Proceedings of Learned Societies. 221 



840 [i.] On March 20 a comet was seen between the side- 

 real divisions of a and 7 Pegasi. After three weeks it dis - 

 appeared. — (Ma-tnoan-lin.) 



PROCEEDINGS OF LEARNED SOCIETIES. 



BY W. B. TEGETMEIER. 



STATISTICAL SOCIETY.— Feb. 16. 



Effects of Open-air Exercise on Longevity. — In a very elaborate 

 paper on the reports of the Registrar- General, Mr. Sargant brought 

 forward some remarkable facts, showing the influence of out- 

 door occupation and exercise in lessening the rate of mortality ; 

 and that of almost all in-door occupations, long continued, in raising 

 the rate of mortality of the classes following them. 



The greater longevity of persons living in the country appears 

 almost wholly due to the greater proportion of out-door occupation ; 

 inasmuch as shopkeepers and others following sedentary pursuits in 

 the country have no well-marked vital superiority over the same 

 classes in towns ; whereas farm labourers, though exposed to the 

 effects of wet, attain a greater longevity than any class of mechanics 

 working in a confined atmosphere. 



Even scavengers in towns, who are exposed to very great impuri- 

 ties, are long-lived, owing to the vital influence of the open ah" in 

 which they follow their occupation. 



MANCHESTER LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL 

 SOCIETY.— Feb. 23. 



Preparation of Calcium. — A paper was communicated by Mr. E. 

 Sonstadt on the preparation of the metal Calcium. After describing 

 the well-known difficulties which have hitherto prevented calcium 

 being prepared except in very small quantity, Mr. Sonstadt described 

 his new process, which consists in fusing together iodide of potas- 

 sium and chloride of calcium. The mixture, whilst still liquid, is 

 poured into an iron crucible and permitted to solidify. The mass 

 is then thrown out, and rather less than an equivalent proportion of 

 sodium placed in the bottom of the crucible ; the solid mixturo of 

 potassium and calcium salts being replaced above it. The cover is 

 then closely luted on, and the crucible heated to redness for a short 

 time. The reaction that ensues is not violent, and the calcium re- 

 mains in the crucible in a solid mass. 



At the same meeting the practical advantage arising from the 

 improvements of Mr. Sonstadt in the manufacture of the metal 

 Magnesium were shown. Ten grains of magnesium wire were burnt, 

 giving a light which lasted for one minute, during which time an 



