. 3 3 
844 Scientific e. . . [Dedemher: 
below, the first dawn of intelligence in the ascending scale of 
idiots, in the ascending scale of animals, is invariably to be found 
in the power of associating simple concrete ideas. Thus there 
are very few idiots so destitute of intelligence that the appearance 
of food does not arouse in their mirds the idea of eating ; and, as we 
increasing power of memory. In the case of the higher idiots, 
as in the case of higher animals, it is surprising in how consider- 
able a degree the faculty of special association is developed not- 
withstanding the dwarfed condition of all the higher faculties. 
On the whole then, from the mental condition of uneducated deaf 
mutes, we learn the important lesson that in the absence of 
language the mind of man is almost on a level with the mind of 
a brute in respect of its power of forming abstract ideas. 
The Association will meet next year at Sheffield, under the 
presidency of Prof. Allman. 
— Tuae Coxncress oF GEOLOGISTS AT Paris. The existence of this 
body is due, firstly, to the exertions of a committee which met 
in Philadelphia during the Exposition of 1876; and secondly, to 
the energetic coöperation of the Geological Society of France, 
which took in charge the arrangement of the details of the 
organization. The officers selected by this body and elected by 
the Congress on its opening, were the following: president, E 
ébert; vice-presidents, England, M. Davidson; Belgium, 
Koninck ; Canada, Sterry Hunt; Denmark, Johnstrupp; Spain, 
Villanova: United States, Hall; France, Daubrée and Gaudry ; 
Hungary, Szabo; Italy, Capellini ; Holland, Von Baumhauer ; 
Portugal, Ribeiro; Roumania, Stephanescu; Russia, De Moeller; 
Sweden, Thorell; Switzerland, Favre; general secretary, Jan- 
netaz ; secretaries, M. Brocchi, Delaire, Sauvage and Vélain ; 
treasurer, M. Ridche. 
The Congress assembled on Thursday, the 22d August, in the 
large hall above the commencement of the left wing of the Tro- 
cadero. To such of our readers as have not seen this building 
it may be interesting to remark, that it is situated on the side of 
a hill on the right side of the Seine, which slopes gently towards 
the bank of the river. It faces the main building of the Exposi- 
tion which stands on the left bank, the two being connected by 
= ornamental grounds, and by the bridge of Jèna. The build- 
ing consists of a central portion of the form of a semicircle 
_ to which are added two long arm-like wings, which follow the 
— direction of the circumference of a large circle for perhaps 120°. 
he convexity of the central building is inwards, and presents- 
Eea porticoes, one above the other. From the summit of the 
owest of t ieee a wide sheet of water descends with a face con- 
