98 



tion of Kirkwood's analogy to the planets of the system, it follows, 

 that, in their present condition, they present that nice adaptation of 

 parts which is necessary to produce in the whole the harmony noticed 

 by Mr. Kirkwood. This nice adaptation of parts they must have had 

 in any primitive state differing from the present. To such a state 

 our attention is unavoidably drawn by the necessity of introducing 

 into Kirkwood's formula, the diameter of their sphere of attraction, 

 derived from the nebular hypothesis. 



The stated business of the meeting, the balloting for candi- 

 dates for membership, was postponed in consequence of there 

 not being the requisite quorum of members present. 



Pending nominations, Nos. 226 to 231, inclusive, v^^ere read. 



Stated Meeting, August 17. 



Present, eight members. 



Dr. Patterson, President, in the Chair. 



Letters were received and read: — 



From the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia; and 

 from Gen. Jos. G. Totten, announcing donations to the Society. 

 The following donations were announced : — 



FOR THE LIBRARY. 



Reports, &c. of the Smithsonian Institution, exhibiting the Plans, 

 Operations and Financial Condition, up to January 1, 1849. From 

 the Third Annual Report of the Board of Regents. Presented to 

 Congress, Feb. 19, 1849. Washington. 8vo. — From the In- 

 stitution. 



Another copy of the same. — From Dr. Dunglison. 



An Account of the Observatory at Pulkova, as written for the North 

 American Review. July, 1849. — From the Author, B. A. 

 Gould, Jr. 



Astronomical Observations made at the Radcliffe Observatory, Ox- 

 ford, in the year 1847. By Manuel J. Johnson, M.A. Radcliffe 

 Observer. Vol. VIII. Published by order of the Radcliffe Trus- 

 tees. Oxford, 1849. 8vo. — From the Radcliffe Trustees. 



Circular prepared by direction of the Hon. Wm. Ballard Preston, 

 Secretary of the Navy, in relation to the Astronomical Expedition 

 to Chili. By Lieut. M. F. Maury, U. S. N., Superintendent of 



