160 TRANSACTIONS OF SCIENTIFIC SECTION. 
tity, and a, a variable one, we can increase the lateral 
stability by increasing a, or in other words by putting ( 
further back, leaving the rest of the machine asit is. If 
a=1 foot and 6=24 feet, then lateral stability =—n,=t 
2 
If we make a=23 feet, then lateral stability=y7 Fy es 
2 2 
consequently the two stabilities are to each other as 1 to 
17, which means, being interpreted, that of two bicycles 
of equal height one measuring from center of wheel to 
center of wheel 34 feet and the other 5 feet, and the sad- 
dle in each 23 feet behind center of fore wheel, the lateral 
stability of the latter will be 1? times that of the other. 
If from seat to rear wheel center be 5 feet, and to front 
center 23, then the stability will be 2.8 times greater 
than the first. The gain would hardly be worth the in- 
crease of expense and awkwardness in so long a machine. 
FEBRUARY 18, 1890—SEVENTY-NINTH REGULAR MEETING. 
Edward Elsworth, chairman, presiding ; ten members 
and thirty guests present. 
The following question was reviewed historically, and 
the present view of science presented: ‘‘ Hlecricity. 
What is It?’ by Le Roy C. Cooley, Ph.D. 
MARCH 1, 1890—EKIGHTIETH REGULAR MEETING. 
Edward Elsworth, chairman, presiding. 
In the absence of the secretary, Mr. Fred. 8. Arnold 
was chosen secretary pro tem. 
The meeting was of a social and informal character, no 
paper being presented. 
W.G. Stevenson, M.D., nominated Mr. Silas Wodell 
for membership of the section, and Prof. L. C. Cooley 
nominated Dr, Theodor Neumann. | 
LLO 
