TIDAL OBSERVATIONS. 489 
2. The Congress entrusts to a Central Committee the duty to gather, classify, and pub- 
lish in the most known journals of Europe the data of the production, and immediate 
diffusion over the markets of the Old and New World of the precious metals, and of the 
mintage operations of different States. 
3. The Congress recommends the study and development of the laws under which the 
precious metals, whether in coin or bullion, move from place to place. 
4. Tt is desirable to define according to the dictates of science, and the character of the 
different institutions, the paper money which represent or replace the coinage. 
5. It is desirable to have periodical or bimonthly accounts of the variations in the 
amount of such, and of the relation which exists between such paper money and the pre- 
cious metal. 
7. It is desirable to endeavour to obtain, if possible, statistical data of the circulation 
not included in paper money or other instruments of credit. 
A schedule of the required data on such subjects was also furnished as follows :— 
Production, distribution, and consumption or use of the precious metals. 
1. Production.—Gold and silver: indicate as respects gold if it has been obtained by 
extraction or by washing. Note the place or centre of production. Give the weight and 
yalue of annual production. 
2. Distribution, Imports, and Exports.—Countries which send and receive by sea or 
land. Give the quantity and kind imported and exported, whether ingots, coins, objects 
of art, or simple industrial product. Prepare a monthly table of imports and exports 
with such details. 
3. Consumption or use.—Weight and value of coinage pieces of every kind having 
legal course in the State issued by the Mint. Amount of old coin withdrawn. Quantity 
of the precious metal consumed in gold and silver work and jewelleries. Quantity and 
yalue absorbed for industrial uses of every kind. Valuation of anrual loss. 
As the Report of the Royal Commissioners on International Coinage will 
be soon published, your Committee defer pronouncing any opinion on the 
subject for the present. The great object for which your Committee has been 
formed is steadily advancing, and your Committee entertain the firm convic- 
tion that notwithstanding all opposing influences, it will be eventually and 
at no great distance, fully and successfully carried out. 
Committee for the purpose of promoting the extension, improvement, 
and harmonic analysis of Tidal Observations. Consisting of Sir 
WiuuusM Tuomson, LL.D., F.R.S., Prof. J. C. Apams, F.R.S., 
The Astronomer Royat, F.R.S., J. F. Bateman, F.R.S., Admiral 
Sir Epwarp Betcuer, K.C.B., T. G. Bunz, Staff-Commander 
Burpwoop, R.N., Warren De La Ruz, F.R.S., Prof. Fiscner, 
F.R.S., J. P. Gassiot, F.R.S., Prof. Haueuron, F.R.S., J. BR. 
Hinp, F.R.S., Prof. Ketiann, F.R.S., Staff-Captain Moriarry, 
C.B., J. Ouvuam, C.E., W. Parkes, M. Inst. C.E., Prof. B. Price, 
F.R.S., Rev. C. Paitcuarp, LL.D., F.R.S., Prof. Ranxine, LL.D., 
F.R.S., Captain Ricuarps, R.N., F.R.S., Dr. Rosrnson, F.R.S., 
Lieut.-General Sasrne, President of the Royal Society, W. Sissons, 
Prof. Stoxes, D.C.L., F.R.S., T. Wesster, M.A., F.R.S., and Prof. 
Fuuurr, M.A., and J. ¥. Isevin, M.A., Secretaries. 
Report by Sir W. Tuomson. 
Tux following Circular, issued to the Committee in December 1867, explains 
the plan of procedure proposed and the progress made in the investigations 
up to that date :— 
1868. 24 
