114 Proceedings of Learned Societies. 
contact-breaker. Mr. Gassiot has, however, shown that they are per — 
fectly developed in the discharge of an extended voltaic battery through 
exhausted tubes. The large water-battery already mentioned shows them 
in great beauty; the discharge, however, is-still intermittent. j 
6. The same appearance is exhibited by a Grove’s battery of 400 
well-insulated cells ; but in this case a new and remarkable phenomenon 
presents itself At first the discharge resembles that obtained from the 
7. This change is accompanied by a remarkable alteration in the 
heating of the two electrodes, Mr. Gassiot had previously shown that, im 
he: 
the intermittent to continuous, the previously heated negative electrode — 
became cool, and the positive was intensely heated. . 
this liberal and unselfish spirit has been strikingly exhibited. He has 
had executed a grand spectroscope, furnished with no less than 
-~ 
* was entre 
This magnificent instrament he bas placed at the disposal of any Fel 
of the Society who may happen. to be engaged in researches req ring 
the use of such powerful apparatus, The instrument is at present at the 
few Observatory, where it is in contemplation to undertake the construc 
tion of a highly elaborate map of the spectrum, as 
Mr. Gassiot is. still pursuing his electrical researches, and we may bd 
assured that he will feel this acknowledgment of his labors by the hoya 
Society not merely as a reeompense for that he has accomplished, but # 
an obligation to continued exertion and new discoveries.” 
a medal was then handed to Mr. Gassiot, with the following ! 
marks :-— 
_ “Mr. Gasstor,—You will receive this medal as a mark of the deéP 
interest which the Royal Society takes in the investigations in which y' 
erst 
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