Various appropriations were voted for the erent of scien- 
tific investigation, viz. 
To the Physical Section, - “40s £263.10 - 
Chemical“ Se ice cee a bt 150.00 
Geologic : = 325.00 , 
Zoological and Botanical, - - 6.00 
Medical, - - 100.00 
Statistical, - - - - -— _ 300.00 
Mechanica mite hee 598.00 
£3742. 10 
The principal eee ci at not involving grants of money 
were—that Prof. A. D. Bache should be requested to report on 
the meteorology of the United States:—that Prof. Johnston 
should report on the connexion of Geology and Chemistry :—that 
the Council should prepare a general report on the progress of Ge- 
ology :—that J. E. Gray, Esq. should prepare a report on British 
molluscous animals” and their shells:—that P. J. Selby, Esq. 
should prepare a report on British Ornithology :—that Dr. Forbes 
should report on the Pulmoniferous mollusca of Great Britain ; 
and that Prof. Faraday, aided by a Committee, should report on 
-~ the specific gravity of steam. In addition to these, many resolu- 
tions were passed, involving applications to the government and 
other public bodies; and various scientific researches were also 
recommended. ; 
Aititiesiisaanatmiling 
Arr. [IX.—On Cupellation, an easy, an accurate, and new 
method ; hy W. W. Matin, Mining Epeinem, § and Geologist, 
id TO agate SILLIMAN. 
Dear Sir—My duties as mining engineer, metallurgist, and 
geologist, have frequently rendered it necessary to assay lead and 
other ores for silver and gold. As I could not procure a good 
cupelling furnace with mufiles, &c., and as it was frequently de- 
sirable to ascertain on the spot, whether certain ores contained 
the precious metals, I have thought of other means of cupellation, 
and have succeeded in one which can be -applied at any place 
Where a candle, a common mouth blowpipe, and a slip of mica 
can be procured. It is a method which I have employed for 
Vou. XXXV.—No. 2. Al 
