382 
Proceedings of the Poyal Society 
who has studied the difficult subject of the retentive power of the 
abdomen will recognise the difficulty of reaching conclusions as to 
the power of labour by Haughton’s method. It is highly probable 
that the power of the voluntary muscle is dissipated, perhaps in 
compressing intestinal gases, perhaps in consequence of being mis¬ 
directed. 
Whatever may be the real source of error as to this matter, it 
is highly desirable to find it out, in order that we may, by more 
accurate proceedings, arrive at the true results which Haughton 
hoped to reach. 
The following Gentlemen were admitted Fellows of the 
Society : — 
Rev. William Scott Moncrieff, of Fossaway, M.A. (Camb.) 
Professor A. R. Simpson. 
Dr R. J. Blair Cunynghame. 
Dr Cosmo Gordon Logie, Surgeon-Major, Royal Horse Guards. 
Monday , 20 th February 1871. 
W. F. SKENE, LL.D, Vice-President, in the Chair. 
The following Communications were read :— 
1. On the Pentatonic and other Scales employed in Scottish 
Music. By the Hon. Lord Neaves. 
Lord Neaves adverted to the peculiarity which had been observed 
in many Scotch airs, that they are composed on a pentatonic scale, 
and do not make use of the fourth or seventh of the gamut. It 
has been said that these airs can be played on the black notes of 
the pianoforte, which means that they can be played on the key of 
Fjjl major, of which the fourth and seventh are represented by white 
notes, but are not needed. He also observed that this class of airs 
could be played on the white notes of the piano, both in the key of 
F and in that of Gf. They could be played on F, because, as the}' 
do not use the fourth, they do not need ; and they could be 
played on G, because, as they do not use the seventh, they do not 
need F$. They could also, of course, be played on the key of C. 
