42 
tion to be altogether accurate ; for though the data, in 
general, are furnished from much better authorities than 
we have any pretension to, yet from our deficiency both 
in time and talent, their application may too frequently 
be erroneous. 
Under a belief, however, that the principle we have advanc- 
ed has fact for a foundation, we submit the blemishes of the 
superstructure to your correction. 
Its direct opposition to the favourite hypothesis of Mr. 
Dawson, induces us in particular to look up to him for a 
critical examination; and, as we doubt not his candour, 
neither do we doubt his conviction of the truth and im- 
portance of the principal fact, the destructive effect of mois- 
ture or vapour in a furnace. 
In our mode of estimating that effect, we may very pro- 
bably have fallen into numerous errors. If such are found 
of importance enough to induce some abler hand to expose 
them, no doubt the object you have in view will be thereby 
promoted, and we shall, with much pleasure, reform our 
speculations : truth being, we trust, our only object : after 
which, and much at your service, we are a very humble 
Inquirer, 
The Chairman inquired if any gentleman wished to make 
observations on this important subject ? 
Mr. Hartop said, it must be exceedingly gratifying to Mr. 
Leah to find that the main substance of his paper, written 
thirty-five years ago, had been verified by experience, as well 
as by experiment, and the improved condition of science. 
(Applause.) There was one point which he was exceedingly 
anxious to have taken into consideration, (of which all scien- 
tific men were aware) that it was not merely the vapour which 
they had heard of, that affected the value of the produce of 
a furnace, but in a still higher degree Electricity. They 
found that on the approach of thunder or lightning, the pro- 
