REPORTS 
ON 
THE STATE OF SCIENCE. 
Report of the Lunar Committee for Mapping the Surface of the Moon. 
Drawn up by W. R. Brrv, at the request of the Committee, consisting 
of James GuaisueEr, F.R.S., Lord Rossz, F.R.S., Lord Wrorrestey, 
F.R.S., Sir J. Herscuet, Bart., F.R.S., Professor Pures, F.R.S., 
Rey. C. Prircnarp, F.R.S., W. Huaetns, F.R.S., Warren De La 
Ruz, F.R.S., C. Brooxs, F.R.S., Rev. T. W. Wess, F.R.A.S., 
J. N. Locxyrr, F.R.A.S., Herr Scumipt, and W. R. Birt, 
F.R.A.S., 
[Prax I.] 
In presenting the annual Report of the proceedings of the Lunar Com- 
mittee, the usual course has been to specify the amount of work done 
under the respective heads of Registration of Objects, the progress of the out- 
line map, the results of observation, and a notice of any striking pheno- 
menon that may have come under the cognizance of the Committee. Pre- 
viously to entering upon the above-mentioned subjects, the Committee have 
the pleasure to announce that, by the kindness of Edward Crossley, Ksq., 
of Halifax, who has lent his equatorial of 7-3 in. aperture and 12 feet focal 
length expressly for this work, they are in a better position not only for 
more effectively constructing the map and compiling the catalogue, but also 
for examining the observations which are transmitted to them from time to 
time. With this view the telescope has been mounted at Walthamstow, and 
has received several accessions to render it more suitable for the work. The 
number of eyepieces capable of being used with it is twelve. Mr. Birt (who 
is now engaged in examining in detail the areas already issued, in observing 
such spots as Linné, Alpetragius d, IV A* 17, IV A$ 39, and others that present 
any remarkable phenomena, and also in checking zone and other observations) 
reports that its performance is very satisfactory. 
The acquisition of this instrument, the zones at present under systematic 
observation, and particularly the increased number of observations (see post, 
pp. dand 4) requisite to elucidate questions that may be raised relative to the 
physical aspect and condition of the moon’s surface induce the hope that more 
observers will join in the work, especially gentlemen in possession of power- 
ful optical means. The Committee are desirous that the basis of observation 
of the physical aspect of the moon’s surface may be laid broad and deep, 
1868. B 
