THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION. 237 
however, of these mistakes, the meeting was pleasant and satisfactory, and 
the communications and discussions not unworthy of the occasion. 
Of the different sections, that known as A — Mathematical and Physical 
Science — offers the greatest variety of subjects, and receives a number of 
communications that do not properly belong to it. Some of these should 
be considered in E (Geography and Ethnology), and others, perhaps, in 
B ( Chemistry). It is no doubt difficult to determine in many cases in 
what wa} r to limit so very general a term as Physics. Including Astro- 
nomy and Magnetism and, perhaps, Meteorology, it is apt to absorb Phy- 
sical Geography. In something of the same way, B (Chemistry) and 
C (Geology) occasionally overlap. D (Natural History), if strictly con- 
fined to Biology, would be tolerably independent, though not unfrequently 
there are links connecting it very closely with Geology by the medium of 
Palaeontology. Physiology is regarded as a branch of Natural History, 
and Statistics (F), of course, finds place everywhere. Mechanics (G) is 
tolerably well defined. Omitting any reference to Section D, which is in 
other hands, I propose to recall some of the principal and more interesting- 
communications and discussions, not so much in a systematic outline as 
in a general statement. 
Mr. Glaisher’s balloon report, already alluded to, was the most attractive 
paper of the meeting, and certainly included all the elements of a popular 
lecture. As a meteorological communication, it was given to Section A. 
There were several other papers of interest, connected with meteorology, 
climate, and other departments of Physical Geography, about which we 
may say a word; some being communicated to Section A, and others to 
Section E. It is to be regretted that a better arrangement is not made 
with regard to such papers. At a scientific meeting, Physical Geography 
should certainly receive more consideration than Descriptive Geography 
and Travels, to which the geographical part of E has been mainly reduced, 
while Climatology — too important a branch of science to be neglected — 
ought not to be carried to general Physics, which is already too crowded 
with other matter more strictly belonging to it. 
The balloon ascents of Mr. Glaisher are direct results of British Asso- 
ciation work. It has long been felt, that to determine the condition of the 
upper part of the atmosphere, it was not sufficient to make observations 
on high mountains. In such cases we always carry the earth with us, and 
the mere existence of a mountain-chain is a serious cause of disturbance 
to the atmosphere. Even isolated conical peaks in detached oceanic 
islands are not satisfactory. On the other hand, the car of a balloon is 
not a very favourable station for observing ; the work required to be done 
involves unusual accuracy and rapidity of observation, and the instruments 
used are very liable to inj ury in the descent. A large balloon, great pre- 
cautions in managing it, and repeated experiments by practised observers, 
were indispensable ; and these are not easily obtained. Moreover, the 
balloon is a costly instrument for experiment, and its use involves much 
danger to the inexperienced. The means, however, being furnished by an 
association grant of last year, an observer was found in Mr. Glaisher, 
than whom no man living is more fit for work of this kind. 
It appears, also, that Mr. Coxwell has fully justified his reputation as 
