xvi. ABSTRACT OF PROCEEDINGS. 
limestone, chalk and coral, and occluded in igneous and 
other rocks, was described. It was mentioned that ordin- 
ary igneous and metamorphic rocks, such as granite, schist, 
gneiss, basalt, etc., contain several times their own volume 
of gas occluded in a compressed state in minute cavities, 
of which a considerable percentage consists of carbon 
dioxide. The importance of the minute proportion of 
carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere was emphasized, 
its influence being as profound as that of water itself, 
because of its forming the source of supply of carbon to all 
plant life and thus indirectly of food for man and the entire 
animal kingdom. Further through its physical properties 
it exerts the controlling influence on climate, in acting 
as a blanket hindering the radiation from the earth of 
the heat received from the sun. A large series of fine 
experiments was successfully carried out, including the 
combustion of magnesium in carbon dioxide gas, and the 
production of quantities of the gas in the form of snow 
which was passed round on plates for the inspection of the 
audience, the snow being used for freezing mercury, which 
was shewn in solid sheets and blocks, the latter being used 
to drive nails into a board. 
ABSTRACT OF PROCEEDINGS, NOVEMBER 4, 1908. 
The General Monthly Meeting of the Society was held 
at the Society’s House, No. 5 Elizabeth-street North, on 
Wednesday evening, November 4th, 1908. 
W. M. HAMLET, F.I.C., F.C.S., President, in the Chair. 
Twenty members were present. 
The minutes of the preceding meeting were read and 
confirmed. 
