316 
relieved therefrom. In the former case it must be alternately 
raised and depressed from 30 inches below é up to that level. 
In the latter it must be raised and depressed from the level of 4 
to 30 inches above it. Castor oil is a useful medium to prevent 
the passage of air between mercury and the glass vessels. It is 
important to add a little sulphuric acid to the mercury, in order 
to remove the film of water which adheres to the inside of the 
globe 4. On this account it would, perhaps, be desirable to 
substitute a plug of glass for the indiarubber one between a 
and 4, 
PaRIs 
Academy of Sciences, Feb. 10.—M. de Quatrefages, presi- 
dent, inthe chair. M. Faye read an answer to Fathers Secchi 
and Tacchini’s criticism on his recent paper on the solar spots. 
With regard to the assertion of the former that the gyratory 
motion of solar cyclones must be small, he replied by proving 
that it must be at least five times that of the most violent terres- 
trial cyclones ; he then proceeded to answer the other objections 
in detail, and quoted a recent letter from Mr. Norman Lockyer, 
in opposition to the Rev. Father’s theory of the spots being 
eruptions. MM. Becquerel and E, Becquerel then read a note 
on the temperature of soils, bare, and covered with vegetation, 
during rainy seasons. The bare soils are always at a lower 
temperature.—M. Daubrée read a note on two meteorites which 
fell, one at Montlivant in 1838, andthe other at Beust in 1859, 
and also a communication on a new arrangement of the meteorite 
collection in the Museum d’Histoire Naturelle. —M. des Cloiseaux 
read a note on the determination of the form of amblygonite 
crystals ; and M.Trécul the third part of his paper on the carpel- 
lary theory of the Papaveracee (Chelidonium Macleya), and on 
the same subject as regards the /ossifora Laudoni. These 
papers were followed by one by M. de Caligny on certain works 
used in canal navigation. ‘Notes on vine sickness and Phylloxera 
were received from MM. Mares, de Luca, Fancon, Nourrigat, 
Jeanheury, and Madame Vivien Jaworsta. A letter from M. Is. 
Pierre on the density of absolutely pure alcohol was read.— 
M. Janssen was then elected to the astronomical section in 
succession to the late M. Laugier. Out of fifty-six votes he ob- 
tained forty-two, M. Loewy thirteen, and M. Wolff one. 
M. A. Cornu read a paper on anew determination of the 
velocity of light. His determinations agree well with 
those of Foucault.—A note on the electric resistance 
of metals was then read.—M. V. de Luynes sent a note on the 
annealing of glass MM. Rabuteau and Ducoudray one on the 
toxic properties of calcic salts. The authors state that metals 
are more poisonous as their atomic weights increase, and com- 
pare calcium with strontium and barium, both of which are 
poisonous to a considerable extent—M. F. Papillon sent a 
second note on experimental researches on the modification of 
the composition of bone.—-M. Champouillon one on the proper- 
ties of silicate of soda, &c.—M. S. de Luca one on a stalagmitic 
body from the solfaterra of Pozzuoli—Messrs. Lockyer and 
Seabroke sent a description of their method of observing the 
solar prominences with an annular slit ; this was followed by a 
paper on the “ Heat of Transformation,” by M. J. Moutier ; and 
one on the maximum resistance of galvanometers, by M. Th. du 
Moncel.—MM. Laussedat and Magnin sent a note on the use 
of the pocket aneroid and on a new hypsometric formula of great 
simplicity.—M. E. Bourgoin sent a paper on the action of bro- 
mine on di-bromosuccinic acid. The author has thus obtained 
a hydride of tetra-brominated ethylene—M. F. Hamel sent a 
note on a new red colouring matter from aniline. The body in 
question is produced by acting on aniline with chloride of sul- 
phur.—M, J. Carlet sent a description of a new osmometer.— 
M. Locari sent a paper on the presence of human bones in the 
osseous brecchia of Corsica; and M. E. T. Hamy one on the 
age of the fossil men of Guadeloup.—M. W. de Fonvielle sent 
a description of a new lightaing conductor. The session then 
adjourned. 
DIARY 
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20. 
Rovat Society, at 8.30.—On the Anatomy and Histology of the Land 
Planarians of Ceylon: H. W. Moseley.—On a new Locality of Ambly- 
gonite, and on Montebrasite, a new Hydrated Aluminium and Lithium 
Phosphate: A. O, Des Cloizeaux. 
Socirry or ANTIQUARIES, at 8.30.—Memoirand Funeral Expenses of James 
Montagu, Bishop of Winchester, a.p, 1618: E. P. Shirley. 
LinnEAan Socigry, at’ 8. 
Cuemicat Society, at 8.—On Aurinj: R. S, Dale and Dr. C. Schorlemmer 
—Researches on the Action of the Copper-Zine Couple on Organic Bodies. 
—I On Iodide of Ethyl: Dr Gladstone and A. Tribe.—Solidification cf 
NATURE 
[ Fed. 20, 1873 
Nitrous Oxide: Mr. Wills.—Action of Hydrochloric Acid on Codeine: ~ 
Dr. C. R. A, Wright. 
Numismatic SocigtTy, at 7. 
ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY, at 4. 
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21. 
GEoLoGIcAL Society, at 8.—Anniversary. 
Royat InsTITuTION, at 9.—Action at a Distance ; Prof. Clerk Maxwell. 
Roya CoLLEGE OF SURGEONS, at 4.—Extinct Mammals (ifunterian Lec- 
tures): Prof. Flower. 7 
OLp CHANGE MiIcRoscopPIcaL Society, at 5.30.—On the Internal Economy 
of Insects: T. Rymer Jones, 
SATURDAY, Fesrvary 22. 
Royat InsTITUTION, at 3.—Comparative Politics : Dr. E. A. Freeman, 
SUNDAY, Fesruary 23. 
Sunpay Lecture Society, at 4.—The Skin; its Structure and Uses: 
A. Balmauno Squire. . 
ss MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24. 
Roya GeoGrapuHicaL Society, at 8 30.—A Journey in Southern Formosa 
J. Thomson.—Notes on Badakhshan and Waknan: The President. 
Lonpon INSTITUTION, at 4.—Physical Geography: Prof. Duncan. 
Roya CoLLeGe OF SuRGEONS, at 4.—Extinct Mammals: Prof. Flower, 
TUESDAY, FEpruary 25. 
Roya INstiTUTION, at 3.—Forces and Motions of the Body: Prof. 
Rutherford. 
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 
Lonpvon INstiITUTION, at 7.—Lecture. 
Roya CoLieGE oF SURGEONS, at 4.—Extinct Mammals: Prof. Flower. 
Society or Arts, at 8.—Discussion ou Lieut.-Col. A. Strange’ Paper-on 
“* Ships for the Channel Passage.” 
GEoLoGica. Society, at 8.—On the Jurassic Rocks of Skye and Raasay: 
Dr. James Bryce.—Observations on the more remarkable Boulders of the 
North-West of England and the Welsh Borders: D. Mackintosh.—On 
the Origin of Clay-ironstone:; J. Lucas. 
ARCHAOLOGICAL A‘SOCIATION, at 8. : 
Royat Society or LITERATURE, at 8.30.—Remarks on Early Monastic and 
other Seals attached to Charters in the Bodleian Library, Oxford: W. H. 
Turner. 
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27. 
Roya Society, at 8.30. 
Society oF ANTIQUARIES, at 8.30 
Roya InsTiTuTION, at 3.—Artificial Formation of Organic Substances : 
Dr. Armstrong. 
BOOKS RECEIVED 
EnGLisH.—Elementary Anatomy: St. G. Mivart (Macmillan).—Caliban 
the Missing Link : Dr. Wilson (Macmillan).—Recent Discussions in Science, 
Philosophy, and Morals: new edition : H. Spencer.—Science Primer, No. 4, 
Physical Geography: A. Geikie (Macmillan)—Key to North American 
Birds: E. Coues (Triibner). Exalted state of the Nervous System: R. H. 
Collyer (Renshaw). Ty. 
AMERICAN.—What am I? Vol. i.: E. W. Cox (Appleton, New York). 
Foreicn.—Anwendung des Spectral appartus: Dr. K. Vurdott (Asher). 
PAMPHLETS RECEIVED 
Encuisu.— Annual of the Royal School of Naval Architecture, No. 3, Jan. 
1873.—Physical Condition of the Inlacd Seas.—Report of the Scientific Re- 
searches carried on during the months of Aug., Sept., Oct., 1871, in H.M. 
Surveying Ship Shearwater: W. B. Carpenter.—Science and Art Dept. : 
Babbage Calculating Machine. 
Pica one Ba Nat. Gel. Isis, Dresden, April to September 
1872. 
CONTENTS 
Pace 
THE PRESERVATION OF OUR NATIONAL MONUMENTS. . «. + « « 297 
HERBERT SPENCER'S PsycHoLocy. By DouGias A. SPALDING. . 298 
Our Book SHELF. .« octets pe tee « yee nlite) eens 
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR :-- 
The Janssen-Lockyer Application of the Spectroscope.—Prof. 
BALFOUR STEWART F.RIS, 2 2 © us « © » » © = pennor 
Dr. Bastian's Experiments on the Beginning of Life.—W. RoBERTS, 
MIDS SO. ..  S R o e 
The unreasonable.—Dr. C.M. INGLEBy . . . . » « + + + 302 
Inherited Feeling —ALFrep R Wa tvace, F.L.S.; H.G. Brookz 303 
Errect or LiGHT ON SELENIUM DURING THE PassAGE OF AN ELEC- 
TRIc CURRENT. By WILLOUGHBY SMITH . .. .~. «© + « = « 303 
PartinG Banquet To Pror. TYNDALL. . . 2 « » «© « « «# « 303 
ri TROGLODYTES OF THE VEZERE (With Iilustrations). By PAuL 
ROCA..6 0 10 ae 66. oy ae nase bes ates ie ee 
Tue Iractan Report UPON THE EcLipsE OF 1870. By JoHN BRETT, = 
FOR.AS. 0 0 ce eo eI mere ie og Gplitn” ess ate anne 
NOTES J 0%. 3 ce \o 0. op opie ERMNe? follisi hie hls lth) Te Msi oy Ne 
Lakes. By Prof. Ramsay, F.R.S. .« . « ss © 2 « « «5 0. SES 
SCIENTIFIC SERIALS . . 1's sielis (ss 66 0 se = <0 sm ere 
SocrETIEs AND ACADEMIES .« + « ~ 5 eater ° ae Se 
Books AND PAMPHLETS RECEIVED. - »« + + + « + «© « «© © « 316 
DIARY .. 4.15. 2 0 0) pee . eres 
Errata.—Vol. vii p. 280, rst col. 3rd line from bottom, after Myxrosponzia, 
insert and Hydrozea: p. 280, 1st col., line 17 from bottom, for hematoids 
read Nematoids : p. 289, 1st col., line 11 from bottom, for "175 read -yth: 
Pp. 291, 18t col. line 4 from top, ‘or dexcocyles read Jencocytes. Rae 
