SUGGESTIONS OF NEW RESEARCHES. 469 



lected parts of science, ripe for research at the present 

 time, may be mentioned : the relations of gravity and 

 cohesion to the various other forms of energy ; the pro- 

 duction of electricity by means of light ; electrical relations 

 of unequally heated base metals in corrosive liquids ; fur- 

 nace chemistry ; many parts of inorganic and organic 

 chemistry ; chemical reactions of fluorides ; the relative 

 degrees of decomposability of different liquids by an 

 electric current ; electrolysis of fused salts ; and many 

 other important subjects. 



The following list of suggestions for experiments in 

 undeveloped parts of meteorological science is copied from 

 a paper by Balfour Stewart, F.R.S., in ' Nature,' Sept. 7, 

 1876, p. 387: 'In meteorology we should endeavour to 

 obtain a clear and complete knowledge of the physical 

 motions of the earth's atmosphere and liquid envelope, 

 as well as of the various physical states of aqueous vapour 

 existing in the air. Secondly, we should investigate the 

 cyclical changes of these motions, and inquire into the 

 causes of such changes. Thirdly, we should endeavour to 

 utilise our knowledge, once obtained, in improving our 

 power of predicting weather. In magnetism we should en- 

 deavour, by the help of observations already accumulated, 

 to ascertain the causes of the changes which take place in 

 the magnetism of the earth ; and also to ascertain what is the 

 nature of the connection between magnetism and meteor- 

 ology. We should also investigate into the probable 

 cause of the earth's magnetic polarity, and lastly, ascer- 

 tain whether a method of predicting meteorological 

 changes may not be furnished by magnetism.' ' With 

 respect to solar and lunar researches, we must ascertain 

 the various periods and sub-periods of sun-spot frequency, 

 and of the frequency of solar faculse and prominences.' 

 ' We have then to investigate the causes and concomitants 



