245 
of Edinburgh, Session 1880-81. 
not know the constitution of either of them, we are not compelled 
to accept this conclusion. It must, however, he allowed that if 
comenic acid is shown to he di-basic, there is strong presumption 
that meconic acid is tri-basic. One of the circumstances which at 
first led me to form an opinion different from that which I now 
hold, is the fact that, in a solution supersaturated with ammonia, 
the acid comenate of ammonium crystallises out; hut I suppose 
this must be explained by the law, according to which the most 
insoluble compound always tends to form. There are several 
experiments which suggest themselves in connection with this sub- 
ject, such as the use of different solvents, evaporation in vacuo , and 
the like, but in the meantime I cannot further follow the investiga- 
tion. 
4. On Morgan’s Systems of Consanguinity and Affinity. 
By Dr Macfarlane. 
5. Note on a Proposition in Theory of Numbers. 
By Professor Tait. 
Monday, Ath July 1881. 
Me D. MILNE HOME, Vice-President, in the Chair. 
At the request of the Council, an Address on the Island of 
Socotra was given by Professor I. Bayley Balfour. 
The following Communication was read : — 
2. On some new species of Eossil Scorpions from the Car- 
boniferous Eocks of Scotland and the English Borders, 
with a Eeview of the genera Eoscorjoius and Mazonia 
of Messrs Meek and Worthen. By B. N. Peach. 
