American Geological Society. 139 
T am disposed at present to believe, that the small crys- 
talline plates above obtained, consist of Cantharidin ; and 
that the above experiments are a strong confirmation of the 
idea that the vesicating property of insects depends on the 
presence of a peculiar substance which may possibly be 
proved to be a peculiar animal alkali. 
With real esteem, 
Your humble obedt. servt. 
J. FREEMAN DANA. 
Cambridge, June 10, 1819. 
INTELLIGENCE AND MISCELLANIES. 
Ber 
1. American Geological Society. 
AT the conclusion of our last number, we announced the 
formation of an American Geological Society and the pas- 
sage of an act of Incorporation by the Legislature of Con- 
necticut, conferrmg the necessary powers. 
Agreeably to that act a number of gentlemen from differ- 
ent States, held a meeting on the morning of Sept. 6th, in 
the Philosophical Room of Yale College for the purpose of 
organizing the society. 
Col. George Gibbs was called to the chair, and the plan 
of a constitution was laid before the meeting by a committee. 
On the evening of the 7th, it was adopted, after undergo- 
ing various amendments. 
A copy is subjoined with a list of the officers elected for 
ihe ensuing year. 
Constitution of the American Geological Society. 
Arr. —There shall be a President, eight Vice-Presi- 
dents, one Recording Secretary, three Corresponding Sec- 
retaries, a Curator and Treasurer, a Committee of Nomina- 
tion, and a Committee of publication; all of whom shall be 
annually elected. 
