Report of the Astronomical Society. 28 1 



tain Hall will probably spend some time (it being one of the sta- 

 tions at which he proposes to swing the invariable pendulum), 

 possesses peculiarities which entitle it to notice, although it does 

 not satisfy all the conditions. It is immediately under the equa- 

 tor : and should he be there about the time of the equinox, the 

 very vertex of the aqueous spheroid, which will then pass over 

 the spot, may be made the subject of his observations. These 

 islands likewise present another remarkable peculiarity of situa- 

 tion. For, according to the results obtained from a theorem 

 given by M. Biot, they stand within a verv few degrees of the 

 point where the magnetic intersects the terrestrial equator. It 

 is therefore desirable that observations should be made with a 

 view to ascertain the accuracy of this conclusion. It may also be 

 remarked, that it is iiear this spot that the magnetic equator is 

 supposed to deviate into the serpentine form, as mentioned by 

 the same eminent writer. 



The formation of an Astronomical Library being one of the ob- 

 jects of the Society, the attention of the Council has been di- 

 rected thereto. At present, however, they have not thought it 

 advisable to expend anv money on this department. Neverthe- 

 less they are happy iji announcing that the foundation has been 

 laid, by the donation of many valuable works on the science by 

 several members of the Society. 



It having been represented to the Council, that the observations 

 made at the observatory of the East India Company at Madras 

 were preserved in the library of the East India Company, appli- 

 cation was made for them to the Court of Directors. With a truly 

 laudable zeal for the cause of science, the Court immediately 

 assented to this rec|ucst ; and ordered not only that the present 

 obserTations for a series of years (commencing with the year 1793, 

 and continued with some slight interruptions to the present time) 

 should be deposited with this Society, but that the future obser- 

 vations should be forwarded in like manner. Those observations, 

 accompanied with many other valuable papers on astronomical 

 subjects from the same quarter, are now in the library of the So- 

 ciety. 



Since the last general meeting of the Society the Council hav^ 

 considered the expediency of recommending a few alterations in 

 the Regulations. And they have unanimously agreed to propose: 

 First, that no person, who has filled the tillice of President for 

 two successive years, should be again eligible to the same situa- 

 tion^ until the expiration of one year from the termination of his 

 office; similar to the present regulation respecting the Vice-pre- 

 sidents: Secondly, that the six nsembcrs of toiuicil alluded to in 

 Section 2, Regulation 2, should be extended to eight, and con- 

 sequently that four should be re-eligible in every ensuing year, 



Vol. .^7. No. 27(;. ^;»r?7 1821. Nn ' instca^l 



