1846. 461 



oceanic currents, no less than the winds ; the temperature of the 

 earth and of the sea, as well as that of the air ; the movements of 

 the earth's crust, whether calm or convulsive, no less than the 

 changes of the mysterious power which animates and pervades its 

 mass ; all these, and more which might be easily added, are the 

 proper subjects for continued and systematic observation. We 

 have arrived at a period in the history of these branches of science, 

 when the more obvious phenomena have revealed themselves to our 

 desultory efforts, and when the precise laws, and the quantitative 

 measurements, which must form the basis of exact theory, can be 

 reached only by sustained and systematic exertion. 



In these researches, no less than in those of Astronomy, this 

 country has taken its part. The Meteorological Observatory at the 

 Ordnance Survey office in the Phoenix Park, planned and directed 

 by Captain Larcom, has now been upwards of ten years in active 

 operation, and may be taken as a model for similar establishments. 

 Of the Magnetical and Meteorological Observatory of Dublin, 

 founded in the year 1838 by the University, I have already had 

 frequent occasion to speak at these meetings, and I hope before 

 long to communicate some of the ultimate results. 



Of the geology of Ireland I have, perhaps, less right to speak, 

 as the subject has been appropriated by another and a younger So- 

 ciety. Yet there are two facts in its recent history, of such import- 

 ance, that it is impossible not to refer to them in noticing the 

 labours of the members of this Academy. I mean the completion 

 of the Geological Map of Ireland by Mr. Griffith, which, as the 

 work of one man, is certainly one of extraordinary merit ; and the 

 recent arrangements for the continuation of the Geological Survey 

 of this country, the first fruits of which are before the world in 

 Captain Portlock's able and elaborate report on the geology of 

 Londonderry. 



Passing now from the sciences of Observation to those of Experi- 

 ment, we hero also meet with labourers of our own Body, and our 

 Transactions are enriched with the results of their successful toil. 

 Here are to be found the hygrometric researches of Dr. Apjohn, 

 which have solved one of the most intricate problems in Meteor- 

 ology ; and the still more refined researches of the same author 

 upon the Specific Heats of the Gases, to which you have awarded 

 your medal. Here too are to be found most of the chemical re- 

 searches of Sir Eobert Kane, upon the chief of which you have 



