170 TRANSACTIONS OP THE PLYMOUTH INSTITUTION. 
Supply and demand regulate the true value of commodities. 
What does co-operation mean 1 and the relations between it and 
competition 1 Present relations between capital and labour un- 
satisfactory. The attitude of Trade Unions to competition. Piece- 
work and industrial partnership the true co-operation. Mr. 
Babbage's opinions on co-operation expressed in 1870. The 
probable results of industrial partnership, which have now been 
well tested in England, France, and Germany. Prince Krapotkine's 
opinions on the future of industries, especially village crafts. 
Conclusion. 
THE ENGLISH POOR LAW SYSTEM. 
SYLLABUS OF LECTURE BY W. ADAMS. 
(Read 1st November, 1888.) 
Objects of the English Poor Law system. Classes of paupers. 
Different modes of granting relief. Different modes of training 
pauper children. Some of the causes of destitution. Suggestions 
as to the conduct of charity, so as to supplement the work of the 
Guardians of the poor, and not to encourage dependence, but to 
assist persons to recover an independent position. 
ATMOSPHERIC ELECTRICITY. 
SYLLABUS OF LECTURE BY JOHN MERRIFIELD, Ph.D., F.R.A.S. 
(Read 8th November, 1888.) 
The identity of lightning with spark from the frictional electric 
machine suggested by Wall and proved by Franklin. Franklin's 
experiments with kites. His treatment by the Royal Society of 
England compared with that from France, Italy, and the Con- 
tinent generally. The danger of repeating his experiments, 
illustrated by the death of Richmann and effects on Romas. 
The air is almost always electrified positively. How shown. 
Times of maxima and minima daily tension. Sources of atmos- 
pheric electricity shown to be: (1) Friction; (2) Evaporation of 
impure water ; (3) Combustion ; (4) Growing plants. The differ- 
ence of potential illustrated. What thunder-storms and lightning 
are. Sir J. Herschell and Professor C. G. Tait, F.R.S., show that 
