Minutes of Meetings. xxxiii 



the author, R. Brough Smyth, Esq., C.E., &c, " On the Construction 

 of an Instrument for ascertaining the Dew Point." The paper was 

 accompanied by a sketch of the proposed instrument. 



Professor Wilson made some observations on the probable value 

 and practicability of the instrument, but the discussion was post- 

 poned on the suggestion of the President, until Mr. Smyth would 

 have had made one of the proposed instruments and be thus enabled 

 to exhibit its practical utility. 



Professor Neumayer (commissioned by the King of Bavaria to 

 conduct Magnetical Observations in this colony,) then read a paper 

 " On the Theory of Terrestrial Magnetism, and the newest steps 

 " taken for its advancement and completion," with " an explanation 

 " of the most approved instruments constructed for the conducting 

 " of such researches." The paper was illustrated by diagrams, and 

 an extensive collection of magnetical instruments. 



Professor Wilson spoke at considerable length during the discussion 

 which ensued and considered that the establishment of a Magnetical 

 Observatory had now become indispensable, and indeed, was a point 

 of national honor. He referred to the efforts of the British Asso- 

 ciation in recommending the British Government to take advantage 

 of her extended Colonial empire to further such researches. The 

 Professor also adverted to the insufficiency of the thermal action of 

 the sun to explain the phenomena of terrestrial magnetism, and ad- 

 vanced as an argument in favor of his view, that the existence of the 

 spots on the sun's disc, and the changes to which these were subject, 

 had no influence upon the intensity of the earth's magnetism. He 

 quoted results obtained at the magnetical observatories of To- 

 ronto, St. Helena, Munich, and Hobart Town. Professor Wilson, on 

 moving a vote of thanks to Professor Neumayer, expressed his 

 earnest hope that the Government of Victoria would soon furnish 

 the necessary means for establishing a Magnetical Observatory. 



Dr. Iffla seconded the motion, and the President, Captain Clarke, 

 in supporting it, referred to the practical bearings of magnetic sci- 

 ence, and alluded to the value of these observations in the correcting 

 of the existing definitions of boundaries and in navigation. The Presi- 

 dent further intimated that Colonel James was now sending out to 

 this colony magnetical instruments, to be worked contemporaneously 

 with the meteorological observations. In conclusion he passed a 

 high eulogium on Professor Neumayer, and hoped that the 

 Government would aid him to aid us. 



Thanks to Professor Neumayer were then given by acclamation. 



From the lateness of the hour, Mr. F. C. Christy's paper on 

 "Railways in Victoria," announced in the notice paper, was postponed 

 in its reading till next monthly meeting. 



Mr. Rawlinson then brought forward the motion standing in his 

 name, which was seconded by the Rev. Mr. Bleasdale. 



Mr. Edward Wilson remarked that as he might leave the colony, 



