696 Scientific News. [September, 1880. 
difficulties encountered were greater than was expected, owing 
to the wind and the rarefaction of the air. On the top of the 
mountain the thermometer showed a temperature of 11° Fahr. 
There is no crater at all, but two peaks, both of which Mr. 
Whymper ascended; he found that the higher one was at an 
elevation of 21,982 feet above the sea-level, or nearly 12,000 feet 
above the valley of Quito.—Euglish Mechanic. 
— The American Academy of Arts and Sciences celebrated 
the first centennial since its foundation in Boston, on the 26th of 
May, This is the oldest scientific society in America next to the 
American Philosophical Society of Philadelphia, - The formal 
exercises were held at the Old South Church, where Franklin 
was baptized; addresses being made by Hon. R. C. Winthrop, 
Ex-president Asa Gray and others, At the collation in the rooms 
of the academy, numerous delegates from home and foreign 
societies expressed their congratulations and good wishes, A 
large attendance crowded the hall of the academy, 
— Died on the 5th Aug., Alvah James Ibbotson, aged 53 years. 
Mr. Ibbotson was a lithographic artist who stood at the head of 
his profession in this country. Most of the best plates of verte- 
brate fossils published by Leidy and Cope were his work, besides 
many plates of the fossil invertebrata published by Meek, White 
and others. He was remarkable for accuracy and artistic finish, 
as well as rapidity of execution. Mr. otson was a native 0 
England, and had been in the employ of T. Sinclair and Sons, of 
Philadelphia, for twenty-five years. : : as 
— A German naturalist, in the course of inquiries as to the 
phosphorescence of the sea, has found that the phenomenon 
occurs whenever sea fishes are brought into a three per cent. salt 
solution. The luminosity begins apparently in the eyes, spreads 
over the whole fish, and increases day by day. The fis after 
some time seems luminous throughout. The phosphorescent 
substance is a kind of mucus, which appears dirty-white by day, 
‘and shines in the dark. 
— Mr. J. A. Lintner has received the appointment of State 
Entomologist, the office, discontinued after Dr. Fitch’s death, 
having been again established. The appointment is a most fitting 
one, as Mr. Lintner is well known as an excellent observer and 
clear writer on economic entomology, besides having done a high 
order of work in general entomology. _ 
