x Proceedings. [October $th, igi 5. 



An exchange of publications has been arranged with the 

 National Academy of Sciences, Washington, for their Proceedings. 



The President referred to the exhibition arranged by the 

 Society during the recent visit of the British Association, and 

 drew attention to the pamphlet distributed to Members and 

 Visitors on that occasion. 



Mr. Francis Nicholson, F.Z.S., made a short communi- 

 cation relating to the recent presence of Wheatears and other 

 migratory birds on the Old Infirmary site. 



Mr. C. L. Barnes, M.A., read the following note, relating 

 to a visit to Dalton at his laboratory in the Society's house, 

 taken from Granville's " Spas of England " (1841) : — 



" I found the great philosopher in the little laboratory of the 

 institution, staring at me as if struggling to recognise an old 

 acquaintance, whom length of time and his recent severe illness 

 had probably obliterated from his intellect. Yet there still was 

 upon his countenance that peculiar smile of benignity which 

 ever distinguished his otherwise striking physiognomy. Dalton 

 was in the act of endeavouring to loosen with patient placidity 

 the stubborn glass stopper of an empty bottle, and welcomed me 

 with a single smile, after a moment's hesitation, and a shake of 

 the hand. Finding the effort difficult for him, " Friend " Clare, 

 by whom I was escorted, and who will to the last day of his own 

 useful life cherish the gratifying thought of having been the 

 affectionate friend and helpmate of the great philosopher, offered 

 to assist him. But Dalton, gently withdrawing his hand, which 

 held the bottle, from Peter Clare's friendly offer, proceeded to a 

 little lighted furnace, heated the bottle, and presently loosened 

 the stopper, after which, as if lie had been exhausted by the 

 effort, he sat himself down and whispered with hesitation and 

 difficulty some words, the meaning of v/hich we did not catch. 

 Peter, to rouse him, mentioned the last important papers on the 

 phosphates, which Dalton had forwarded to the Royal Society 

 in the April preceding; hearing which the philosopher instantly 

 raised his eyes, and enquired if they had been read and published 



