton. 



