[ * 3°3 ] 
^XX. Experiments for afcertaining the Point of Mercurial Con - 
gelation. By Mr. Tnomas Hutchins, Governor of Albany 
Fort, in Hudfon’s Bay f. 
Read April io, 1 783. 
T HE following experiments, to determine the freezing 
point of quickfilver, were made by the direction of the 
Royal Society, at Albany Fort in Hudfon’s Bay, lituated in the 
latitude of 52 0 14' North and 82° Well longitude from Green- 
wich. 
The inftruments ufed in thefe experiments were limply ther- 
mometers, except the apparatus F and G, furnilhed by Mr. 
cavendish, and of thefe a more fatisfaCtory idea will be 
formed from the annexed drawing than could be conveyed by 
words alone ; I have, therefore, only fpecified a few particu- 
lars, fo that each inftrument may be diftinguifhed from 
another. 
I have compared the inftruments with each other for feveral 
weeks in the various temperatures, to adjuft, with the greater 
precilion, the relative degrees on the feales ; which was the 
more necelfary as they differed very much. 
The five firft experiments were made exactly according to the 
directions fent to me by the Society, in order to obtain the point 
of congelation. The two lucceeding ones are alfo made in the 
manner they directed, to endeavour to afeertain the greateft de- 
gree of contraction mercury is capable of ; then follow two 
t This paper having been for fome time mi', laid, could not be printed in its 
turn. This accounts for the double paging and fignatures. 
Vol. lxxiii. *s f 
experiments 
