106-(76) teansactions of scientific SECTION 



known laws, or when they lead us to mix up discrete 

 things." 



''Because we speak of vital force we must not assume 

 that it is a really existing physical force like electricity. 

 We do not know what it is : we have no right to confuse 

 Encke's supposed resisting medium with the basis of 

 light without distinct evidence of identity." "The name 

 protoplasm, now so familiarly used by physiologists, is 

 doubtless legitimate so long ;is we do not mix up differ- 

 ent substances under it ; or imagine that the name gives 

 us any knowledge of the obscure origin of life. To name 

 ;i substance protoplasm no more explains the infinite va- 

 riety of forms of life which spring out of the substance, 

 than does the vital force, which may be supposed to re- 

 side in the protoplasm." 



k ' Both expressions are mere names for an inexplicable 

 series of causes which, out of apparently similar condi- 

 tions, produce the most diverse results." 



The subject of the paper was further discussed by 

 Messrs. Coolev, Loomis, Bartlett, and DeGfarmo. 



APRIL 5, 1882— SIXTH STATED MEETING. 



I)]-. W. Gt. Stevenson, ( lhairman, protein, presiding ; sev- 

 en members present. 



A specimen of coral and an Indian implement were giv- 

 en to the Museum by the Y. M. ( I. Association. 



Dr.O. R. Willis presented to the Library his catalogue of 

 the flora of Westchester county. 



The evening was occupied in conversation. 



APRIL 26. 1882,— SEVENTH STATED MEETING. 



L. C. Cooley, Ph. I>.. Chairman, presiding; nine mem- 

 bers present. 



Edward Elsworth. Esq., read a published article by Dr. 

 H. R. Rogers, on "Sun-heat and Sun-light," which was 

 discussed by Professors Dwight and Cooley and Dr. Ste- 

 venson. 



Mr. Frank L. Moore was elected a member. 



The ( lhairman presented the following Annual Report : 



Gentlemen : — Among the duties assigned to the 

 chairman by the laws of the Scientific Section is that of 



