x>iii. Proreedingt of the Society. 



the wearing is external, and easily replaced. This forms its 

 greatest advantage. The chief objection is the high price 

 which a pump on this construction must cost. Before giving 

 their recommendation, the Society wish to be in possession of 

 the opinion of Mr. I. Blancard, who is erecting a pump 

 on this principle, as to its efficacy and advantages. 



The Secretary read a sketch of the life of Baron B. 

 Delessert, published in the Journal des Debuts of 3rd March 

 1847. The loss occasioned to Science by the death of this 

 celebrated Naturalist will long be felt. He appears to hate 

 been in every respect deserving of the esteem of his fellow- 

 countrymen and of the whole human race. 



The Secretary also mentioned with much feeling and elo- 

 quence the death of Col. Bory de St. Vincent, long a valued 

 Corresponding Member of this Society, whose work on the 

 ** Four Islands of Africa " is in the hands of every one ; 

 though perhaps few are aware that it only marked the com- 

 mencement of a literary career distinguished by the produc- 

 tion of numerous works of great merit, on the highest 

 branches of Natural History. Our lamented associate remem- 

 bered with great pleasure the time he had spent in this Island, 

 and extended his kind and influential protection to such of 

 its inhabitants as visited Paris, as if it had been a debt duo 

 by him lo their parents and to the place of their birth. 



Mr. Bojer, Vice President, presented to the Society a small 

 branch, with the fruit, of the Elephnntusia. macrocarpa 

 (Willd.), sent to him by Mr. Gray, of Greenock. This fruit 

 is remarkable for its resemblance in substance to ivory. In 

 colour, texture, and hardness, it approaches so nearly to that 

 very expensive material, that it is now much used, especially 

 in tha lathe, for turning ornamental articles of small size. 

 This has therefore obtained for it the name of " Vegetable 

 Ivory." It originates in Peru, where it is termed " Cobeza 

 4e Negro." It would be a most desirable addition to the 



