Yorkshire Scientific Mceiing. 
Mr. R. Potter, Jun., next read a paper on the subject of the refraction of light, 
intended to show, that a certain hypothesis of M. Fresnel, was contradictory to ex¬ 
periment. 
M. W, Hutton, next read an Essay on the Whin Sill, in which, witli much mi¬ 
nuteness and laborious researclj, he described the whole eourse of that interesting 
rock, from its rise in this county, through a line of 100 miles, to a distant part of 
Northumberland, offering, as he proceeded, such remarks on its probable formation 
as his own close and personal inspection had suggested to him. Mr. Murchison, 
bore testimony to the diligent research and great ability displayed in the paper, 
and made a few remarks which his own observation on the Whin Sill had sug¬ 
gested, and expressed his hope, that before another annual meeting, future obser¬ 
vations would enable them further to clear up this interestingsubject. Mr. Phillips 
agreed both with Mr. Hutton and Mr. Murchison. 
[The Rev. W. V. Harcourt begged leave to interrupt their scientific proceedings 
for a moment, to observe, that an invitation had beeai received from the Archbishop 
for the gentlemen present at this scientific meeting to dine at the Palace, to-morrow 
at five o’clock, and to request those gentlemen who meant to accept the invitation, 
to leave their names at the door of the theatre.] 
Mr. .1. F. W. Johnston then read a paper on the discovery of a new metal, 
called Vanadium, which had only been discovered about November last. Many 
beautiful specimens were exhibited and described, with much scientific acumen. 
Henry Witham, Esq., next read a very ingenious paper on Fossil Vegetation, 
with a view to gain votaries to that part of geology which depends for its progress 
on accurate knowledge of Fossil Botany. 
The proceedings of this morning’s meeting were closed by the reading of a pa¬ 
per by Mr. Phillips, communicated by Dr. Henry, on a peculiar phenomenon 
belonging to the Copper Ore of Anglesea. 
The meeting was attended by upwards of one hundred gentlemen, and during a 
part of the proceedings the Archbishop was present. The meeting broke up at a 
quarter to four o’clock. 
On Thursday evening Mr. Scoresby communicated the results of his recent re¬ 
searches concerning the law of magnetic induction, the diminution of the magnetic 
force in proportion to the square of the distance, and the employment of those data 
for the construction of apparatus by which to measure the thickness of walls, the 
solid intervals between the subterranean tunnels, and gangways in mines, collier¬ 
ies, &c., and in general to the determination of short distances otherwise immea¬ 
surable. The experiments by which Coulomb ascertained the law of magnetic 
intensity were on a very minute and delicate scale, but the powerful magnets of 
Mr, Scoresby have enabled him to exhibit their effect in producing a deviatiou of 
the needle at the distance of 60 feet. 
FIFTH DAY, FRIDAY. 
This morning Mr. Scoresby completed his curious experiments in Magnetism. 
Dr. Brewster gave his very interesting paper on the structure of the crystalline 
lens. Mr. Murchison communicated the principal results of Mr. Gilbertson’s re¬ 
searches concerning the shells of existing species which lie in the gravel and silt 
beds of Lancashire. Dr. Daubeny delivered a short lecture on the connection be¬ 
tween mineral springs and volcanic action, and on the gaseous contents of Taff’s 
Well, near Cardift*. 
A large party of the members of the Association then proceeded to Bishopthoi'pe 
to enjoy the cheering and friendly hospitality of the Archbishop. Three delight¬ 
ful hours passed rapidly in the Palace, and then the whole assembly returned to 
the hall of science. 
Mr. Potter, from the lecture-table, spoke of the passage of electricity in the 
7’orricellian Vacuum; Dr. Warwick exhibited Moll’s method of creating a tem¬ 
porary magnet; Dr. Daubeny exhibited a new instrument; and Mr. Phillips read 
an account from the Malta Gazette of the New Island raised by submarine fires 
from the bed of the Mediterranean, 
J was obliged to leave York, on the Saturday morning, but am informed 
that several interesting papers were read in the course of the day. The Meet¬ 
ing closed on Saturday evening, and I fully believe that all the scientific 
visitors left York more highly gratified than the most sanguine could have 
anticipated. H- 
