of Edinburgh, Session 1880-81. 
211 
winds not differ with each other ? Moreover, as shown in a former 
paper, the barometer does not always and actually represent the 
real weight of the atmosphere aloft ; how can it not also do so in a 
rapidly ascending and in a descending current h Under such cir 
cumstances the isobarics and the gradients cannot he absolutely 
correct, especially in those which are found at some distance from 
the low centre. To ascertain the correctness of the barometer much 
importance must he attached to it, which is accepted by well-known 
men, and is also opposed by others. It ought therefore to be fully 
discussed, and suitable observations to he received. 
3. On Chemical Nomenclature and Notation. Ify Professor 
Crum Brown. 
Monday, 1 6 th May 1881. 
Pkofessor FLEEMINO JENKIN, Vice-President, 
in the Chair. 
The following Communications were read 
1. Note on a Phoronis dredged in H.M.S. ‘ Challenger,’ 
By W. C. MTntosh. 
[Published by permission of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury.] 
This form, which in many respects is a most interesting in- 
termediate type, was dredged at Station 212, south of the Philippine 
Islands, on the 30th January 1875, in lat. 6° 55' N., long. 122° 
51' E., at a depth of 10-20 fathoms, on a sandy bottom. The 
total length is about 52 mm., with a variable diameter of about 
2 mm. at the blackish anterior region, and 4 or 5 mm. at the poste- 
rior. The tentacular or branchial region has a length of 6 or 7 mm. 
The body is elongate, smoothly rounded to the naked eye, and 
generally thrown into several constrictions and enlargements as in 
Phascolosomci, or in certain examples of Cerianthus and Edwardsia, 
the bulbous posterior end (devoid of all transverse wrinkles) of many 
making the resemblance to the latter all the more striking. On 
the other hand, the double branchial fan and general appearance 
approach the contour of the Eriographididse and Sahellidse amongst 
the Annelids. The anterior third of the body, which is tinted of a 
blackish hue with a slight metallic lustre fading posteriorly, is most 
