212 Royal Institution of Great Britain. 



asbestus cloth, of great strength and very close in texture, were 

 extended upon the tables. 



An unique collection of specimens of crystallized glass was laid 

 out in the library. 



Jan. 29. — Mr. Fordham developed and illustrated a plan which 

 he has of transferring the power of fixed and cheap first movers to 

 locomotive carriages, &c. travelling on common turnpike roads. He 

 considers the power of a steam-engine, moving with the locomotive 

 carriage, as very expensive when compared to an equal power ob- 

 tained by a large ordinary fixed engine, a wind or water-mill, or 

 other common first mover ; and conceives, that if the latter could 

 be transferred to the locomotive carriages, the saving in price of 

 power might be far greater than the expense of transference. His 

 plan is to condense air into cylinders, and then to use this condensed 

 air as the motive force. Ke pointed out the numerous circum- 

 stances which seemed to be in favour of this plan ; as the diminished 

 weight of the locomotive carriage ; the continual diminution of 

 pressure as the carriage proceeded; the cheapness of fixed steam- 

 engine power, dc. ; not forgetting to estimate the actual draught 

 required for a carriage, and the sufficiency of the force he pro- 

 posed applying in giving that draught. 



A very beautiful |)ortable astronomical arch, by Captain Kater, 

 was explained in the library by Captain Groves, and also some 

 other curious and novel nautical instruments. 



Feb. 5. — Mr. Burnet gave an illustrated account of the oak, and 

 especially of the naval oak of Great Britain ; referring principally 

 to those circumstances which were connected with its durability or 

 decay. Numerous specimens of oak of all ages, and from many 

 ancient buildings and ships, were put together for comparison ; and 

 also of oak cut at different times and prepared in different ways. 

 The results of this mass of experience were drawn forth, and, as far 

 as possible, embodied in a few general conclusions. 



Feb. 12. — This evening Mr. Ritchie briefly developed the first 

 principles of electro-magnetism, with the view of setting forth, in a 

 distinct and practical manner, M. Ampere's proposal of carrying 

 on telegraphic communication by means of this extraordinary 

 power. Of course the principle consists in laying down wires, 

 which at their extremities shall have coats of wire and magnetic 

 needles so arranged, that when voltaic connections are made at one 

 end of the system, magnetic needles shall move at the other. This 

 was done by a small telegraph constructed for the purpose, where, 

 however, the communication was made only through a small 

 distance, the principle being all that could be shown in a lecture- 

 room. 



Some raagnificent specimens of native platina from the Ural 

 mountains were upon the library table. 



Feb. 19.— A series of remarks on the comparative value of the 

 water in different kinds of steam-engines, was made by Mr. Ainger. 

 The use of water, alcohol, aether, condensed gases, &c. were first 

 considered, with the promise of advantage held forth by their pro- 

 posers ; 



