5 2 [Proc. B.N.F.C, 



hitherto added to the explanation given by Dr. Gilbert in 1600 — 

 viz., that the two kinds of magnetism are separated in the act of 

 magnetisation. The artificial magnet Dr. Keown looks on as a 

 centre tor the induction of all passing magnetism, and that it 

 becomes overcharged of necessity only at its poles, hence he 

 attributes the attraction at the poles for that which will help it to 

 pass on its overcharge of magnetism. The currents running south 

 and north, on the magnet, are supposed to overlap each other 

 spirally, one current being stronger than the other in winter and 

 less so in summer ; and that this may take place is proved in 

 the example of sending a telegram from each end of a wire at the 

 same moment. All these considerations make it certain that the 

 extreme poles of the earth are in intimate connection with each 

 other through these currents, and show why the intensity at the 

 poles is double of what it is at the equator. After stating that the 

 magnetic needle was solely influenced by the passing currents of 

 magnetism, and that these again are subject to variations from local 

 causes, he referred to the north magnetic pole, which has, during 

 the past sixty years, occupied a limited space, shifting a little from 

 time to time ; and that as this locality lies at the head of and 

 between the two great oceans, the sources of continual evaporation 

 and condensation, they may have much to do with its position. 

 He concluded with a suggestion as to the possible influence the 

 shifting of the magnetic pole in past times may have had on the 

 climate of western Europe. 



The Annual Meeting of the Club was held on Wednesday 

 evening, 29th April, 1874. The chair was occupied by the Presi- 

 dent, John Anderson, Esq., J. P., F.G.S. Mr. William Gray read 

 the Secretaries' Report, and Mr. Greer Malcomson the Treasurer's, 

 both of which were unanimously adopted and ordered to be 

 printed. 



After the election of the office-bearers for the ensuing year, and 

 the discussion of the arrangements for the year's excursions, the 



