xvi Proceedings. 
Prof. Nipher gave the results of a determination of the 
latent heat of vaporization of water by means of a Bunsen 
burner and a copper retort. The thermometer used read to 
tenths of adegree. The thermometer was placed in the water 
in the retort, the temperature being at first the ordinary tem- 
perature of the atmosphere. The flame was turned on, and 
kept constant by supplying the gas at any desired constant 
pressure. The thermometer was then read at the end of each 
minute during the heating to 100 degrees C.; the readings 
were continued during the evaporation of any weighed amount 
of water and during the cooling down of the retort with the 
remaining water. The sources of error were pointed out and 
it was shown how corrections could be made, but they had 
proved more troublesome than had been anticipated. He 
thought the method was one which might be used to advan- 
tage in the case of a student who was ambitious to try his 
powers as an experimenter, but thought it less desirable as a 
method for accurately determining the latent heat than the 
one usually employed. 
President Pritchett read a paper giving an account of the 
discovery and spectroscopic and photographic study of the 
new star in Auriga. 
The record of the Harvard photographs showed the star had 
become visible about December Ist, and had attained at max- 
imum brightness December 20th, when it was of the fourth 
magnitude. By February 2d, it had sunk to the fifth mag- 
nitude. 
The spectroscope study showed a type of spectrum very 
similar to that of the Coronal. The lines were much disturbed 
and showed evidence of violent internal disturbances. 
A discussion of the temporary stars which have been seen 
in historic times was given. The general conclusion has been 
reached that these temporary outbursts are due to collisions 
of meteor streams. 
The secretary read a communication from Prof. Trelease 
concerning a proposed change in the by-laws for the purpose 
of doing away with the initiation fee. 
