CONVERSAZIONE. 
233 
beautiful series of experiments with tubes containing different gases in a 
highly rarefied condition. The discharge from the induction coil, on being 
passed through these tubes, was variously modified, and produced the most 
striking effects. The action of magnetism on the discharge was illustrated 
by a very beautiful experiment. The fluorescence of a solution of quinine 
when exposed to the light of the discharge was also exhibited. The speaker 
concluded by showing the intimate relation existing between electrical, 
physical, and chemical disturbance, and the mutual convertibility of all 
forms of force. 
Mr. Thonger, at the request of the President, gave a short description of 
his patented caution label, for the prevention of accidental poisoning. As is 
now w T ell known, it consists of the ordinary retail or dispensing label, with a 
broad border of sand-paper. A dispenser, patient, or nurse feeling such a 
rough label on laying hold of the bottle, is thereby reminded that the con¬ 
tents of the latter are of a dangerous character. The labels were of all shapes 
and sizes, and seemed as convenient for the medical practitioner and his pa¬ 
tients as for the chemist and druggist and his customers. 
At about ten o’clock the gossiping groups of philosophers were collectively 
addressed by the President. He begged to propose a vote of thanks to the 
Birmingham members for the hearty manner in which they had performed 
the duties of hosts. It was a pleasant thing thus to see the chemists and 
druggists of a great town vying with each other in such verbal and practical 
expressions of goodwill and friendship as all had met with that evening. 
* Dr. Attfield seconded the resolution. He was glad to have that oppor¬ 
tunity, both personally and officially, of thanking those of the Birmingham 
members who had acted as a local committee for the arrangement of the 
business and social meetings of the Conference. He and Mr. Reynolds 
could not have accomplished their duties as Secretaries had it not been for the 
substantial and valuable co-operation they had received. He begged to as¬ 
sociate with the resolution the name of Mr. Dymond, with whom, as Acting 
Local Secretary in the absence, from illness, of Mr. W. Southall, jun., he had 
necessarily been brought more into contact than with some other members of 
the Committee. 
The resolution having been carried by acclamation, Mr. Dymond briefly 
acknowledged it. 
Among the articles displayed on the tables were the following:— 
Messrs. Chance, Brothers, and Co., fine specimens of crystals of carbonate of soda, 
sesquicarbonate of ammonia, and sal ammoniac. 
Mr. T. Lucas, of Birmingham, microscopic objects, and fine specimens of sulphate of 
magnesia crystals. 
Messrs. Robert Field and Son, of Birmingham, a display of microscopes, exhibiting a 
variety of physiological preparations. 
Mr. Timothy Morris, of Birmingham, a voltaic battery, galvanic machines, magneto¬ 
electric machines, magnets, and samples of submarine electric cables. 
Mr. H. Deane, of London, specimens of tea-seed and tea-seed oil, seeds and oil of 
Argemone Mexicana, and specimens of corrosive sublimate, which had been used for the 
poisoning of a child, and the means of detection under a microscope. 
Messrs. Southall, Son, and Dymond, of Birmingham, specimens of iodides and bro¬ 
mides of potassium, ammonium, and cadmium. 
Mr. R. Reynolds, of Leeds, specimens illustrating a paper on cotton-seed oil, and its 
detection when mixed with other oils. 
Dr. Attfield, of London, specimens illustrating a paper on aqueous and spirituous so¬ 
lutions of perchloride of iron. ? 
Mr. J. Tuck, of Wilton, near Salisbury, specimens illustrating a paper on Eschtvege’s 
patent w T ood-naphtha, methylic alcohol, etc. 
VOL. VII. 
R 
