TRANSACTIONS OF THE SECTIONS. 53 



On some Properties of Gallium. By Dr. Odling, F.Jl.S. 



Note on Benzine Derivatives. By Dr. Odling, F.R.S. 



Note on Dr. W. OihVs Researches on Cobaltamincs. By Dr. Odling, F.R.S. 



On tlit Constitution of Mellitic Acid. By S. E. Phillips. 



On the Principle of Uric Acid Genesis. By S. E. Phillip. 



Note on some recent Changes of Gold Surfaces. By T. A. Readwin. 



On some recent Gold Pseudomorphs. By T. A. Readwin. 



On the Oxidation of Colophony. By Dr. D. C. Robb. 



On some Circidar Tables for Analysis. By S. P. Thompson. 



These tables, designed by Prof. Denis Monnier, of Geneva, exhibited in a com- 

 pact form the results of all the chief reactions used in chemical analysis. The 

 reactions of the several bases and acids were grouped in sectors around the circum- 

 ference of two disks of card provided with indicators. 



On the Action of various Fatty Oils upon Copper. 

 By William H. Watson, F.C.S. 



This communication enumerates a number of experiments showing the extent 

 to which ten different oils act upon copper. The conclusions arrived at are that 

 paraffin oil and castor oil have the least action upon copper, while the action of 

 sperm oil and seal oil is but slight. The rest of the oils examined (linseed, olive, 

 almond, colza, sesame, and neat's-foot) all acted considerably upon copper, and the 

 action of linseed oil was especially great. 



The author concludes, from experiments, that the comparative action of different 

 oils cannot, in all cases, be correctly decided upon from the a^earances of the oils' 

 after exposure to copper plates, though minute quantities of the metal may be easily 

 detected in most oils from the colour produced. 



On Pyrocatechin as a Derivative of certain Varieties of Tannic Acid. 

 By Dr. John Watts, 



On the Arctic Coal brought home by the late Expedition. 

 By T. "Wills, F.C.S. 



A seam of coal was discovered by the late Expedition on the west side of 

 Robeson Channel, in Grantlaiul, lat. 81° 44' N., long. Go 3' W., about two miles 



