VOL. tX.] PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. j|^ 



if true, must be of great utility in performing the several motions necessary 

 in the progression of this animal. 



The substance, improperly called spermaceti, and erroneously said to be 

 prepared from the fat of the brain, was every where contained in a fluid state in 

 the cavity of the head along with the brain, but quite distinct from it. Was 

 this substance in a state of fluitlity when the animal was in life? Very probably 

 i not; but it turned into that form by means of a heat occasioned by a fermenta- 

 tion of the different fluids, which soon began after the death of the fish, and 

 increased to such a degree as at length to cause many cracks in the skin, to 

 burst the body in the back, and to throw out the abdominal viscera at that aperture. 

 After this eruption the spermaceti was found every where around the fish, floating 

 on the water in a congealed state. From which circumstance, it seemed to be 

 contained throughout the whole body, and to have run out at these cracks, &c. 

 but on examination, it was found to have run out at the mouth only. How 

 found it a passage from the head there ? To come at that fluid, the workmen 

 made a hole into the cavity of the head at (a) and took it out with a skimmer 

 from among the substance of the brain, as it flowed to the hole, which it did 

 like water springing up into a well. When it was taken out, it was hot, and of 

 a clear oily colour; but being exposed to the cold air, it immediately congealed 

 into a white mass. 



XXFIIF. Experiments and Observations on various Phenomena attending the 

 Solution of Salts. By R. Watson* A. M., F. R. S. p. 325. 

 Reprinted in the 5th vol. of this learned prelate's Chemical Essays. 



XXIX. /in Account of an Occultation of the Star ^ Tauri by the Moon, 

 ' observsd at Leicester. By the Rev. Mr. Ludlam, in a Letter to the Rev. 



Mr. Mashelyne, Astron. Royal, p. 355. 



This occultation of the star C, Tauri by the moon, was observed at Leicester, 

 April 28, 1770. The immersion was noted at 9'' 41"" 7' by the clock. It might be 

 2 seconds sooner, because the clock being of necessity at a distance from the 

 telescope, the instant of the immersion was signified by striking on a bell. The 

 emersion was about 10^ SI"", but with some uncertainty, the star being hid by a 

 cloud at its first coming out. 



By the observed transits of the sun and stars, the clock lost 3 seconds between 

 the 25th and 28th. On the 25th, by corresponding altitudes, the clock was 

 1™ 46'.8 too slow; whence on the 28th it was 1™ 49^.8 too slow. This confirms 

 the observation made by corresponding altitudes on the 28th, by which it was 

 1™ 5(y too slow at noon: Ihe clock was then losing at the rate of 4 seconds a 



* The present Bishop of Uandafl-. 



