TRANSACTIONS OF THE SECTIONS. 7l 



tion as though it were anything more, as has sometimes been done, shows a want of 

 true appreciation of its meaning. 



The question to be considered is not simply, what is in the abstract the best mode 

 of notation, but what, considering all the circumstances of the science, possesses the 

 greatest advantage. That system of notation which is consistent with itself, and 

 which lends itself most completely to the expression of the various theories and aspects 

 of the science which have been maintained,;or may be maintained, is therefore, philo- 

 sophically speaking, the best. And such grounds, it appeared to the author, exist 

 for continuing to use the system hitherto generally adopted. 



The question of notation, it was observed, is entirely independent of Gerhardt's 

 theory of the atomic constitution of the elements to which he proposes to apply it, for 

 even those who admit the truth of his hypothesis may still express it by the ordinary 

 mode of notation. 



Remarks on the Volume Theory. By C. Moritz von Bose. 



It is endeavoured to show that the theory of volumes which separates gases from 

 other bodies must be untrue; that there is no generic difference, but a difference of 

 degree only between gases on the one hand, and solid and fluid substances on the 

 other ; that therefore the three states of aggregation may be considered under the 

 same aspect. 



And it is suggested that one equal standard be introduced for the specific gravity 

 of gases and other substances ; and that the attention of mathematicians be drawn 

 to the numbers of equivalent weight and atomic volume (as obtained on using equal 

 standard), with the view to solve the question whether those numbers being inter, 

 preted as relative distances of equivalent masses, chemical processes can be accounted 

 for by the law of gravitation. 



On a New Acetic Ether occurring in a Natural Resin. 

 By Warren De la Rue, F.R.S., and Dr. Hugo Muller. 



On the Isomers of Cumol. 

 By Warren De la Rue, F.R.S., and Dr. Hugo Muller. 



On the Representation of Neutral Salts on the type of a Neutral Peroxide HO 

 instead of a Basic Oxide H 2 2 . By Lyon Playfair, Ph.D., F.R.S. 



On the Analysis of some Connemara Minerals. By Thomas H. Rowney, 

 Ph.D., F.C.S., Prof, of Chemistry, Queens College, Galway. 

 Connemara Andalusite. — Occurs in right rhombic prisms, having apparently the 

 same regular measurement as the Tyrol mineral ; it has a rhombic cleavage, rather 

 eminent but interrupted; lustre of cleavage planes rather high, and somewhat resinous ; 

 colour of fracture reddish purple ; the cross fracture is dull. Occurs in a vein of mica- 

 ceous schist associated with quartz and a silvery mica, apparently magnesian. Faces 

 of crystals slightly blistered. 



Specific gravity 3-070. 



Silica . 3692 



Alumina 60-73 



Sexquioxide of iron -18 



Lime 1-70 



Magnesia -30 



Traces of manganese „ 99*33 



Connemara Pyrosclerite. — Bluish green; lustre somewhat waxy on the surface of a 

 fracture, translucent; bears a polish, but not very high, owing to its being rather soft • 

 contains arborizations like those of moss-agate, generally of a brown and dark green 

 colour; readily reduced to powder, and is decomposed by strong acids without gela- 

 tinizing. 



