5 
at first gelatinous, became quickly agglomerated under water into a very hard 
semi-transparent mass, resembling flint in its fracture and other respects. 
The points of interest in connection with it were the conditions under 
which the transformation took place. He exhibited specimens of flinty 
silica, which had been formed in a solution at 214° Fah. under a pressure 
of only three feet of water, in the short space of three hours. He alluded to 
the possible bearing of this matter upon the explanation of some geolo- 
gical phenomena, usually considered to require extended periods of time 
for their accomplishment. 
Mr. A. Noble mentioned having formed a substance resembling flint 
by first gelatinising, and then drying in air, an aqueous solution of silicic 
acid obtained by dialysis. The lateness of the hour, however, prevented 
further discussion on any of the papers. 
MEETINGS OF SECTIONS. 
ENTOMOLOGICAL SECTION. 
Tuesday, January 9. — Mr. John Bolt in the chair. 
After the minutes of the last meeting had been read and confirmed, the 
members present, in accordance with rule 3 of the section, proceeded to 
elect a President and Hon. Secretary for the ensuing year. Mr. Stephen 
Barton was re-elected President, and Mr. George Harding, jun., Secretary. 
The Secretary then read the accounts of the section for the previous 
year, showing a small balance due to him. 
CHEMICAL AND PHOTOGRAPHIC SECTION. 
Wednesday, January 10.— Dr. W. B. Herapath, F.R.S., in the 
chair. 
After passing the accounts for 1865, the meeting proceeded to ballot for 
the officers of the section for the ensuing year. Mr. Alfred Noble was 
elected Hon. Secretary, and Mr. P. J. Worsley, F.C.S., President. 
Mr. W. L. Carpenter proposed a vote of thanks to the retiring officers, 
and Dr. Herapath, in vacating the chair, spoke of the great interest he 
felt in the section, and his regret at not having been able to devote more 
time to it, as well as of the good feeling which existed towards him- 
self among all the members. 
