300 French Royal Academy of Sciences. 
In general, we can state with satisfaction, that the sciences 
have at present attained a point, in which the successive results 
may still surpass each other in precision, but cannot be opposed 
to each other. Differences are found, and ever will be found in 
them, because there is nothing absolutely perfect in what man_ 
observes with his senses. But these differences will be hence- 
forth very trifling, comprised in very narrow limits, and such that 
the elements of the great physical theories shall no longer ex- 
perience but trifling modifications. 
Sitting of March 24. 
‘Papers read.—Extract from a Memoir on the physical and 
mathematical Theories of Heat, by Baron Fourier. Historical 
Notice on the Life and Works of M. Perier, by Chevalier De- 
lambre, Secretary of the Academy. Continuation of the Labours 
relative to the Determination of the Figure of the Earth, and Re- 
sults of Observations on the Pendulum made during last year at 
the Shetland Isles by M. Biot *. Memoirs on Insects. painted 
or sculptured on the ancient monuments of Egypt. By M. La- 
treille, 
Prizes awarded.—1. To M. Fresnel, for the best Memoir of 
Experiments made for determining the effects of the refraction 
of luminous rays, direct and reflected, when they pass separately 
or simultaneously near the extremities of one or more bodies of 
an extent either limited or indefinite, having regard to the inter- 
vals. of these bodies, as well :as to the distance of the luminous 
focus whence the rays emanate; and mathematical inductions 
from these experiments of the movements of rays in their passage 
near bodies. Prize of 300 franes. 
2. To M. Jules Cloquet, for the best Anatomical Description 
of the intestinal members known by the name of Ascaris Lum- 
bricalis and Echinorynchus Gigas. A gold medal of the value 
of 300 francs. 
3. To M. Moreau de Jonnes, one of the correspondents of the 
Society, for a Statistical Account of the French West India Co- 
lonies viewed with relation to their political ceconomy. A gold: 
medal of the value of 530) franes. 
4. To M. Pons, Assistant Director of the Observatory of Mar- 
seilles, for the three comets which he discovered in 1818, the 
medal founded by M. Lalande. These comets were very small, 
and without any appearance of tails; so that except for the ex- 
treme vigilance and ability of M. Pons, assisted by the great 
clearness of the heavens at Marseilles, it is probable that two of 
these comets would have wholly escaped observation. It was not 
even without a good deal of difficulty that they were discerned at 
% Inserted in Phil, Mag. for August 1818. 
Paris. 
