204 
PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES', 
explained—reference being made to the electrometer recently invented by hint, 
Which was produced for inspection. 
The nature of evaporation was next explained, and the various phenomena 
identified with this important agent—as the formation of dew, fog, clouds, rain, 
&c. &c.—■-severally pointed out; and the various instruments, constructed for 
measuring and determining the quantities of each, minutely described. The 
effects of cold and electricity upon the atmosphere were considered, and a brief 
review taken of the various natural phenomena included in the science of Mete¬ 
orology. The lecturer concluded his discourse with some apposite remarks on 
the importance of philosophical studies in general, and appealing to the fairer and 
gentler portion of the audience, urged upon them the importance of looking “ upon 
philosophy with a kindly eye—-not considering it as a difficult or uninteresting 
pursuit, beyond the reach of their capacity, but regarding it as the sure guide to 
thinking and acting, and esteeming the power of taking a rational or philosophical 
view as essential to real education; for,” continued the lecturer, “ it is not neces¬ 
sary that a person should be what is termed scientific to be a philosopher, for a 
poor person, and even a child give proofs of a philosophical mind when, as they 
sometimes do, they observe and act truly according to the relations in which they 
are placed. Besides, who that has once felt the emotion excited by the per¬ 
ception of a grand or beautiful principle in Nature will deny, that this state of 
the mind, elevated to the contemplation of a sublime first cause, is not in itself 
an homage—a tacit hallelujah?” This lecture, like the former, was illustrated 
with a number of interesting experiments. 
On the motion of Dr. Conolly, a vote of thanks to the lecturer was carried by 
acclamation. 
On Tuesday evening, Feb. 6, Mr. T. Wright delivered the first of a course of 
lectures on Fossil Organic Remains. We were glad to see the subject attract so 
numerous an audience as was present upon the occasion, and we doubt not, as 
the subject will necessarily increase in interest as it proceeds, that the entire 
course will prove extensively popular. 
In his introduction, which was most eloquently written throughout, Mr. 
Wright glanced at the rapid progress which physical science had made within 
the last half century. The discoveries in Chemistry, Electricity, and Magnetism, 
with those more connected with the subject of his proposed course of Lectures, 
namely, Geology, and Comparative Physiology, were all briefly alluded to, as 
themes inspiring sentiments of exalted admiration. Had our limits permitted, 
we should have been glad to have availed ourselves of Mr. Wright’s permission, 
and extracted largely from this portion of the lecture. As it is, however, we 
must confine ourselves to one or two of the most striking passages. 
