132 REPORT—1883. 
when fresh facts shall have been discovered, but so far, the views of 
Professor Emerson Reynolds and Dr. Brauner are maintained by these 
spectrum observations, for beryllium is shown to be quite out of place 
among the triad elements, including those belonging to the rare earths, 
- Report of the Committee, consisting of Professors W. A. TILDEN 
and H. E. Armstrone (Secretary), appointed for the purpose 
of investigating Isomeric Naphthalene Derivatives. 
Sivce the appointment of the Committee, the investigation has been 
prosecuted mainly in three directions :—l. A careful study has been made 
of Betanaphthol and especially of the sulphonic acids derived therefrom ; 
and peculiarities have come to light which confirm the view that the 
behaviour of Betanaphthol is in many respects different from that of the 
phenols which have hitherto been investigated. 2. The isomeric naphtha- 
lenedisulphonic acids have been further examined and much has been 
done towards establishing the nature of the conditions under which they 
are formed. 3. The isomeric naphthalenedisulphonic acids have been 
converted into corresponding Dichloronaphthalenes and Dihydroxynaph- 
thalenes and the comparative study of the latter has been commenced. 
As, however, it is not desired to describe individual compounds, but to 
study comparatively the behaviour of several members of certain classes 
of isomeric naphthalene derivatives, and as much remains to be done be- 
fore a connected account can be given of the results of the investigation, 
the Committee consider it desirable to postpone their report until next 
year, when, it is hoped, it will be possible to carry out their intention ; 
and therefore ask to be reappointed. The grant placed at their disposal 
has been entirely expended in the purchase of material. 
Report of the Committee, consisting of Professor VALENTINE BALL, 
Professor W. Boyp Dawkins, Dr. J. Evans, Mr. G. H. KINABAN, 
and Mr. Ricnarp J. UssHer (Secretary), appointed for the 
purpose of carrying out Explorations in Caves in the Car- 
boniferous Limestone in the South of Ireland. 
Durinc the past year your Committee have aimed at the exploration of 
Shandon Cave, near Dungarvan, which yielded remains of extinct post- 
Pleiocene mammalia in 1859 and in 1875. The exploration conducted 
in the latter year by the late Professor A. Leith Adams was discontinued 
by him in consequence of the danger presented by the loose impending 
rocks forming the roof, some of which have sunk down upon the ossiferous 
beds. The first step to the exploration has been the removal of this 
dangerous roof, which tended to fall away in shelves. 
During the latter part of 1882 circumstances rendered it unadvisable 
to move in the matter of Shandon Cave; but in January last your 
Committee entered into an arrangement with the occupier of the ground 
to quarry away a specified, portion of the cliff over the cave’s mouth, first 
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