VOL. Xl/iri.} THILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS* 10/ 



A brief Inquiry into the Reading of two Dates in Arabian Figures, cut upon 

 Stones found in Ireland; communicated Nov. 10, 1743, and December 6, 

 1744. By John IVard, F.R.S. N" 475, p. 283. 



Two dates in Arabian figures, transmitted from Ireland, were some time since 

 laid before the R. S. But as the reading, which had been given them, seemed 

 doubtful to the gentlemen then present, they desired Mr. Ward's further thoughts 

 concerning them. Both those dates are said to be cut on stones, and in relief. 



He considered them as carefully as he was able, and after the strictest exami- 

 nation could see no sufficient reason to think either of them so old, as had been 

 represented. 



For several considerations then he is induced to think, that the sculptures 

 were made in the l6th century, and probably not before the reign of Queen 

 Elizabeth, considering the size of the rufFs, and some other circumstances, which 

 seem not to suit with more early times. 



On filing Phosphorus by Electricity. By the Rev. Henry Miles, D.D., F. R. S. 



N° 475, p. 290. 



• Mr. M. took a small bit of phosphorus, which had lain by him lo years; and 

 having nothing at hand convenient for holding it, he rolled it up in a small piece 

 of white paper; and applying it to the excited tube, it immediately took fire, 

 emitting a considerable quantity of flame and smoke: after some time he quenched 

 it, by dipping it into water ; and taking it out again without staying any longer 

 than to be satisfied it was not on fire, he applied it as before, when it suddenly 

 took fire, as at first. This he repeated in the same manner for 6 or 7 times with 

 the like effect; though the phosphorus could not be drained of the water, espe- 

 cially as the paper about it was wet. 



The phosphorus was held generally about 5 inches from the tube; but once or 

 twice bringing it nearer, he could perceive a continued ray of light from the tube 

 to the phosphorus. He was minded to try whether the air alone would have that 

 effect on the phosphorus, and accordingly took it out of the water, with a forceps, 

 and laid it down on a shelf, so as nothing touched it but the instrument which 

 held it; but he could not perceive the least glimmering of light, though the place 

 was sufficiently dark, after it had lain there for the space of half an hour, which 

 he thought long enough to satisfy him, that it was not kindled by the action of 

 the air in the abovementioned experiment. 



An Observation of a Fracture of the Os Humeri by the Power of the Muscles 

 only. By the late Claudius Amy and, Esq. N*'475, p. 293. 



p2 



