143 



there still exists a considerable number of old philosophical 

 instruments, both in the possession of private individuals and 

 also in public collections and museums, where they are gene- 

 rally looked upon as mere curiosities, and where, from their 

 isolated position, they scarcely deserve to be regarded in any 

 other light. Such articles, however, if they were collected 

 together, and arranged in historic series, would acquire a real 

 value and importance; and I am surej;hat, in many instances, 

 then present possessors would be glad to have an opportunity 

 of transferring them to a collection where their true value 

 would be thus recognised and appreciated. 



" It has occurred to me, that such a museum would be 

 most advantageously established in connexion with the School 

 of Natural and Experimental Philosophy in our University, 

 where the nucleus for its formation already exists, and where 

 its permanence and security would be insured. I have ac- 

 cordingly solicited and obtained permission from the Board to 

 undertake its formation in connexion with that School, and 

 will feel much indebted to the Members of the Royal Irish 

 Academy, if they will kindly give me their assistance in car- 

 rying out the project, both by making it known as exten- 

 sively as possible, and also by using their interest to procure 

 donations of such articles as will add to the interest and value 

 of the collection. 



" I have the honour to remain, Sir, 



" Your obedient Servant, 



" Robert V. Dixon, 

 " Erasmus Smith's Professor of 

 Nat. and Exp. Philosophy. 

 " To the Secretary of the 

 Royal Irish Academy." 



Mr. Robert Mallet read a paper giving an account of his 

 experimental determination of the limits of the transit rate of 



