404 
Proceedings of the Royal Society 
DP to tlie curve ; and suppose a simple shear to he applied to the 
figure, parallel to the axis of y , so as to make this tangent coincide 
with the axis of x. The equation of the curve after the shear will 
obviously be 
< 
y = (x - a)(y - b)(z - c) + tan PDA ( x - OD) 
and it will touch the axis of x. Comparing this with the equation 
above, we see that we have for the maximum value required 
< 
Te 2 = tan PDA. 
The absolute maximum of Te is obviously when the point of 
contact is the point of inflexion of the curve (whose abscissa is 
+ b + c)), and the least values when D coincides with C or with 
A. These values are easily seen to be, in order, 
a - c /, i fa - 2b + c\ 2 a 
2 V 3 \ a - c ) , 
b , b 
- and — 
BUSINESS. 
Professor Turner proposed the following motion, of which he 
gave notice at the General Statutory Meeting: — 
“ That the Honorary Yice-Presidents be in future members of the 
Council of the Eoyal Society, and that the Laws of the Society be 
modified to the extent necessary to carry this into effect.” 
This was seconded by Professor Tait, and agreed to. 
It was moved by Mr Ferguson of Kinmundy, seconded by 
Professor Duns, and agreed to — 
“ That it be remitted to the Council to bring up to the next 
Meeting the verbal alteration of Law XVII. required to carry out 
the above resolution.” 
Professor Turner proposed the second resolution, of which he 
gave notice at the General Statutory Meeting, viz. : — 
“ That the Chairman of the Meetings of the Council should have 
a casting as well as a deliberative vote.” 
This was seconded by Professor Tait, and agreed to. 
Thomas Armstrong Elliot, M.A. Cantab., was balloted for, and 
declared duly elected a Fellow of the Society. 
