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SCIENCE 
EpIToRIAL ComMMITTEE: S. NEwcomsp, Mathematics; R. S. WoopwaRrp, Mechanics; E. C. PICKERING, 
Astronomy; T. C. MENDENHALL, Physics; R. H. THuRston, Engineering; IRA REMSEN, Chemistry; 
J. Le Contr, Geology; W. M. Davis, Physiography; HENRY F. OSBORN, Paleontology; W. K. 
Brooks, C. HART MeRRIAM, Zoology; S. H. ScuDDER, Entomology; C. E. Brssry, N. L. 
BRITION, Botany; C. S. Minot, Embryology, Histology; H. P. BownbitcuH, Physiology; 
J. S. Brutinas, Hygiene ; J. MCKEEN CATTELL, Psychology; 
J. W. PoweELL, Anthropology. 
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1899. 
CONTENTS: 
The British Association for the Advancement of 
Science :— 
Address to the Mathematical and Physical Section : 
PROFESSOR J. H. PoyNTING, F.R.S.............. 385 
The Work of the International Association for Test- 
ing Materials: PROFESSOR MANSFIELD MERRI- 
The American Association for the Advancement of 
Science :— 
The Devonian System in Canada (1): J. F. 
WHITEAVES.......2..... Meare tine Min acetiavecie sane a: is 402 
The Family Name of the Dormice: Dr. T. S. 
DOAN Raoccmerctclsatieweinanet ate see encn cise cs ccmanseabee tees 412 
Scientific Books :— 
Lambert's Differential and Integral Calculus and 
Murray’s Integral Calculus: DR. C. J. KEYSER. 
Generals, "Books Received. css.c-.-+seceee-eecese-- +s 413 
Scientific Journals and Articles ........660ceeceeeeseeeeee 416 
Discussion and Correspondence :— 
Naturalism and Agnosticism : PROFESSOR MARK 
R. WENLEY. The Origin of Measurements: DR. 
H. Hetm Cuayron. The Fauna of Porto 
Rico: FRANK M. CHAPMAN. Methods for a 
Card Index : PROFESSOR J. MCKEEN CATTELL. 417 
Notes on Inorganic Chemistry: J. L. H 
Zoological Notes: F. A. L 
ISCLENTUUC NOLES ONAHINCWS eseseucssercccaccasees steeccccelee 
University and Educational News.........0ceccceeeeeeees 42 
MSS. intended for publication and books, ete., intended 
for review should be sent to the responsible editor, Profes- 
sor J. McKeen Cattell, Garrison-on-Hudson, N. Y. 
THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR THE AD- 
VANCEMENT OF SCIENCE. 
ADDRESS TO THE MATHEMATICAL AND 
PHYSICAL SECTION.* 
Tur members of this Section will, I am 
sure, desire me to give expression to the 
gratification that we all feel in the realiza- 
tion of the scheme first proposed from this 
chair by Dr. Lodge, the scheme for the es- 
tablishment of a national Physical Labo- 
ratory. It would be useless here to at- 
tempt to point out the importance of the 
step taken in the definite foundation of the 
Laboratory, for we all recognize that it 
was absolutely necessary for the due prog- 
ress of physical research in this country. 
It is matter for congratulation that the 
initial guidance of the work of the Labo- 
ratory has been placed in such able hands. 
While the investigation of nature is ever 
increasing our knowledge, and while each 
new discovery is a positive addition never 
again to be lost, the range of the investiga- 
tion and the nature of the knowledge 
gained form the theme of endless dis- 
cussion. And in this discussion, so differ- 
ent are the views of different schools of 
thought, that it might appear hopeless to 
look for general agreement, or to attempt 
to mark progress. 
Nevertheless, I believe that in some 
directions there has been real progress, 
*Given at the Dover meeting on September 14, 
1899, by the President of the Section. 
