7 l 
3 
338 REPORT—1890. 
conductor instead of a solution. This is undoubtedly the case, but in both 
instances there is an expenditure of mechanical energy, for more work 
must be done to remove the charged body from the separated and now 
charged solution or conductor than was required to bring it up to it; 
energy has been expended, and as a result we get a current and a certain 
amount of chemical decomposition: how can this prove that the substance 
was decomposed to start with? All that it could prove seemed to be that 
a current developed by electrostatic induction produced the same results 
both qualitatively and quantitatively as an ordinary galvanic current—a 
fact which has been established long ago. 
Considerable stress has been laid on the constancy of the heat of neu- 
tralisation as an argument in favour of the physical theory, but it must be 
remembered that this constancy has received an equally simple explanation 
on the hydrate theory. 
At the conclusion of the discussion Dr. Gladstone remarked upon the 
satisfactory circumstance that by means of the meeting of the British 
Association scientific men had been brought tegether from the Continent 
and various parts of England who held diametrically opposite opinions 
upon the subjects discussed, but that there had ensued a rapprochement 
and mutual understanding which could not fail to render the views of 
both sides more accurate representations of fact. 
: 
: 
| 
Provisional Report of a Committee, consisting of Professors H. 
M‘LeEop, F.R.S., W. Ramsay, F.R.S., and Messrs. J. T. CUNDALL 
and W. A. SHENSTONE (Secretary), appointed to investigate the 
Influence of the Silent Discharge of Electricity on Oxygen and. 
other Gases. 
Ir was found, as previously reported, about two years ago, that the work 
of the Committee necessitated the production of silent discharge of 
electricity of a more constant character than that which has hitherto 
been sufficient for experiments on the electrification of gases. The 
attaining of this object was at first very seriously delayed by circum- 
stances beyond the control of the Committee. The work was, however, 
resumed during the latter part of the year 1888-9, and has been con- 
tinued since the Newcastle Meeting. Satisfactory progress has been 
made, and apparatus has now been constructed which promises to give 
satisfactory results. It will therefore be possible now to continue the — 
work of the Committee from the stage to which it was carried by 
Messrs. Shenstone and Cundall in the experiments which have already 
been reported to the Association. 
The sum of 5/. granted for the use of the Committee at the last meet- 
ing has been expended, chiefly in the construction of electrical apparatus. 
As the expenditure of the Committee is likely to be small during the 
coming year, 1t is requested that the Committee be reappointed without a 
grant. 
