10 Anniversary Meeting. [Dec. 1, 



simpler form of Algae. Much attention has been given to the Bacteria, 

 and to their supposed agency in producing putrefaction. The mode of 

 reproduction of Fungi has been a subject of examination and specula- 

 tion. The curious fact appears to be ascertained that movement of the 

 leaf of the Dioncea muscipula produces electrical phenomena analogous to 

 those in the movement of muscle. 



In Chemistry, though a great number of analyses &c. have been 



made, I do not learn that any step of system or fundamental science has 



been taken, except in the doubts expressed whether the existence of four 



S- isomeric lactic acids, apparently demonstrated by Wislicensis, can be 



made consistent with the present theory of organic chemistry. 



In the science of Optics a new determination of the velocity of light 

 has been made by M. Cornu, using the method of transmission of a ray 

 of light first directly, and then by reflection, between the teeth of a 

 rotating wheel. The velocity thus found in vacua is 298,500 kilo- 

 metres per second of mean solar time. M. Quincke, in experiments on 

 diffraction, has shown that there is frequently an unexpected accom- 

 paniment of polarization. 



The practical science of Galvanic Telegraphy undergoes continual im- 

 provement, especially in the power of transmitting numerous words in a 

 short time, and in the arrangement of sympathetic clocks. But the 

 point to which I would more particularly call attention is, that the prac- 

 ticability of duplex telegraphy by simultaneous currents in opposite 

 directions appears to be established, at least in many circumstances. If 

 they are accurately simultaneous, the conclusion (previously entertained 

 by theorists) appears to be inevitable that the so-called currents are 

 waves. 



M. D'Abbadie's Magnetic Survey of Abyssinia and Brazil, made several 

 years past, has lately been published. 



I have now to announce the award of the Medals. 



The Copley Medal has been awarded by the Council to Professor Her- 

 mann Ludwig Ferdinand Helmholtz, M.D., For. Memb. R.S. It would be 

 difficult for me, within the limits of this Address, to state the number and 

 the importance of the claims of Professor Helmholtz to our recognition. 

 His published books on the Conservation of Energy and the Theory of 

 Music, and his * Handbook on Physiological Optics,' have assisted greatly 

 in the progress of their respective sciences. His memoirs have ranged 

 through nervous physiology, hydrodynamical theory, instruments (as the 

 ophthalmometer and the ophthalmoscope) for exact measurement aud for 

 medical examination of the eye, and other important subjects, and have 

 been generally recognized as giving real additions to our knowledge. 



PROFESSOR MILLER, 

 As representing the Council of the Royal Society, I request that you 





