ABSTRACT OF PROCEEDINGS. xlvii. 
The object of the experiments was to ascertain whether 
the dielectric constant of water had a maximum value at 
4° C. or not. Electrical oscillations, with a frequency of 
25 millions, were set up along two parallel wires divided 
by metal bridges into a primary and secondary circuit. A 
condenser placed across the wires on the secondary being 
equivalent to a change in length depending on the capacity, 
any variation in capacity results in a change in the reson- 
ance between the circuits, which is indicated by a Ruther- 
ford Detector. First an air condenser was used, readings 
being taken as its capacity was given different known 
values, and then a condenser having water as its dielectric, 
readings being taken as the temperature rose from 0° C. 
By comparing the readings obtained with the two con- 
densers, the variation of capacity of the water condenser 
was estimated. The capacity invariably decreased as the 
temperature rose, there being no indication whatever of a 
critical value at 4° C. 
Remarks were made by Professor Pollock, Mr. G. H. 
Knibbs, and the President. | 
EXHIBITS. 
1. Model of a new Pressure Anemometer, by HENRY A. 
HUNT, F- B. Met. Soc. 
2. Crookes’ Spinthariscope (showing the scintillations of 
Radium), exhibited by Mr. G. H. Knipps, [kindly lent by 
Dr. L. HERSCHEL Harris.| Mr. KNIBBS gave a brief 
account of the characteristics of the radio-active elements 
and the significance of the phenomena to theoretical 
physics. 
The following donations were laid upon the table and 
acknowledged :— 
TRANSACTIONS, JOURNALS, REPORIS, &e. 
(The Names of the Donors are in Italics.) 
Aacnen—Meteorologische Observatorium Aachen. Auf der 
Industrie und Gewerbe-Ausstellung Diisseldorf 1902. 
Deutsches Meteorologisches Jahrbuch fir 1901. The Director 
