RECORDS. 357 



Summary of Papers. 



The object of Dr. Kanolt's investigation was to determine 

 whether or not the ions of a salt in solution are combined with 

 the solvent. The method used was the electrolysis of a salt dis- 

 solved in a mixture of two solvents, with the subsequent analysis 

 of the portions of the solution around the two electrodes. If 

 the ions are combined with either of the solvents, this solvent 

 will be carried from one electrode to the other, and changes in 

 the proportions of the two solvents are to be expected. Positive 

 results were obtained with silver nitrate dissolved in a mixture 

 of pyridine and water, indicating that pyridine was combined 

 with silver ions. With the same salt in a mixture of alcohol 

 and water, only negative results have so far been obtained. 

 Other salts are being investigated. 



The experiments of Professors Davis and Edwards relate 

 to the chemical combination of hydrogen and oxygen under 

 the action of radium rays. The gases were enclosed in a 

 vessel in such a way that a small change of pressure could be 

 observed. About four milligrams of radium bromide were dis- 

 solved in alcohol and deposited on the surface of a small sheet 

 of platinum which was placed in the vessel. 



By means of electrodes the amount of ionization produced in 

 the gas by the radium was measured. While the rate of forma- 

 tion of water was quite slow ; yet the number of molecules of 

 water formed for each physical ion produced, was very large. 

 The experiments are being continued by Professor Edwards. 



C. C. Trowbridge, 



Secretary. 



SECTION OF BIOLOGY. 

 December 12, 1904. 



Section met at 8:15 P. M., Vice-President Underwood pre- 

 siding. 



The minutes of the last meeting of Section were read and 

 approved. 



The following program was then offered : 



Henry F. Osborn, Recent Discoveries of Extinct Ani- 



