xX. ABSTRACT OF PROCEEDINGS. 
Electrical Engineering is concerned mainly with the 
generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity for 
lighting and power purposes. The various systems of 
electric traction were briefly described and the system at 
present in operation in Sydney was referred to in consider- 
able detail. The development of water power in various 
parts of the world and the improvements of water turbines 
were dealt with and typical cases were described in detail. 
The electrical distribution of power in industrial establish- 
ments was compared with ordinary shafting and belting, 
and the methods of controlling the speed in electrical motors 
was briefly explained. 
Bridge Building—The various causes were explained 
which have contributed to the development of the art of 
the bridge builder, and its position to-day. There is no 
branch of engineering where science and experience has 
been so completely united, or where greater success has 
been achieved in economy of material, manufacture and 
efficiency; in support of this statement many examples 
were given including the great Forth Bridge, and the 
designs of the Hnglish, American, and German Engineers 
for the proposed Sydney Harbour Bridge. The design and 
construction of foundations were next considered with 
especial reference to the pneumatic and freezing processes. 
The testing of the materials of construction was considered 
in regard to its influence on engineering construction, and 
to the work of the International Society for testing mater- 
ials, and the Congress held in Paris in 1900. Reference — 
was also made to the various investigations and original 
researches made in the P. N. Russell Laboratory, University 
of Sydney. 
Irrigation.—The beneficial effects of the application of 
water to arid soil was next dealt with, and examples of 
successful irrigation in various parts of the world were, 
