68 THE HAMILTON ASSOCIATION. 
ASTRONOMICAL SECTION OF THE HAMILTON 
SCIENTIFIC ASSOCIATION. 
Secretary’s Report for Season Ending May, 1902. 
This society was formed at a meeting held at the residence of 
D. B. Marsh, Sc. D., on December 20th, 1901. It was considered 
that there would be sufficient interest in the science of astronomy to 
form a society for the study of the same, and the idea has been 
justified, the society having had a most successful winter session ; 
ten meetings have been held and the following valuable papers have 
been read : 
“ Astronomy,” by D. B. Marsh, Sc. D.; read Jan. 13th, 1902. 
This inaugural address was an introductory to the study of the science, 
and Dr. Marsh laid in plain and intelligible form the general 
aspects and data from which a student would proceed to view the 
field of astronomy. 
“The Sun,” by President D. B. Marsh, Sc. D.; read Jan. 21st, 
1902. This paper covered the general facts known up to the 
present, and was made of great interest by the explanation of the 
instruments and procedures used in the observations of the sun, 
and the excellent views with which the lecturer illustrated his paper 
added to the interest. 
‘Chemistry of Creation,” by J. M. Williams ; read Feb. 4th, 
1902. ‘This paper dealt with the Nebular Theory from the stand- 
point of the chemical action of matter on matter in the evolution of 
solids from the gaseous. The assumption that the earth is solid 
was deduced from the process outlined in the forming of our globe 
from a nebulous condition. ‘This paper was received with much 
interest. The explanations and definitions made clear the theory of 
nebular origin, while some of the remarks trended to originality. 
“A Trip to Venus,” read by Wm. Bruce, March 4th, 1902. 
A charming composition of fact and fancy, blended with poetic 
imagery, making a collection of astronomical facts, figures and cal- 
culations. An interesting and delightful lecture. 
