SECTIONAL TRANSACTIONS.— A. 339 



in a rigid surface from the point of view of the quantum theory we may 

 form a rough picture of the manner in which localisation of energy might 

 take place. We must also take account of the very low molecular con- 

 centrations of certain substances which will, none the less, influence pro- 

 foundly the course of biological processes, which would seem to show that 

 the living cell is also capable of what we may call ' integration of time.' 



Discussion (3.30). 



Concurrently with above : — 

 Symposium on The upper atmosphere (lo.o). 



Prof. D. Brunt. — The upper air and its importance in meteorology. 



The rate of decrease of temperature with height in the atmosphere is 

 on the average roughly the same in all latitudes and at all heights up to a 

 limit known as the tropopause, of which the mean height varies from about 

 17 km. at the equator to about 6 km. at the poles. Above the tropopause 

 is the stratosphere within which temperature varies little with height. 



The differences in height of the tropopause in different pressure distri- 

 butions are discussed, and the variations of wind and density with height 

 are considered from the point of view of their bearing on stratosphere 

 flight. 



Methods of observation of temperature in the upper air are described 

 briefly, the importance of obtaining the observations without delay, for 

 use in weather forecasting, is emphasised, and the practical value of the 

 observations discussed. 



Dr. K. C. Lange. — Comparison between Harvard radio-meteorographs 

 and airplane meteorographs (10.30). 



Dr. F. Paneth. — Chemical exploration of the upper atmosphere. 



General Discussion on The upper atmosphere. 



The above discussion on The upper atmosphere was preceded by the 

 release, by Prof. D. Brunt, of a sounding balloon carrying a Dines meteoro- 

 graph, which was watched by a large number of members of the Association. 

 The instrument was attached to the balloon by a Baker release, consisting 

 of a small aneroid which could be adjusted to open a catch, and so release 

 the instruments from the balloon at any desired height. The release was 

 adjusted so as to liberate the instruments at a height of about 12 kilometres. 

 The instruments fell about four miles east of Grantham, and were picked 

 up, and returned in good condition, by Mr. E. B. Dove of Ropsley. 



The record of the meteorograph shows that the balloon dropped the 

 instruments from a height of 12-3 Idlometres. There was a normal fall 

 of temperature within the first half kilometre above the ground, with an 

 increase of temperature of about 1° C. in the next half kilometre, while 

 above this the temperature fell off steadily up to about 12 kilometres, after 

 which there was no further fall, indicating that the balloon had then entered 

 the stratosphere. The temperature was about 13° C. at the ground and 

 — 55° C. at 12 kilometres. 



