60 



Unless cured of the crookedness, which was its only essen- 

 tial distinguishing attribute, the blowpipe used by Maugham 

 was evidently unfit for the fusion of any metal. Dr. Hare 

 stated that he would not undertake the fusion with it of an 

 ounce of platinum ; and concluded by saying, that, whenever the 

 process by which he had lately extended the power of his blow- 

 pipe should be published, it would be seen, that, however it 

 might differ from those which he had previously contrived, 

 it differed still more from that which Maugham had appro- 

 priated to himself. 



Prof. Bache informed the Society, that, in conjunction with 

 Prof. Rogers and Mr. Saxton on the nights of the 12th and 

 13th of November, and with Prof. Rogers and Mr. Walker on 

 the 13th and 14th, he had observed the number of meteors or 

 shooting stars. The first night was clear for only about an 

 hour, viz., between three-quarters past one and two, when but 

 one meteor was seen. The second was clear until half past 

 two; but not even an ordinary average number of meteors 

 was seen. 



On the authority of a letter from Mr. Levett Harris, Dr. 

 Bache reported the decease of Mr. F. H. Le Comte, of Paris, 

 a member of the Society. 



Stated Meeting, December 7. 

 Present, twenty-seven members. 

 Dr. Patterson, Vice President, in the Chair. 

 The following donations were received:— 



for the library. 



Memoires Couronnes par l'Academie Royale des Sciences et Belles- 

 Lettres de Bruxelles. Vol. XII. Brussels, 1837. — From the 

 Academy. 



Bulletin de l'Academie Royale de Bruxelles. Nos. 10, 11, & 12. 

 Brussels, 1837. — From the same. 



