54 Proceedings of Philosophical Societies. {Jv-hX, 



in a state of relaxation, and a permanent stricture by the exuda- 

 tion of coagulable lymph, in consequence of inflammation, 

 between the fasciculae of muscular fibres, and upon the internal 

 membrane. 



After briefly noticing what is already known respecting the 

 structure of the corpus spongiosum and corpora cavernosa, the 

 author proceeded to relate Mr. Bauer's observations on these 

 pai'ts. The cellular structure of the corpora cavernosa is made 

 up of very thin membranous plates, very elastic, and so con- 

 nected as to form a trellis work, the edge of which is attached 

 to the elastic ligmentous substance which surrounds them, and 

 which forms the septum between them. The structure of the 

 corpus spongiosum was stated to be similar to that of the cor- 

 pora cavernosa, except that the parts are formed on a smaller 

 scale, and that there are no muscular fibres in its ligamentous 

 elastic covering. These observations were illustrated by several 

 beautiful drawings made by Mr. Bauer. 



June 8. — A paper, by George Fisher, Esq. was read, entitled, 

 " On the Errors in Longitude as determined by Chronometers 

 at Sea arising from the Action of the Iron in the Ships upon the 

 Chronometers." The author commenced by statiiig that the 

 sudden alteration of the rates of the chronometers when taken 

 on ship-board has been often noticed, and generally ascribed to 

 the ship's motion. But from what he had observed respecting 

 the action of the chronometers on board the Dorothea and 

 Trent in the late voyage to the North Pole, he had been induced 

 to refer this change of rate to other causes. Thus he found 

 that in all cases the gaining rates were increased, and the losing 

 ones diminished on ship-boai'd. That this alteration took place 

 when the ships were fast in ice, or when at anchor close on 

 shore, and consequently when there was no motion; and lastly, 

 that it was independent of changes iai temperature. The author 

 then stated his opinion that it depends upon the iron in the ship, 

 which, by acquiring polarity, converts the whole ship, as it 

 were, into one large magnet, having its south pole in the deck, 

 and its north pole below ; and that the outer rim of the balance, 

 being made of steel, is acted upon by this magnetic influence, 

 and is itself also liable to become magnetic. This opinion was 

 illustrated by experiments, in all which it was found that when 

 magnets were made to act upon chronometers, tlieir rate was 

 accelerated, and is further confirmed by the fact that chrono»- 

 meters having balances and balance-springs, made of gold, 

 teep time better than others. 



June 15. — A paper, by Sir E. Home, was read, giving an 

 account of a new mode of performing the high operation for 

 the stone. The mode of operation described is what the 

 author considered to be an improvement upon a method practised 

 by Dr. Souberbielle in France, and lately described by Mr. Carpue. 

 The improvement consists chiefly in rendering the incision in 



