240 Scientific Intelligence. 



The forthcoming report contains, in addition to the results 

 above mentioned, an account of the investigations leading up to 

 this research on the infra-red absorption lines ; a description of 

 the successive improvements in the instrumental conditions which 

 have rendered possible the present results ; a description of the 

 present apparatus and its adjustment; and a discussion of present 

 sources of error and the possibility of future progress. The 

 results of several subsidiary investigations are given, among 

 others being the change of deviation of rock salt with change of 

 temperature, the heat conductivity of rock salt, the effect of dif- 

 fraction in decreasing the intensity of energy in the spectrum 

 with narrowing slit widths. The report is illustrated with repro- 

 ductions of photographs and drawings of apparatus, platted 

 curves explanatory of various matters, holographic curves, and 

 line spectra similar to that here given. With the illustrations, 

 the report is expected to cover about 175 quarto pages." 



3. Studies from the Yale Psychological Laboratory. Edited 

 by Edward W. Scripture, Ph.D. Volume iv, pp. 141, New 

 Haven, Conn. — This volume contains the results of the excellent 

 research work carried on at the Yale Psychological Laboratory un- 

 der the charge of Dr. E. W. Scripture. It includes the following 

 articles by Dr. Scripture : Researches on reaction time ; Re- 

 searches on voluntary effort; New apparatus and methods; Ele- 

 mentary course in physiological measurements. Also by C. E. 

 Seashore, Ph.D., the following articles: Influence of the rate of 

 change upon the perception of differences in pressure and weight; 

 Weber's law of illusions. Finally by Alfred G. Nadler, M.D. : 

 On reaction-time in abnormal conditions of the nervous system. 

 Various notes conclude the number. 



4. The Sylvester Medal. — It is announced that the movement 

 among mathematicians to found some memorial to perpetuate the 

 memory of Professor J. J. Sylvester has finally taken shape in a 

 Sylvester medal for the encouragement of mathematical research. 

 A general international committee has been appointed and the 

 work of collecting subscriptions has gone so far that it is 

 stated that the sum of six hundred pounds is already assured ; 

 this does not include American contributions. Those desiring 

 to participate in the movement may send contributions to the 

 treasurer, Lord Rothschild, New Court, St. Swithin's Lane, Lon- 

 don, E. C. 



5. Floods of the Mississippi River. — Bulletin E of the Weather 

 Bureau, United States Department of Agriculture, contains a 

 highly interesting discussion by Park Morrill of the floods of the 

 Mississippi in their various relations to precipitation, drainage, 

 and the special phenomena involved. The great spring flood of 

 1897 is particularly described. To the 77 pages of text are added. 

 58 large plates. Mr. Morrill is the forecast official in charge of 

 the river and flood service. 



