1888. ] 131 
In order to obtain this field, and to properly concentrate it on the rim of 
the balance wheel (thus placing said rim in a position analogous to the 
copper disc in the well-known experiment between the poles of an electro- 
magnet), I mounted massive conical pole pieces, of soft iron, inside the pole 
pieces of the armature field of an Excelsior arc-light machine, whose arm- 
ature had been removed. The space left between the opposing ends of 
these pole pieces was just sufficient to permit the introduction of the 
watch. 
The watch was then securely fixed in place, with its face upwards, so 
that the lines of magnetic force, concentrated on that part of the edge of 
the balance wheel nearest the edge of the watch, passed through it at 
right angles to the plane of its movements. After an exposure of one 
hour to the influence of this extraordinary field, the watch was found to 
have gained fifteen seconds. 
I believe that the cause of the gain is to be ascribed to a decrease in the 
are of oscillation of the balance wheel, which would thus result in an in- 
crease in the rapidity of its movements. 
The fact that the watch, after its removal from this powerful field, did 
not manifest any sensible change in its rate, shows the extent of the pro- 
tection the palladium alloys give it against the effects of external mag- 
netism. 
The Committee on Volapiik reported that it had considered 
the communications from Prof. P. Steiner, of Darmstadt, in 
reference to the claims of Pasi/engua for adoption as a univer- 
sal language, and those of Prof. G. Bauer, of Agram, in refer- 
ence to his improved Volapiik, entitled Speling, and offered 
the following resolution for the consideration of the Society. 
The Society having considered the communications from Dy. Steiner in 
reference to Pusilengua, and Dr. Bauer in reference to Speling, in view of 
its resolution of January 6, 1888, proposing a Congress to consider the 
project of an International Scientific Language, while recognizing the full 
value of Dr. Steiner’s labors and the changes made by Dr. Bauer, must 
decline to commit itself in advance of any action by such Congress to any 
individual scheme, however meritorious. 
The resolution was, on motion of Mr. Vaux, unanimously 
adopted. 
Pending nominations Nos. 1176 and 1177 and new nomina- 
tion No. 1178 were read. 
And the Society was adjourned by the President. 
