414 



I'Astronomie pratique." By Professor Joseph Bianchi, Superinten- 

 dent of the Observatory at Modena. 



The Author proposes the construction of a new sidereal catalogue, 

 accompanied with a graphic representation of all the stars visible 

 within the field of view at each observation, by means of the meri- 

 dian transit of the most conspicuous stars across the field of a tele- 

 scope of four inches aperture, attached to a three-feet circle. He 

 directs this telescope to any elevation of the heavens that happens 

 to be clear; and bringing any conspicuous star to the horizontal 

 wire, he watches its transit over the two first vertical threads j then, 

 suddenly intercepting the light, makes a diagram of all the stars in 

 the field down to the 12th magnitude; and this he performs with suf- 

 ficient expedition to enable him, on restoring the light, to observe 

 the transit of his principal star over the fourth and fifth threads. 

 The author has appended (o the description of his method explana- 

 tory drawings, displaying 600 fields, of which the principal star in 

 each, has its right ascension and declination determined. He subjoins 

 some remarks on the rate of clocks, as influencing the observations 

 on the upper, lower, and opposite passages ; and proposes a plan 

 for a system of symbols expressive of the relative magnitude of the 

 stars recorded in his catalogue. 



The author farther states as one of the most important results of 

 his researches the probable existence of a general and curious law 

 of position in the stars, namely, that they are distributed in pairs ; 

 each star having a corresponding one in the opposite meridian, very 

 nearly of she same declination and magnitude; a coincidence which 

 he considers as extremely favourable to the execution of his project 

 for the accurate determination of the position in the heavens of every 

 star. 



19. " On the Composition and Decomposition of Mineral Waters." 

 By the Rev. George Cooke, LL.B. Communicated by J. G. Chil- 

 dren, Esq., Sec. R.S. 



20. " Inquiries concerning the Elementary Laws of Electricity," 

 Part II. By William Snow Harris, Esq., F.R.S. 



21. "A New Theory of the Constitution and Mode of Propagation 

 of Waves on the Surface of Fluids" By H. J. Dyar, Esq. Com- 

 municated by Edward Turner, M.D., F.R.S. 



The Society adjourned over the long vacation, to meet again on 

 the 17th November next. 



