GENERAL MEETINGS. 
and one peculiar to each. By this means, variable phenomena are 
compared with each other with reference to two other phenomena. 
There are also phases of the graphic method in which lines are 
not drawn, the arrangement of the platted dots being such that they 
cannot be replaced by lines, but nevertheless lead to legitimate in- 
■ ferences. 
The function of the graphic method in research is the classifica¬ 
tion of observations and their generalization, or the discovery of 
their laws of relation. The same function is performed by math¬ 
ematical analysis, bo*th processes being restricted to the discussion 
of quantitative observations. As compared to the mathematical 
method, the graphic is more rapid and less precise. In matters 
difficult of comprehension it aids the imagination by introducing a 
sensory impression, and in this manner it suggests inferences and 
hypotheses which might readily be overlooked if mathematical 
methods were employed alone. 
Mr. H. A. Hazen remarked upon the importance of this method 
in meteorology. He suggested some precautions to be taken in at¬ 
tempting to trace a connection by maximum or mininum epochs 
between elements which are not clearly related or caused by the 
same force. 
Mr. Marcus Baker thought that the graphic method had its 
chief use in rough approximations, and drew attention to the great 
strides which had been made in geometry by the introduction of 
analytical methods, supplementing and in part supplanting graphic 
methods. 
Mr. Paul remarked that the graphic method might be useful in 
a preliminary determination of the most promising of several meth¬ 
ods of possible analysis. 
Mr. C. D. Walcott read a paper entitled 
THE GEOLOGIC AGE OF THE LOWEST FORMATION OF EMMONs’ 
TACONIC SYSTEM, 
illustrated by maps, drawings, etc. 
[This paper, in abstract, appeared in the American Journal of Science, 
3d series, 8°, New Haven, 1887, February, vol. 33, pp. 153-154.] 
