jS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 



illustrating by diagram, and indicated how and when it would become most 

 favorably situated for observation. Mr. Knight then read a sketch of the life 

 and labors of Sir George Stokes, scientist and mathematician of England, 

 who has recently passed away. 



He also read an extract from a recent publication describing an aerolite 

 that fell in Kentucky in November last, weighing thirteen pounds, and 

 having the specific gravity of 3.48. 



The chairman then introduced the principal topic of the evening by 

 giving a brief sketch of the character and work of Dr. Alfred Russell 

 Wallace of England, and requested Mr. B. R. Baumgardt to read a synopsis 

 of the recent article of Dr. Walace relative to the earth as the center of the 

 universe and man as the chief factor of the universe. 



By request of the chairman, Mr. Dozier also read extracts from an article 

 by Prof. Wm. H. Pickering, commenting upon Dr. Wallace's position and 

 taking issue with his conclusions. 



The discussion then turned upon Dr. Wallace's conclusions relative to 

 the supreme importance of man in the scheme of creation, and involved 

 references to religious as well as scientific questions, whereupon the chair- 

 man brought the discussion to a close. 



Notice was given that at the April meeting, unless contrary notice were 

 given, Mr. Baumgardt would deliver a lecture on Astronomy, in which 

 would be exhibited many of the finest and most recent slides illustrating 

 some of the recent developments of astronomical photography. The meet- 

 ing then adjourned. Melville Dozier, Secretary. 



BIOLOGICAL SECTION. 



The meeting was called to order by the chairman of the Section, 

 B. M. Davis. 



The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 



As the speaker of the evening, Dr. Beale, was not present, the chairman 

 withdrew to escort him to the club house. 



While he was gone, the meeting was addressed on Practical Evolution 

 by Prof. Ulrey, Dr. Houghton and Dr. Small. Dr. Beale arrived as this dis- 

 cussion came to an end, and at once began his lecture on the Food of Birds 

 and Their Economic Relationship. The lecture was intensely interesting 

 and led a number of members to ask questions, which the lecturer kindly 

 answered. 



On motion the meeting adjourned. About twenty-five members and 

 visitors were present. C. A. Whiting, Secretary. 



GEOLOGICAL SECTION. 



Los Angeles, Cal., February 24th, 1903. 

 The Geological Section met at the usual hour at the Woman's Club 

 Rooms, which not being opened, Mr. Wm. H. Knight extended an invita- 

 tion to the members present to adjourn to his residence, 1012 West Eighth 

 Street. Chairman Geo. W. Parsons called the meeting to order. Minutes 

 of previous meeting read and approved. There was a general discussion 



