31 Royal Irish Academy. 



as to whether they could recommend conjoint action to the two So- 

 cieties. I am desired further to explain that it was intended that any 

 recommendations which might emanate from this conference should be 

 looked on in the light of suggestions from a body of scientific men to 

 the Councils of the two Societies, but should have no force to bind 

 either of them. 



"Having thus, I trust, removed any misapprehension as to the 

 nature of the invitation contained in my letter of the 6th inst., I am 

 desired to express the hope that the Council of the Academy will 

 allow their Science Committee to meet the Committee of this Society 

 in conference, to discuss and advise, and not merely to receive them as 

 a Deputation ; inasmuch as a conference of the kind proposed by the 

 Council of this Society is alone likely to lead to any practical result. 

 '■ ' I am, my dear Sir, 



" Yours faithfully, 



" G. JomsrsTois^E Stoney, 



" J. K, Ingeax, Esq., LL. D., 



" Secretary of Council, R. I. ^." 



''Son. Secretary. 



[4] 



'' Zmh of April, 1877. 



*' ilT DEAB SlE, 



" I have received your letter of the 19th instant, and have laid it 

 before the Council of the Eoyal Irish Academy. 



" In my reply to your letter of the ^6th instant, I informed you of 

 the willingness of the Council that a conference should take place be- 

 tween the Science Committee of the Academy and the gentlemen 

 nominated by the Council of the Eoyal Dublin Society, so that these 

 gentlemen might have an opportunity of stating and enforcing their 

 views, and having them considered by the Committee, and that the 

 Committee, after such consideration, might make su<?h a Eeport to the 

 Council of the Academy as they should judge expedient. 



''But it is not possible for the Council to accede to the proposal 

 that the Members of the Science Committee, as such, should take part 

 with a number of gentlemen, not Members of the Committee, in a 

 joint vote on any question affecting the constitution or work of the 

 Academy. 



