1879*] 
Proceedings of Societies , 
201 
obtained, and a dilemma arose, that if aurin had the formula 
C 20 H I4 0 3 , rosanilin could not have the formula which Hofmann 
had proved it to have, C 20 H ig N 3 . The authors therefore again 
prepared pure aurin and confirmed their previous analysis. 
Zulkowsky states that the method employed by the authors 
yields wretched results, and cannot be used on the manufactur- 
ing scale. The authors, however, affirm in the present paper 
that under certain conditions, which they are not at liberty to 
divulge, a fairly good yield can be obtained. They have used 
two methods to purify aurin ; one by conversion into ammonia 
aurin and the decomposition of the latter by hydrochloric acid, 
and a second by taking advantage of the faCt that the solubility 
of aurin in alcohol decreases with the removal of the by-produCts. 
The analyses of pure aurin thus obtained completely confirmed 
the formula C 2 oH I4 0 3 . Some beautiful specimens were exhibited 
in connection with this paper. 
A paper was read by W. Carleton Williams “ On the Deriva- 
tives of Di-isobutyl. ” 
The last paper was “ On the Action of Chlorine upon Iodine,” 
by J. B. Hannay. The author has re-examined the question as 
to the existence of the compound IC 1 4 , and has come to the con- 
clusion that such a body has no existence, for two reasons. 
First, that the reaction for its formation is impossible, as no 
high chloride of iodine can exist in the presence of free iodine ; 
and, secondly, that careful experiments by which chlorine is 
added to iodine in the most advantageous manner for the forma- 
tion of a high chloride fail to indicate such a body, 
Meteorological Society, January 15. — The annual meeting 
of this Society was held at the Institution of Civil Engineers — 
Mr. C. Greaves, President, in the chair. 
The report of the Council showed that the chief features of 
the proceedings during the year 1878 had been the final comple- 
tion, on a comprehensive and well-organised basis, of the arrange- 
ments for systematic inspection of the Society’s stations — an 
objeCt which has engaged the sedulous attention of successive 
Councils for the last four years — and the delivery of a series of 
leCtures on meteorology by certain members of the Council. 
The total number of Fellows now amounts to 425, 41 having 
been elected during the year. 
The President having delivered his address “ On Dryness 
versus Humidity,” the Officers and Council for the ensuing year 
were elected. 
January 18. — The usual monthly meeting of this Society was 
held at the Institution of Civil Engineers The following papers 
were read : — Abstract of “ The Meteorology of Bombay Presi- 
dency,” by C. Chambers, F.R.S., communicated by Sir G. B.Airy, 
K.C.B., F.R.S., Astronomer Royal. “ Experiments with Lowne’s 
