PROCEEDINGS. 
487 
will appear in the Mathematical Magazine, vol. ii, no. 12. For 
brief abstract see Science, 1899, April 14, new series, vol. ix, 
no. 224, p. 552.] 
Discussed by Messrs. Tittmann and Baker. 
Mr. Lyman J. Briggs read a paper entitled Electrical methods 
of investigating the moisture, temperature, and soluble salt con¬ 
tent of soils. [Published as Bulletin 15, Division of Soils, U. S. 
Department of Agriculture.] 
Discussed by Messrs. C. G. Abbott, Littlehales, Radix- 
finger, and Tittmann. 
Mr. Wead read a paper entitled Application of electricity to 
musical instruments. [An abstract of this paper was published 
in Science, 1899, April 14, new series, vol. ix, no. 224, pp. 552- 
553.] 
Discussed by Messrs. Tittmann and Wead. 
V 
499th Meeting. April 1, 1899. 
President Tittmann in the chair. 
Twenty-five members present. 
Mr. Preston gave a brief description of the great telescope 
now under construction at Paris and which is to be one of the 
features of the Worlds Fair in 1900. [Not published.] 
Discussion by Messrs. Abbe and Hayford. 
Mr. Littlehales read a paper entitled The prospective place 
of the solar azimuth tables in the problem of accelerating ocean 
transit. [Published, under the title Development of great circle 
sailing, in the United States Hydrographic Office, publication 
no. 90, 2d edition.] 
Discussed by Messrs. Tittmann and Winston. 
Mr. E. G. Fischer read a paper entitled Data relating to 
nickel-iron alloy. [Not published.] 
Discussion by Messrs. Briggs, Eastman, Abbe, L. A. Fischer, 
Winston, Tittmann, Preston, Hayford, Wead, and the author. 
Mr. H. A. Hazen read a paper entitled Electric and magnetic 
weather. 
