On the Central Heat of the Earth. 
131 
forces — gravitation, and spheroidal repulsion ; the former 
tending to draw the crust towards the central nucleus, and 
the latter repelling the crust from the centre. The solid film 
of matter, therefore, on which we tread, will have assumed 
the position where the equilibrium of the two forces is esta- 
blished. Dr Macadam then referred to the importance of 
his theory of the spheroidal state in explaining the cause of 
volcanic phenomena, and the evolution of hot water from 
the Geysers of Iceland, and concluded by expressing his 
firm conviction, that the theory he had expounded, and 
which had a reality in conception to him, would be found 
to explain many obscure points in connection with the cen- 
tral heat of the globe, and the evolution of molten matter 
and heated water from the interior of the earth. 
An animated discussion followed the reading of this paper, 
io which Mr Alex. Bryson, Dr T. S. Wright, Dr M'Bain, and 
others took part. 
Wednesday, 27th January 1864. — William Turner, Esq., M.B , 
President, in the Chair. 
William Jackson Elraslie, Esq., A.M., was balloted for, and elected a 
member of the Society. 
The following Donations to the Library were laid on the table, and 
thanks voted to the donors : — 
1. (1.) Jahrbuch der Kaiserlich-Koniglichen Geologischen E,eichsan- 
stalt, 1863, XII. Band. Nro. 2, April, Mai, Juni. (2.) General- 
Register der ersten zehn Bande des Jahrbuches der Kaiserlich-Konig- 
lichen Geologischen Reichsanstalt. — From the I. R. Geological Institute 
of Austria. 2. Canadian Journal of Industry, Science, and Art New 
Series, No. XLV., May 1863.— From the Canadian Institute. 3. Pro- 
ceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, Nos, IX., X. 
XT., XII., September, October, November, December, 1862. — From the 
Academy. 4. Section of the East of Fife Extension Railway from 
Kilconquhar to Anstruther ; copied from the Original Plans and Sections, 
by the Rev. Walter Wood, in illustration of a paper read before the 
Society at a previous meeting (see p. 125) — From the Rev. Walter 
Wood, Elie. 5. Transactions of the Royal Scottish Society of Arts, 
Vol. VI., Part iii,, 1863.— From the Society. 
The following communications were read : - 
VOL. III. 
s 
