372 



8. " On the Steam-wave." By the Rev. Thomas Boys.. Com- 

 municated by Charles Babbage, Esq , F.R.S. 



The term steam-ivave is employed by the author to denote that 

 peculiar kind of wave which is generated during the motion of steam 

 vessels on the water ; and which he shows results from the combina- 

 tion of two separate sets of waves ; namely, those occasioned simply 

 by the progressive advance of the vessel, and which consequently 

 recede from it on each side, nearly at right angles to its course ; and 

 those arising from the impulses given to the water by the action of 

 the paddles, and proceeding in the same direction as the vessel 

 itself. He ascribes to the cumulative force acquired by these waves 

 at the parts where they cross one another, the extraordinary vio- 

 lence of effect with which they strike against all obstacles opposed 

 to their progress, and which renders them so formidable to boats 

 and other small vessels exposed to the encounter. 



The Vice-President in the Chair stated, that he was directed by 

 the Council to call the attention of the Members present, and 

 through them of any philosophical inquirer who might at present 

 be engaged in the prosecution of experimental research, to the ex- 

 istence of a fund at the disposal of the President and Council of the 

 Society, denominated the Donation Fund, of which the dividends 

 are to be applied, " from time to time, in promoting Experimental 

 Researches, or in rewarding those by whom such researches may 

 have been made, or in such other manner as shall appear to the 

 President and Council for the time being most conducive to the in- 

 terests of the Society in particular, or of science in general ; " their 

 application to extend to individuals of every country not being at 

 the time Members of the Council ; " and such dividends not to be 

 hoarded parsimoniously, but be " expended liberally, and, as nearly 

 as may be, annually, in furtherance of the declared objects of the 

 Trust." 



The fund was instituted by the late Dr. Wollaston, who contri- 

 buted £2000 three per cent. Consols, and it received the following 

 additions : — from the late Mr. Davies Gilbert, £1000 three per cent. 

 Consols ; from Mr. Warburton, £105 ; from Mr. Charles Hatchett, 

 £105 ; from Mr. Guillemard, £100 ; and from the late Sir Francis 

 Chantrey, £105. 



The Vice-President in the Chair farther stated, that the dividends 

 in the present year would amount to £140 16^. 6d. 



Mr. W. Archibald Armstrong White, F.R.S., present at this meet- 

 ing, gave £10 to the Donation Fund. 



February 10, 1842. 



LIEUT.-COLONEL WM. HENRY SYKES, V.P., in the Chair. 



Thomas Glanville Taylor, Esq., was balloted for, and duly elect- 

 ed into the Society. 



