The Liquefaction cf Gases. 29 



has no apparent effect on bacteria. After twenty hours at — 1 90 

 deg. no diminution in any of their powers was perceptible. 

 Phosphorescent organisms under alternate cooling and thawing 

 showed a remarkable instance of suspension and renewal of 

 vital processes. Cooled down by liquid air, they became non- 

 luminous, but phosphorescence began again with its usual 

 strength when removed into ordinary conditions. In a paper 

 communicated to the Royal Society last August Dr. M'Fadyen 

 states that several forms of bacteria, including typhoid bacillus, 

 survived perfectly an exposure to — 190 deg. C. for six months. 

 Even at the temperature of liquid hydrogen ( — 252 deg.) these 

 much-enduring though minute organisms suffered no injury. 



Professor Fitzgerald moved a hearty vote of thanks to the 

 President who, he said, had given them a most profitable 

 evening, and whose experiments with liquid air they had all 

 witnessed with wonder and delight. They all appreciated, too 

 Mr. Brown's tribute to Professor Andrews and his work. To 

 Dr. Moss, of Dublin, and to Mr. Brown's son who had acted so 

 efficiently as his assistant, their best thanks were also due. 



Mr. R. M. Jones, in seconding the motion, said Mr. Brown, 

 in addition to being an eminent scientist, was one of the most 

 public-spirited men in Belfast. He had introduced them to 

 many new and interesting discoveries, including the motor-car, 

 wireless telegraphy, and that very ingenious invention of his 

 own for the improvement of our roads. That evening he had 

 introduced them to liquid air, and shown them some of its 

 marvellous properties, in addition to giving them a wonderfully 

 able and concise history of modern research in connection with 

 the liquefaction of gases. 



The vote was passed by acclamation, and briefly replied to 

 by the President. 



On the motion of Mr. W. S. Swanston, seconded by Mr. 

 Robert Patterson, authority was given to dispose of some 

 duplicate specimens in the Museum. 



