Proceedings of the British Association. 291 



even imperfectly approximate to the theory of gravitation, in the 

 accuracy and universality of its predictions ? It is with reference to 

 these important questions, and the expediency of continuing the 

 observations for another triennial term, that M. Kupffer, too, ad- 

 dressed a letter to Col. Sabine, suggesting the propriety of summoning 

 a Magnetic Congress, to be held at the next meeting of the British 

 Association, and at which himself, Gauss, Humboldt, Plana, Hans- 

 teen, Arogo, Lamont, Kairll, Bache, Quetelet, and all other persons 

 who had taken a leading part in conducting, organizing or forwarding 

 these observations, should be invited to attend. This proposal has been 

 for some time under the anxious consideration of your Committee of 

 Magnetism, consisting of Sir J. Herschel, Col. Sabine, the Astronomer 

 Royal, Dr. Lloyd, the Master of Trinity College, and myself ; and it 

 will be for the General Committee, before we separate, to decide 

 upon the answer which must be given. I think I may venture to 

 say, that there would be but one feeling of pride and satisfaction, at 

 seeing amongst us the whole or any considerable number of these 

 celebrated men ; and there can be little doubt but that, whatever be 

 the place at which you may agree to hold your next meeting, they 

 will experience a reception befitting the dignity of these great repre- 

 sentatives of the scientific world. 



It is quite true, that the preparations for such a meeting would 

 impose upon your Committee of Magnetism, and more especially 

 upon Col. Sabine, no small degree of labour. Reports must be 

 received from all the stations, up to the latest period, of the state of 

 the observations ; their most prominent results must be analyzed 

 and compared, and communicated as extensively as possible amongst 

 the different members of the congress, so as to put them in posses- 

 sion of the facts upon which their decision should be founded. Great 

 as is our reliance upon the activity and zeal of Col. Sabine, and of 

 his admirable co-adjutor Lieut. Riddell, perfect as is his acquain- 

 tance with every step of an inquiry, with the organization and con- 

 duct of which he and Prof. Lloyd have had the principal share, I 

 fear that he would require greater means than his present establish- 

 ment could furnish, to meet the pressure of such overwhelming duties. 



If it should be the opinion of such a congress that it was expedi- 

 ent to continue the observations for another triennial period, and if 



