Minutes of the Academy Volume 02, 1821-1857
Transcriptions
(166th) [in pencil]
{{May 29.}}
One hundred and ninety fourth meeting.
A statute meeting of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences was holden in the Library room of the Boston Atheneum May 29, 1821.
The proceedings of the last meeting being read as usual, the Academy were made acquainted with the following
Donations.
Memoirs of the Royal Academy of Sciences at Munich, Nos. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
by the Academy.
{{Dr. Vergnies’ Donation}}
Harmanni Witrii Aegptiaca fol.
Gronovii Geographia Antiqua.
Dionysii Alex. et Pomponii Melae Geographia 1. 8vo.
Schlichthorst. Geographia Homeri. 1. 4to.
C. Salmasii. Plinianae Exercitationes 1. fol.
Sexti Empirici. Opera, Graece et Lat. 1. fol.
Jac. Sphnii. Miscellanea 1. fol.
Miscellanea Observationes Criticae in Auctores veteres et recentiores 8vo. 14.
Schefferu., De Re vehiculari Veterum, 1. 4to.
Schefferus. De militia navali, Veterum, 1. 4to.
Rubinius. De Re Vestiaria Veterum, 1. 4to.
Ferrarius. De Re Vestiaria Veterum, 1 4to. } Dr. Vergnies.
Winckelman. Histoire de’Art ches les Anciens
trs. from German. 3. 4to.
La Place, Systeme du Monde. 4to.
Gosselin. Geographie des Grecs fol.
Grenet. Atlas Portatif fol.
D’Anville. Ancient Geography. Fol.
G. F. de Bure. Bigliographie Instructive 8vo. 7.
supplement to do. 8vo. 2.
Falconet. Oeuvres. 8vo. 3.
4 Marble Busts of Cicero, Tulliola, Cleopatra and Faustina.
{{Prof. Everett’s Communication}}
An account of some Greek Manuscripts procured at Constantinople in 1819, and now belonging to the Library of the University of Cambridge.
(by Professor Everett.
The Committee appointed to devise means of obtaining more communications and securing the better attendance of members recommended the dividing of the members into two classes, and the
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{{1821.}}
{{May 29}}
appointing a clerk whose business it shall be to apply to members for such papers as may be wanted.
The Report was favorably received, and the subject of obtaining a room for the meeting of the Academy was referred to the same Committee.
Voted. That the thanks of the Academy be presented to the Royal Academy of Sciences at Munich for their Donation.
Voted, That the Academy acknowledge with high satisfaction the liberal donation of Dr Francis Vergnies consisting of four valuable marble busts, and various works of authority relative to the history and arts of antiquity and other important subjects, and that the thanks of the Academy be communicated to the learned donor by the Corresponding Secretary.
Voted, That Professor Everett’s paper be referred to the Publishing Committee.
Voted, That the Treasurer and Librarian be authorized to cause such books belonging to the Library of the Academy to be bound as in their judgment may require it.
Election of Officers.
Hon. John Quincy Addams L.L.D. President.
Rev. John Thornton Kirkland D.D. L.L.D.
Counsellors.
Hon. George Cabot.
Hon. Thomas Dawes
Rev. James Freeman D.D.
W. D. Peck. Prof. Nat. Hist.
Aaron Dexter M.D.
Hon. Josiah Quincy
Hon. John David L.L.D.
Hon. Nathl Bowditch L.L.D.
Rev. Henry Ware, D.D.
Hon John Pickering.
John Farrar, Prof. Math. Recording Secretary
Hon. Josiah Quincy, Corresponding Secretary.
Tho. L. Winthrop. Esq. Treasurer.
Jacob Bigelow M.D. Vice Treasurer.
John Gorham M. D., Cabinet Keeper.
William S. Shaw, Librarian.
Rev. Dr. Kirkland
Hon. Nathl Bowditch
Rev. Dr. Freeman} Committee of Publication.
Prof. Willard.
Prof Farrar
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{{3}}
{{1821.}}
{{Aug. 8.}}
One hundred and sixty eight meeting
{{168th}}[in pencil]
A meeting of the American Academy of Arts Sciences was holden in the Library Room of the University of Cambridge, Aug. 8, 1821
Proceedings read.
{{Dr Vergnies’ Donation}}
A letter was presented to the Academy from Dr Vergnies containing a further list of books offered by this gentleman to the acceptance of the Academy, namely,
Hesychii Lexicon cura Alberti 2. fol..
Suidae Lexicon Graecum 3. fol.
Stephani Thesaurus Ling. Graecae 4 fol.
Julii Pollucis Onomasticon Graec. Lat. 4to. 2
Morell. Thesaurus. Grac. do 4to. 2
Toupii. Emendationes in Suidam, Hesychium do. 8vo. 4.
Torphyrius, De Antro Nympharum, 4to.1.
Imagines Deorum. 4to.
Bibliotheca Critica. 8vo. 11 Nos.
Paun’s Dissertation on the Greeks. 8vo. 2.
Heliodorus, 8vo.
Dionysii. Orbis Descriptio. 8vo.
Vetustissimorum Authorum Georgica [etc.]. 18no. 1.
Voted, That the Academy receive with great sensibility this additional evidence of the interest taken by Dr Vergnies in this Institution, and that the Corresponding Secretary be directed to express to him their respect and gratitude for the great and valuable additions to their Library by his present and former donations.
Voted, That the Treasurer be requested to make arrangements with William Hilliard Esq. the printer of the Memoirs for the distribution of the last number.
The meeting was dissolved
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{{4}}
{{1821.}}
{{Nov. 4}}
One hundred and sixty sixth meeting.
{{169}}[in pencil]
A Statute meeting of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences was holden at the Library room of the University of Cambridge Nov. 4. 1821.
The Proceedings of the last meeting being read, the following committees were appointed, namely,
1. Dr. Bigelow, Judge Davis, Dr Gorham, Prof. Farrar, and Mr. Pollock were requested to examine Col. Morey’s method of obtaining lights for economical purposes with a view to ascertaining his claims to the Rumford premium.
2. The President, Vice President, two Secretaries and Treasurer were authorized to exempt from the annual assessment such members as they shall judge to be entitled to such exemption.
3. Mr Hale and Professor Farrar were requested to consider and settle Maj. Russell’s account for advertising the meetings of the Academy.
4. Prof. Everett was requested to see that the Memoirs of the Academy, scattered about in different places, be collected together and deposited in some secure place.
5. Prof Cogswell was requested to inform the Royal Bavarian Academy at Munich respecting the Memoirs and publications of the said Academy which it would be agreeable to the American Academy to receive.
One hundred and sixty seventh meeting
{{1822}}
{{Jany 30.}}
{{170}}
A meeting of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences was holden in the Library Room of the Boston Athenaeum Jany 30. 1822.
Communications
1. A memoir on the Wallachian Language
by Prof. Everett.
2. A memoir on the latitude and longitude of the State House in Boston and of Mr W. C. Bond’s House in Dorchester
by Mr. E. Clapp.
3. Meteorological Observations for 1821 taken at Williamstown.
by Prof. Derrey.
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{{5}}
{{1822.}}
{{Jany 30.}}
Donation
Part 2d for 1820. and part 1st for 1821 of the Transactions of the Royal Society of London, by the Society.
Several Committees reported at this meeting.
1. The Committee on Col. Morey’s new method of procuring light for economical purposes informed the Academy that they had taken means to ascertain more particularly the nature and value of Col. Morey’s invention, and asked further time to report more fully.
2. The Committee appointed to consider the claims of certain members to be exempted from the annual assessment, agreed in exempting the following members, namely, Dr Vergnies, Dr Cutler, Rev. Mr Willard, Prof. Peck.
Voted, That the communications above mentioned be referred to the publishing Committee.
Members elected at this meeting,
Barron Niebuhr.
W. H. Wollaston L.L.D.
Count de la Place.
Wm. Olvers L.L.D.
Count Cuvier.
Prof. Gauss.
Count Bertholler.
Wm. von Humboldt.
Sir H. Davy.
Alex von Humboldt.
Meeting was dissolved.
{{May 28.}}
One hundred and Sixty Eighth meeting.
A meeting was holden at the Atheneum in Boston May 28. conformably to public notice.
The President and Vice President being absent, Hon. Tho. Dawes, the senior Counsellor present, was called to the chair.
The proceedings of the last meeting were read; and in the absence of the recording Secretary, the Corresponding Secretary acted in his place.
Letters were read from the American Philosophical Society at
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{{6.}}
{{1822}}
{{May 28.}}
Philadelphia, the Society of Antiquaries, London, the Board of Trustees of Columbia College NY. the Trustees of the College, N Jersey. the Trustees of Williamstown College. of Brown University, Providence. and of Yale College Connecticut, acknowledging the receipt of the second part of the fourth volume of the Memoirs of the American Academy, and expressing their respective thanks for the same.
The Corresponding Secretary communicated to the Society the donation made by Samuel Parke’s F.L.S. etc. of his “Thoughts on the Salt Laws” of his “Chemical Catechism” and of his Rudiments of Chemistry”.
Dr. John Prince presented two copies of the first volume of the Memoirs of the American Academy to the Library.
Hon. John Cabot presented one copy of the same.
Hon. D. A. White presented to the library of the Academy his “View of the Jurisdiction and Proceedings of the Courts of Probate”.
Whereupon,
Voted, That the thanks of the Academy be presented to Mr Parke, Dr Prince, Mr Cabot and Judge White for their respective donations.
Voted, That the Librarian cause a complete set of the Memoirs of the American Academy to be bound and reserved in the Library for its exclusive use.
{{Report of Committee on Rumford Premium}}
Dr Bigelow from the Committee appointed to inquire into the expediency of awarding the Rumford Premium for any discovery relative to light and heat this year, reported in behalf of the Committee as follows,
That they have conferred with Mr Samuel Morey of Oxford, New Hampshire, on the subject of certain discoveries and improvements, made by him in the mode of producing and augmenting flame, and in erasing light and heat; And they are opinion that these discoveries are entitled to the attention of the Academy, and may be found deserving of a premium; but the Committee have not yet been able to procure all the evidence which they have thought necessary to possess before a final decision: They therefore request that an adjourned meeting may take place for the purpose of allowing them time to procure the requisite information, and make up their Report.
Signed Jacob Bigelow, Chairman.
Boston May 28. 1822
Whereupon, Voted, that this Report be accepted, and that when this meeting adjourn for the purposes specified therein, it shall be to the time of the next quarterly meeting of the Academy; such adjournment to take place at the time of the adjournment of this present meeting.
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{{7}}
{{1822}}
{{May 28.}}
The following persons were elected to the Offices against their names for the ensuing year.
Hon. John Quincy Adams LLD President.
Rev. John T. Kirkland D.D. LLD. Vice President.
Committee of Publications
Rev. Dr. Kirkland.
" " Freeman.
Hon. N. Bowditch.
Prof. S. Willard.
" S. Farrar.
Councillors
Hon. G. Cabot.
Rev. Dr H. Ware.
Rev. J. Freeman.
Prof. Peck.
Dr Aa. Dexter.
Hon. Josiah Quincy.
Hon. T. Dawes.
Hon John Pickering.
Hon. N. Bowditch
Corresponding Secretary
Hon. Josiah Quincy.
Recording Secretary
Professor John Farrar.
Treasurer.
Thomas L. Winthrop Esq.
Vice Treasurer
Dr Jacob Bigelow.
Librarian
William S. Shaw Esq.
Cabinet Keeper
Dr John Gorham
Voted, That the President, Vice President & the Secretaries with the Librarian form a Committee to take such measures in relation to the removal of the Library to the new rooms in Pearl St. as they may judge expedient.
The Meeting was dissolved.
E. Everett Sec’y {pro tem.)
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{{8}}
{{1822.}}
{{Aug 21.}}
{{172}} [in pencil]
One hundred and sixty ninth meeting.
A statute meeting of the Academy was holden in the Library at Cambridge Aug. 21. 1822. The Vice President in the chair.
The recording Secretary being necessarily absent, Mr Everett was chosen Secretary pro tempore.
The proceedings of the last meeting were read.
A Letter of acknowledgment was read from Geo. Watterston, librarian of Congress, for the second part of the 4th vol. of the Academy’s Memoirs.
{{Donations}}
The following works were presented by the Author.
Correspondinae Astronomique Geographique ect. 8vo. 5.
L’Atrraction des Montagney, et des Effets, 8vo. 2.
Nouvelles Tables d’Aberration et de Nulation,
by the Baron de Zach.
Also, Memoirs of the Antiquarian Society, Worcester, by the President, thereof.
Essay on the Nervous of Sensorial Systems by J. C. Warren.
Thanks were voted for these several donations.
A request was made on behalf of Dr Bigelow, the Chairman of the Committee for awarding the Rumford premium, accompanied by a letter from Mr J. Morey (for which see files) to have the further consideration of the subject deferred till the Statute meeting of the Academy, May next, which request was granted:
A Committee consisting of the President, Vice President, the Secretaries and Treasurer was appointed to confer with the Trustees of the Atheneum, on the tenure whereby the Academy is to hold the rooms assigned to it in the new Atheneum. Pearl Street.
On motion of Mr Francis C. Gray, a committee was appointed to consider the expediency of opening the room of the Academy weekly, for the resort of members, and such others as they may introduce, and to report a plan of arrangements for this object.
This Committee to consist of the gentlemen the Committee just named, together with Messrs Gray and Everett.
The following persons were balloted for as foreign members, and
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{{9}}
{{1822.}}
{{Aug. 21.}}
unanimously elected, namely,
John Bond, Astronomer Royal, England.
Thomas Young, London.
J. Brinkley D.D. Trinity College, Dublin.
D. Brewster, L.L.D. Edinburgh.
Prof. Berzelius of Stockholm.
J. B. Biot. Paris.
J. T. Burg. Vienna.
J. C. Burckhardt, Paris
Chevalier J. B. J. Delambre, Paris
S. D. Poisson, Paris.
The Baron von Lindenau, Gotha.
The meeting was dissolved.
E. Everett
Sec’y (pro tem.)
{{Nov. 11.}}
One hundred and seventieth meeting.
A Statute Meeting of the Academy was holden in the Library at Cambridge, Nov. 11. 1822.
The Recording Secretary still being absent, Mr Everett officiated pro tem.
The Proceedings of the last meeting were read.
A Letter was read from President Holley, acknowledging the receipt of the last volume of the Academy’s Memoirs by the University at Lexington Ky.
A Letter was read from Wm Vaughan Esq. London, accompanying the last half volume of the Transactions of the Royal Society.
{{Donations}
The following Works were laid on the Table, having been received for the Academy’s Library
Tables abregies et portatives de la Lune, par le Baron de Zach.
Nouvelles Tables d’Aberration et de Nutation, par le même .
Supplement aux Nouvelles Tables. par le même
Arsberaltelsen om Vetenskapernas framsteg afgifne af Kongl. Vetenskaps Academiens Embelsman 31 March 1821.
Kongl. Vetenskap Academiens Handlingar; for ar 1820.
Kong. under & ednare Halften a far 1820.
do. do. " " 1821.
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{{10}}
{{1822.}}
{{Nov. 11}}
The Committee chosen to consider the subject of opening the room weekly for the reception of the Members of the Academy, reported,
That it is expedient to suspend the further consideration of the subject, which Report was accepted:
The same committee were further instructed to confer with the Trustees of the Atheneum, on the subject of the Academy’s room in the Atheneum.
A Committee consisting of Mr Quincy, Prof. Willard, and Mr Everett was appointed to search the Records of the Academy and Report the Laws and Orders therein recorded, and to revise the Code of Laws of the Academy.
The Secretaries were authorized to procure a suitable desk for the reception of the Academy’s Property.
Meeting dissolved.
E. Everett
Sec’y (pro tem.)
{{1823.}}
{{Jany 29th}}
One hundred and seventy first meeting.
A Statute Meeting was holden in the Academy’s Room in the Boston Atheneum Jany 29. 1823.
The Recording Secretary continuing absent Mr Everett officiated pro tempore.
The Proceedings of the last meeting were read.
Letters were read from
The Society of Adelphi, London, and from The Royal Irish Academy, acknowledging the receipt of the second part of the fourth volume of our Memoirs.
{{Donations}}
Donations were made to the Academy of
A new number of the Flora Bratava, by the King of the Netherlands.
Transactions of the Royal Society at London, of
Mr Pickering’s edition of Edwards’ Remarks on the Language of the Muhhekanner Indians, by the Editor. of
Everetts Translation of Buttmann’s Greek Grammar, by the Translator.
The Thanks of the Academy were voted for these donations.
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{{11.}}
{{1823.}}
{{Jany 29th}}
The Committee on the subject of the Academy’s room were directed to make a permanent arrangement with the Trustees of the Atheneum.
The Committee appointed to revise the Laws of the Atheneum made a Report, which was accepted, and which is subjoined to the record of this meeting.
The Academy proceeded to the election of Fellows and appointed Nathan Hale and Dr Hay ward Scrutineers.
The following gentlemen were found to be elected Fellows of the Academy.
Dr John White Webster, Boston.
Rev. William Allen, President of Bowdoin College, Maine.
Rev. Samuel Farmer Jarvis, Boston.
Mr D. Stansbury, of Belle Ville, N. Jersey.
Dr. John Ware, Boston.
H. A. S. Dearborn Esq. of Boston.
Dr Enoch Hale of Boston.
Mr Dearborn invited the Academy to examine at his house, a machine invented by him for the purpose of giving warning to ships of the neighborhood of Shoals.
The Meeting was dissolved.
E. Everett
Sec’y (pro tem)
One hundred and seventy second meeting.
A statute meeting was held at the Academy’s room, in the Atheneum Pear St. the Vice President in the chair.
A volume of the Transactions of the Academy of Sciences at Petersburg
The Life of Washington by Dr Bancroft
Sermons, by Dr Bancroft, were presented to the Academy and thanks voted to the donors.
A communication was made by the Corresponding Secretary declining a re election.
A Report was made by the Committee to whom the subject of the Library was referred as follows:
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{{12}}
{{1823.}}
{{May 27.}}
Report
The Committee to whom was referred the subject of the Library have considered the same, and beg to report as follows: As by the terms of agreement between the Trustees of the Atheneum and the American Academy, the custody of the Academy’s room is entrusted to the sub librarian of the Atheneum, the Committee have thought the same individual a very suitable person to be appointed also Keeper of the Academy’s Library and Cabinet and they accordingly recommend to the Academy in the choice of Officers this day to choose Mr Backus Keeper of the Academy’s library, and also to appoint a Committee to agree with him, on the terms, on which he will accept this trust.
For the Committee
May 27. 1823.
This Report was accepted, and the Committee who reported it, further instructed to agree with Mr Backus in pursuance of the Report.
The Vice President, Hon. Mr Quincy & Dr Porter were appointed a Committee of Nomination for the election of Officers this day, and retired for the purpose of their appointment.
Mr Elisha Clap and Mr Gray were appointed a Committee to examine the Treasurer’s Accounts.
The Secretaries were appointed a Committee to print the new draft of the Laws, a list of the Members, an Account of the present state of the Rumford Fund and such other information relative to the affairs affairs [sic] of the Academy, as they shall see fit: the publication to be in such form as to admit making part of the next volume of the Academy’s Memoirs.
{{Dearborn’s Memorial}}
The following Memorial was presented by Mr Dearborn and read.
Sir,
With a desire for diminishing the hazard and labor of navigation I have recently devised and executed three nautical Instruments, to which I give the names of the Fathomer, the Rater and the Warmer, as expressive of their different uses. The Fathomer is for obtaining soundings without checking the velocity of the ship by heaving to for the purpose. The Rater is for ascertaining the rate of sailing with more accuracy, despatch [sic] and ease than attend the use of the Log, Logline & Minute Glass. The Warner is for warning the navigator of his danger whenever the water becomes shoaler than the given depth for which he had previously set the instrument.
The only test to be fully relied on for estimating the utility of these inventions must be actual experiments at sea. Yet this statement may
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{{13.}}
{{1823.}}
{{May 27.}}
possibly excite a sufficient interest for the appointment of an examining Committee, by the Academy, because two of the instruments embrace philosophical principles, constituting a basis to support a judgment in theory.
If a Committee be appointed for this purpose, I shall cheerfully shew and explain to them the three instruments here referred to, provided I have previous notice of the hour they shall appoint, that I may be at home to attend them.
As the Marine Society will met early in June, I contemplate presenting a similar communication to them; and if a committee should be appointed in each, it may be their choice to unite in the examination.
I am respectfully, Sir Your humble Servant
Benjamin Dearborn.
Boston May 27. 1823.
In pursuance of the foregoing application. Dr Bigelow and Dr Wyman were appointed a Committee to examine Mr Dearborn’s Instruments.
A Committee consisting of the Secretaries and Dr Bigelow were appointed to consider the subject of proposing a prize for a dissertation on some literary or scientific question.
The following Officers were chosen for the ensuing year.
Hon John Quincy Adams. President.
Rev. Pres. Kirkland Vice President.
Hon John Pickering, Correspg Secretary.
E. Everett. Recording Secretary.
Hon. Tho. L. Winthrop. Treasurer.
Dr Bigelow, Vice Treasurer.
Mr Brackey, Cabinet Keeper. (employed) [in pencil]
Mr Bowditch and Mr Farrar were placed on the Committee of Publications.
The thanks of the Academy were voted to Mr Quincy and Prof. Farrar the late Corresponding and Recording Secretaries:
The following gentlemen were elected Fellows.
Samuel Parkes, of London, a corresponding fellow.
Rev. John Brazer of Salem
Mr Jos. E. Worcester of Cambridge} Fellows.
Willard Phillips Esq. Boston
The Meeting was dissolved.
E. Everett
Recording Sec.y
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{{14}}
{{1823.}}
{{Nov. 12th}}
One hundred and seventy third meeting.
{{176}}
A statute meeting of the Academy was held at Cambridge, the Vice President in the chair.
The proceedings of the May meeting were read, the August meeting having failed, for want of a quorum.
The Report of the Committee on the memorial of Mr Dearborn was read and accepted, and ordered to be communicated to Mr Dearborn was read and accepted, and ordered to be communicated to Mr Dearborn.
The Report of the Committee appointed to consider the subject of offering a prize to the best Essay, on a subject to be proposed by the Academy was made as follows:
{{Report on a Prize Essay
Cambridge Nov. 12.1823.
The Committee to whom was referred the subject of proposing a prize for an Essay on some scientific and literary question have attended to that duty and beg leave to report. That
The Academy by the Act of Incorporation, is authorized to hold property to a certain amount of real and personal estate, “the annual income of which” in the words of the statute, “shall be appropriate for premiums to encourage improvements and discoveries in Agriculture, Arts and Manufactures, or for other purposes consistent with the end and design of the Academy”;
That a few years after the institution of the Academy, a large Committee was raised from its members, for the purpose of encouraging agriculture & husbandry, which committee publicly proposed premiums for discoveries and improvements, relative to those branches of industry;
That since this time no premiums have been offered by the Academy, other than those belonging to the Foundation of Count Rumford;
That the practice of offering premiums on subjects connected with letters, arts & sciences, prevails in almost all the learned Associations in Europe and has been thought to be productive of much good; having been the occasion of bringing before the world several of the most respectable scientific and literary performances;
In consideration of these facts your committee are of opinion, that it would be in conformity with the original design of the Institution of the Academy and with the practice of the learned bodies in other parts of the world, and conducive to the progress of learning. to offer a premium regularly at certain intervals hereafter to be decided upon to the author of the best essay on a subject to be proposed by the Academy.
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{{15}}
{{1823.}}
{{Nov. 12}}
Your Committee accordingly report the following votes,
1. Voted, That a premium of ___ dollars or the Academy’s gold medal be offered to the author of the best essay on a subject to be proposed by the Academy.
2. That a Committee of ___ members be appointed to determine upon the question or questions to be proposed, to make public the same with the Academy’s offer of a premium, and the mode in which essays will be received and submitted to the judgment of the Academy;
All which is submitted by
Jacob Bigelow &
Edward Everett.
The foregoing report was accepted. The blank in the first vote was filled up with $100, and the Vice President, Dr Bigelow & Everett were appointed members of the committee established by the second vote.
The Committee on the Library reported several regulations, which were adopted, and ordered to be printed in the new edition of the Laws.
Mr. J. Lowell, Dr Bigelow and Mr Everett were appointed a Committee to take such steps as they shall judge proper to ascertain whether Mr Jacob Perkins be entitled to the Rumford Premium for his supposed improvements in the Steam Engine; The same Committee was also directed to cause a die for the Rumford Medal to be prepared.
It was Voted, by the Academy to choose annually by Ballot, at the May meeting, a fellow of the Academy to pronounce an anniversary discourse at such time and place as shall be judged most convenient;
For the present year the Academy unanimously elected, John Quincy Adams, President of the Academy, to pronounce the anniversary discourse at such time next summer as may be hereafter resolved upon.
The following gentlemen were elected Fellows of the Academy
William Jackson Hooker F.R.S. Prof. of Botany in the University Glasgow.
Caleb Cushing Esq. of Newburyport.
Edward Channing, Professor at Cambridge.
Hon. Judge Horne of Northampton.
Mr Daniel Treadwell of Boston.
Lemuel Shaw Esq. of Boston.
Mr Thomas Nuttall, of Cambridge.
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{{16.}}
{{1823.}}
{{Nov. 12.}}
Donations were made to the Academy of
Vermont State Papers, by Hon. D. Chipman.
Everett’s Essay on Population, by the author.
The author of the Academy were voted to the donors respectively.
The meeting was dissolved.
E. Everett
Recording Secy.
{{1824.}}
{{Feb. 18}}
{{177}} [in pencil]
One hundred and seventy fourth meeting.
A meeting of the Academy was held at the Atheneum in Boston, by appointment of the Vice President. The Vice President being absent the Corresponding Secretary took the chair.
The proceedings of the last meeting were read.
It was stated by the Recording Secretary, that the president of the Academy, the Hon. J. Q. Adams had expressed his willingness to comply with the request of the Academy to deliver a discourse before them; but that he had already received a similar appointment from the Columbian Institute at Washington, which might prevent him from performing the duty in the Academy the present year.
The Report of the Committee appointed to examine the Treasurer’s Accounts was read and accepted.
Voted, That the subject of the seven per cent stock of the Academy be committed to the Treasurer, Messrs Gray and Clap, for the purpose of receiving the amount of those stocks from government and reinvesting them.
On motion of Judge Davis a committee was raised to recommend a mode of procedure for more frequent meetings of the Academy.
Mr Everett and Judge Davis were appointed of this Committee.
In pursuance of the same object.
Voted, That when this Society adjourns, it adjourn to meet on Thursday the 26th Feby at 7 o’clock Pm.
A communication on “Mean temperature” etc. from Prof. Dewey was received and committed to the Committee on Publications.
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{{17}}
{{1824.}}
{{Feby 18.}}
A letter from Lieut. General Hutton, accompanying a Medal of Dr Hutton his father deceased was read, and the corresponding Secretary directed to write him a suitable reply.
A number of the Flora Batava was received from the King of the Netherlands and the thanks of the Academy voted for the donation.
Some state Papers of the present Session of Congress were received from Mr. Lloyd.
The Academy proceeded to ballot for Members, and the following gentlemen were elected.
A. H. Everett Charge d’Affaires at the Court of the Netherlands.
Professor Hare of Philadelphia.
Dr A. Seybert, do.
Geo. Blake Esq.
J. T. Austin Esq.
James Savage Esq.
Leverett Saltonstall Esq. of Salem.
The meeting was adjourned to Thursday Feb. 26 y o’clock Pm.
E. Everett
Recording Sec’y
{{May 25.}}
One hundred and seventy fourth meeting.
A statute meeting of the Academy was held in the Academy’s room at the Atheneum, Pearl Street, the Vice President in the chair.
The Proceedings of the last meeting were read.
A letter was read from the Hon. J. Q. Adams, President of the Academy, expressing the same sentiments, as are mentioned in the record of the last meeting, relative to delivering a discourse before the Academy.
Letters were read from the Hon. Samuel Howe, Geo. Blake Esq. & Daniel Treadwell Esq. announcing their acceptance of the fellowship of the Academy, to which they had been elected.
A communication was received from Dr Waterhouse, enclosing a French biographical notice of Dr Jenner by the Chevalier Valentin AAS. for which the thanks of the Academy were
Voted, to the Author and to Dr Waterhouse.
A number of the Flora Batava was received from the King of the Netherland’s and the thanks of the Academy Voted, therefore.
[end page 17 | begin page 18]
{{18}}
{{1824.}}
{{May 25.}}
The three last half volumes of the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, London, were received, and the thanks of the Society voted.
A Letter was received through the President of the Society, from Baron William Humboldt, announcing his acceptance of the membership of the Academy.
Applications for the Rumford Premium were made by Mr Marcus Bull of Philadelphia for his supposed discoveries relative to the economy of fuel, and by Mr Walter Cornell (through Dr Bigelow).
An apparatus for heating water was also submitted to the Academy by T. G. Fessenden Esq. with a request, that the Academy would give it such encouragement as it should merit.
In consideration of the number of applications for the Rumford Premium and the importance of the subject, a committee was appointed to investigate the claims which may be made for it. Dr. Jackson, Dr Bigelow and Mr Treadwell were appointed of this committee.
The Committee appointed upon the subject of offering a prize, made the following report,
Boston May 25. 1824.
By a resolution, passed at a Statute meeting of the Academy Nov. 11. 1820. the Academy determined to offer to the author of the best essay on some subject to be proposed a premium of one hundred dollars in value, or the Academy’s gold medal. By another resolution passed the same meeting, the subscribers were directed by the Academy to take measures for carrying into effect the above resolution, by making it public, by proposing the subject of the first essay, and by arranging the mode, in which essays should be received and submitted to the judgment of the Academy.
In pursuance of this instruction, public notice is hereby given; that a premium of one hundred dollars, or the Academy’s gold medal is offered to the author of the best essay on the subject hereafter to be named.
All essays, which may be written for this prize must be sent to the Corresponding Secretary of the Academy, on or before the first of March of the year 1825, accompanied with a sealed letter containing the names of the authors; and the letters accompanying unsuccessful essays shall be destroyed unopened.
Immediately on the receipt of an essay offered for this prize, it shall be transmitted by the corresponding Secretary to the Committee of Publications of the Academy, who shall award the premium or medal to the best essay offered; but if no essay shall be offered, which in the judgment of the committee is worthy of the prize, then the prize shall not be assigned for that year.
Every successful essay
[end page 18 | begin page 19]
{{19}}
{{1824.}}
{{May 25.}}
shall remain at the disposition of the Academy, to be published in the Academy’s memoirs, at the direction of the Committee of Publications
(Signed) J. T. Kirkland
Jacob Bigelow
Edward Everett.
The subject for the present year is the following:
An enumeration of the materials which exist for the history of the native tribes of America before the discovery of the continent by Columbus.
The foregoing Report was read and accepted.
The following gentlemen were elected fellows of the Academy,
Hon. Samuel Putnam.
" Levi Lincoln.
" Samuel Hoar Jr Esq.
The following Officers were elected for the ensuing year,
Hon. John Quincy Adams. President.
Rev. John Thornton Kirkland. Vice President.
Edward Everett. Corresponding Secretary.
{{declined}} [in pencil]
John Farrar. Recording Secretary.
Hon. Thomas L. Winthrop. Treasurer.
Dr. Jacob Bigelow. Vice Treasurer.
Mr Bowditch and Mr Pickering were added to the Committee of Publications.
Mr Savage, Dr Hayward & Dr Pierce were chosen Library Committee.
The meeting then dissolved.
E. Everett
Correspond.g Secretary
{{Aug. 11.}}
One hundred and seventy sixth Meeting.
A meeting of the Academy was held in the Corporation room, University hall; the Vice president in the chair.
The proceedings of the last meeting were read.
The corresponding Secretary stated to the Academy that he had received a private note from professor Farrar, declining to accept the office of recording Secretary. It was therefore voted to proceed to ballot for another person to fill the
[end page 19 | begin page 20]
{{20.}}
{{1824.}}
{{Aug. 11.}}
office and Dr Bigelow was unanimously chosen.
A communication was received from Mr Croswell enclosed in a letter to Mr Winthrop, treasurer, and containing an arithmetical solution of the Diophantine problem. It was voted to committee the same to the Committee of publications.
A letter from David Melville of Newport, Rhode Island, relative to the Rumford premium was received and read.
A letter from Hon. L. Shaw accepting the fellowship of the society to which he had been elected was read.
A letter from Mr. Vaughan accompanying the printed catalogue of the Philadelphia Transactions was read.
On motion of the corresponding Secretary, it was
“Voted, To appoint a committee to confer with such committees as may be raised for the same purpose by the Salem Historical, and American Antiquarian Society, on the subject of making application to General Court to print the Manuscript Journals of the Colony and Province of Massachusetts Bay, and Plymouth Colony.
Voted, That Dr Holmes, Mr Prof. Stearns and Mr Edward Everett, be of this Committee.
The meeting was then adjourned.
E. Everett
Correspond.g. Secretary
{{Nov. 10.}}
One hundred and seventy seventh meeting.
A statute meeting of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences was held in the Corporation room at Cambridge.
The following votes were passed.
1. That the Hon. T. L. Winthrop, treasurer of the Academy be authorized to surrender the 7per cent stock, and the 6 per cent stock, which may be redeemable the first of January next, and with Hon. F. Gray and Elisha Clapp Esq. be a committee to reinvest the same.
2. That Dr J. W. Webster be a committee to examine the Articles in the Museum of the Academy, and make report of a plan for the proper disposition of them .
[end page 20 | begin page 21]
{{21.}}
{{1824.}}
{{Nov. 10}}
A Hebrew Grammar was presented to the Academy by M. Ruter, the Author.
A volume of the Transactions of the Royal Academy at Petersburgh was received.
The usual vote of Thanks was passed, and the meeting dissolved.
E. Everett
Recording Secretary
{{1825.}}
{{Jany 27.}}
One hundred and seventy eighth meeting.
A statute meeting of the Academy was held Jany 29. 1825. in the Academy’s room at the Atheneum, Boston, the corresponding Secretary in the chair.
Voted, To postpone the choice of a recording Secretary till the next meeting.
Voted, That a Committee be appointed to confer with Committees of the, Medical, Historical, and other Societies, and with the Building Committee of the Atheneum to consider the means of procuring a building for their Meetings, Collections etc.
Voted, That the following gentlemen compose this committee Mr Quincy, Dr Hale, Dr Hayward.
A Memoir was presented to the Academy by the Corresponding Secretary, on behalf of Mr Joseph E. Worcester, a fellow of the Academy, containing “Remarks on Longevity and the Expectation of Life in this country, relating more particularly to the State of New Hampshire, with some comparative views in relation to other countries”
This memoir was referred to the Committee on Publications.
The following works were presented to the Academy, and the Thanks of the Academy voted.
Dr Hosack’s Essays, 8vo. 2.
Everett’s Discourse delivered at Plymouth.
The meeting was then adjourned.
E. Everett
Correspond.g. Secretary
[end page 21 | begin page 22]
{{22.}}
{{1825.}}
{{May 24.}}
{{182}} [in pencil]
One hundred and seventy ninth meeting.
A statute meeting was held May 24 in the Academy’s room in the Atheneum, Pearl Street, Boston.
The President and Vice President being absent, the corresponding Secretary took the chair.
A letter was read from His Excellency John Quincy Adams, president of the United States, on the subject of delivering a discourse before the Academy;
A Report was made in part, orally, by Dr Hale of the committee on the subject of procuring a room etc.
It was Voted, That the subject should be recommitted to the same committee, and that General Dearborn and Hon. L. Shaw should be added to this committee; which accordingly consists of Mr Quincy, Dr Hale, Dr Hayward, Gen. Dearborn & Mr Shaw.
Voted, That the subject of the investment of the Rumford Fund be committed to Hon. T. L. Winthrop, Treasurer, and Hon L. Shaw, to take such measures for that object as they shall judge expedient.
A Report was made by Mr Savage, from the Library Committee, which Report was accepted.
Mr Clark and Dr Hale were appointed a committee to examine the Treasurer’s Accounts.
The Academy Voted to proceed to the choice of Officers for the ensuing year. The following gentlemen were appointed a Committee of Nomination, Mr Winthrop, Dr Hedge, Hon. F. C. Gray.
The following gentlemen were appointed Scrutineers to collect and count the votes, Mr Worcester, Mr Savage.
The Academy proceeded to ballot for candidates for admission the following gentlemen were chosen.
Hon. Judge Wilde (Saml. S.)
James Bowdoin Esq.
Rev. Jared Sparks.
Rev. Henry Ware.
Rev. Dr Wm Buckland. Pres. of the Geological Soc. London.
H. I. Brooke Esq. F.R.S. London.
[end page 22 | begin page 23]
{{23.}}
{{1825.}}
{{May 24.}}
The following gentlemen were chosen a Committee to inspect the Library, Hon. F. C. Gray, J. E. Worcester, Dr T. M. Harris.
Voted, That the committee be authorized to employ a person to procure the books to be bound, lettered and numbered.
A communication from Mr Leonard of Canton, to the corresponding Secretary, relative to a Lead and Silver mine, was read and referred to the Committee of Publications.
A Report was made in part, by Dr Webster on the state of the Articles in the Museum, which was accepted.
The Essays offered for the Academy’s premium were recommitted to the Committee on Publications.
Voted, That the Keeper of the Library be requested to take measures for the recovery of the lost books.
Voted, That the Treasurer be authorized to subscribe for Says Entonology.
Voted, That a locked Cabinet be procured for the more valuable books in the Library.
Voted, That a committee be appointed to visit Mr Leonard’s Mine at Easton; and that this committee consist of Dr Gorham, Dr Webster and Dr Channing.
The Committee of Nomination reported a list of Officers to serve the following year, and on counting the votes, the following gentlemen were found to be elected to the Offices against their names respectively.
Hon. John Quincy Adams. President.
Rev. J. T. Kirkland, Vice President.
Hon. Edward Everett, Corresponding Secretary.
" James Savage, Recording Secretary.
" Tho. L. Winthrop. Treasurer.
Jacob Bigelow M.D. Vice Treasurer.
[end page 23 | begin page 24]
{{24.}}
{{1825.}}
{{May 24.}}
Hon. N Bowditch} Committee of Publications in addition
Mr J. E. Worcester} to the ex officio members.
Dr Seth Bass, Keeper of the Library.
The meeting was then dissolved.
E. Everett
Correspond.g. Sec’y.
{{July 29.}}
One hundred and eightieth meeting.
A special meeting of the Academy was held at the Atheneum in Boston, by appointment of the Vice President, on Friday July 29. at noon. the Vice President in the chair.
A Report on the subject of procuring room was made by Mr Quincy, Chairman of the Committee, which after discussion, was accepted.
Voted, That the same Committee be directed to communicate the assent of the Academy to the building Committee, of the Atheneum, and to take measures on our behalf for carrying the Report into effect, also in concurrence with the Treasurer to provide funds for it.
A Bill of expense for wood, offered by the corresponding Secretary was approved.
Donation was received, from the Royal Academy of Sciences, & Belles Lettres at Brussels, of two volumes of their Memoirs, for which the usual thanks were ordered.
A Letter from James Bowdoin, notifying his acceptance of the election of the Academy was read; as also from Judge Wilde, to the same effect.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Jas. Savage,
Rec. Secretary
{{Report on a Room at Atheneum}}
The Report above mentioned here follows:
The Committees of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, of the Medical Society, and of the Historical Society of Massachusetts have been informed that the sum of about six thousand dollars has been subscribed for the purpose of erecting a building on Land belonging to the Atheneum in Pearl St.
[end page 24 | begin page 25]
{{25.}}
{{1825.}}
{{July 29.}}
{{Report on Academy’s Room continued}}
to contain a Hall for Lectures, and one for the exhibition of Statutes and Paintings; and that if the Academy and each of the Societies above named will add three thousand dollars to the fund the building may be so constructed as to afford each of them a convenient room for its Library and for private meetings, while all public meetings may be holden in the Lecture room.
The plan which has been exhibited to the Committees, presents a building sixty feet by fifty. The ground floor is to contain an entry six feet wide, three rooms, each 28 feet 4in. by 20. and twelve feet high in the chair, for the Academy and the Societies, and a room of twenty feet square for a laboratory, and to contain certain models and instruments which may be used in the Lectures. The Lecture room will occupy the whole of the second floor, and contain seats for five hundred persons. The third story will form an exhibition room for pictures and statutes.
It is understood that the interest of the subscribers to the Fund may be considered as vested in the Atheneum, and that an income is expected to be derived from the Lecture room.
Though there are some objections to the situation, the Committees are of opinion that there is little prospect that the Societies whom they represent will be able to obtain apartments which shall on the whole, be more commodious to them and to the public; and therefore recommend that they unite in making the following proposals to the Building Committee and the Atheneum.
1. The Academy and the Medical and Historical Societies will each contribute three thousand dollars to the fund for erecting a building on the plan proposed and may each appoint one person to be added to the Building Committee. The sum subscribed, together with the value of the land occupied, shall be considered the contribution of the Atheneum.
2. The Academy and each of the Societies shall have the exclusive use and occupation of one of the large rooms on the ground floor, and the Atheneum the exclusive use and occupation of the third story.
3. The Lecture room and the apartment connected with it shall be under the joint of joint Directors, of whom the Academy and the Societies shall each appoint one, and the Atheneum one for every three thousand dollars which it may contribute. The Directors may let these rooms on such terms as they think fit; and the proceeds, after defraying all necessary expenses shall be divided among the Atheneum, the Academy and the Societies, in proportion to the amount of their several contributions.
4. The stated meetings of the Academy, the Atheneum and the Societies may be holden in the Lecture room without any charge; and also such special meetings as shall not interfere with any engagements for the use of the room made by the joint Directors.
5. If the land and building should even be disposed of, the proceeds shall be divided among the parties in proportion to the amount
[end page 25 | begin page 26]
{{26.}}
{{1825.}}
{{July 29.}}
of their several contributions.
July 2d 1825. at a meeting of the Committees, it was agreed that the above statement be submitted by each Committee to the Society which it represents, or to those who are authorized to act in its behalf.
(Signed,)
Josiah Quincy, Chairman.
{{Aug. 10.}}
{{184}} [in pencil]
On hundred and eighty first meeting.
A statute meeting of the Academy was held at Cambridge in the Corporation room; the Vice President in the chair.
The Recording Secretary being absent, the corresponding Secretary was requested to officiated in his stead.
{{Report on Prize Essays}}
A Report was made by the Committee of Publications, on the subject of assigning the Academy’s prize in the following words viz.
(copy)
Three essays offered for the Academy’s prize have been submitted to the consideration of the Committee of publications. Of one of them, subscribed Alpha it may be sufficient to observe, that not being offered in conformity with the published rules of the Academy, nor within the time prescribed, it has not been considered a candidate for the prize. Of the remaining two essays that which is subscribed Indagator Indorum has appeared to the Committee a well arranged performance, discovering a familiar acquaintance with various branches of American Antiquities. The question proposed, however, required an Account as well as an enumeration of the materials which exist for the history of the native tribes of American before the discovery of the Continent by Columbus, and this part of the subject has not received, in the essay in question, the degree of attention, which it demands, as the most important part of the subject. The remaining essay is a performance of great labor and research, and several of the topics belonging to the question are treated in it, with ability; and the whole essay evinces very extensive reading on the subject of the history and condition of the continent, before its discovery by the Europeans. But the Committee are of opinion that the information contained in this essay is less carefully condensed, arranged and selected than the Academy would wish; that portions of the discourse are but slightly relevant to the subject, and that some opinions advanced in it are of a character with the Academy could not venture, without hesitation to sanction. The Committee accordingly recommend to the Academy not to assign the prize to either of the essays offered.
Aug. 10. 1825. For the Committee, (signed) J. T. Kirkland, Chairman.
[end page 26 | begin page 27]
{{27.}}
{{1825.}}
{{July Aug. [in pencil] 29.}}
The Report having been read twice was accepted.
Voted, That a committee to be appointed to prepare and report to the Committee of Publications, a meteorological Journal, commencing where the last published by the Academy stops.
That this Committee consist of Enoch Hale M.B. and Mr Elisha Clap.
“Voted, That the treasurer be authorized to receive the United States Bank Stock of the Academy when the same shall be paid, and that the treasurer and Mr Shaw be a Committee authorized to reinvest the same.
The Academy then proceeded to ballot for members, when the following gentlemen were unanimously elected.
Joel R. Poinsett, of South Carolina.
Dr Samuel Moreno, President of the Academy of Medicine and Natural Sciences at Buenos Ayres.
John Godfrey Eickhorn, Counsellor of Justice, and Professor at Gottingen.
Octavius Pickering, Reporter of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts.
{{E. Everett}}
{{Act.g Rec Sec}}
E. Everett
Acting Recording Sec’y.
{{Nov. 9.}}
One hundred and eighty second meeting.
A statute meeting of the Academy was held in the Corporation room at Cambridge. the Vice President in the chair.
The recording Secretary being absent, the Corresponding Secretary was requested to fill his place for this meeting.
The following works were presented by M. M. A. Jullien of Paris.
Essai sur l’Emploie du Tems. 3d ed.
Revue Encyclopedique pour Juillet 1825.
The Academy then proceeded to ballot for the admission of candidates and the following gentlemen were chosen.
John Murray Forbes, Charge d’Affaires at Buenos Ayres.
Kingsley, Professor at Yale College.
[end page 27 | begin page 28]
{{28.}}
{{1825.}}
{{Nov. 9.}}
The meeting then dissolved.
E. Everett Acting Recording Sec’y
{{Everett Act. RS}}
{{186}} [in pencil]
{{1826.}}
{{Jany 25.}}
One hundred and eighty third meeting.
A statute meeting of the Academy was held in the Academy’s room at the Boston Atheneum, the Vice President in the chair.
A letter from Octavius Pickering Esq. accepting the fellowship of the Society, to which he had been chosen, was read.
A Bill of Expense for advertisements in the Boston Daily Advertiser, and another of Phelps & Farnham for printing Blank Forms, were read and approved.
A report from the Committee on the subject of the publication of a meteorological Journal, raised at the meeting in August last was read, and accepted; and thereupon.
Voted, That the Corresponding Secretary apply, in the name of the Academy, to Dr Holyoke, for all his Journals of Meteorology to be deposited in the archives of the Academy.
Voted, That Dr Hale and Mr Clap be a Committee to prepare for publication the Journals of Meteorology of Dr Holyoke and of Dr Hale.
{{Report on a Meteorological Journal}}
The Report of the Committee follows;
American Academy appointed on the subject of the preparation The Committee of the for publication of a Meteorological Journal, respectfully report. That a Journal has been kept by Dr. Hale, one of this Committee, since Jany 1. 1818. containing a considerable variety of particulars, which he is willing to place at the disposal of the Academy. The Committee understand, however, that the Journal of the venerable Dr Holyoke, which has been furnished to the Academy for more than thirty years. has been continued to the present time, and can probably be obtained for publication. The Committee are of opinion, that an unbroken series, kept at the same place, and by the same person, would be preferable to any change; and they therefore respectfully recommend that the Secretary of the Academy be directed to write to Dr Holyoke, and request his Journal for publication.
As some particulars are contained in Dr Hale’s Journal, which are not in the other, if the Academy should think it proper to make use of that also, the publication of Dr Holyoke’s need not prevent. Your Committee
[end page 28 | begin page 29]
{{29.}}
{{1826.}}
{{Jany 25.}}
will endeavor to perform such labor in respect to either or both these journals, as the Academy shall direct.
Boston Jany 25. 1826
Signed, Enoch Hale Jr. Committee
E. Clap
The meeting was then dissolved.
Jas. Savage
Rec. Secretary
{{May 30.}}
One hundred and eighty fourth meeting.
A statute meeting was held May 30th at the Academy’s room. the Vice President in the chair.
A letter from John Vaughan Esq. Librarian of the American Philosophical Society, accompanying the Transactions of the Society vol. III. part 1. of the new series was read.
The Committee on the Treasurer’s Accounts made report, which was accepted.
The Committee to inspect the Library, chosen last year, now making no report, was directed to act for the ensuing year with the same authority as last year, about books to be bound lettered and numbered.
The Academy voted to proceed to the choice of Officers for the ensuing year, and Samuel Everett Esq. and Rev. Mr Brazer were appointed Scrutineers of votes.
{{Election of Members}}
An election was made from candidates, and Professor Davies of West Print, and Washington Allston Esq. were chosen members of the Academy.
The Report of the Committee on the Rumford premium was made by Dr Bigelow, and accepted.
A Committee, Dr Bigelow, Mr Treadwell, and Dr John Ware, was raised to inquire and consider, whether any discoveries and inventions, within the last two years, are entitled to the Rumford Premium.
Nine copies of Mr Bull’s Essay, being the same publication that fills the part of the Philosophical Transactions this day received from Philadelphia, were presented by the author, and were directed, by vote of the Academy to be distributed by the Committee on the Rumford Premium.
[end page 29 | begin page 30]
{{30.}}
{{1826.}}
{{May 30.}}
Ballots were taken for the Officers of the Academy for the year ensuing, and the several gentlemen following were chosen to the places respectively.
Hon. John Quincy Adams. President.
Rev.d. John T. Kirkland. Vice President.
Hon. E. Everett. Corresponding Secretary.
James Savage. Recording Secretary.
Tho. L. Winthrop. Treasurer.
Dr. J. Bigelow. Vice Treasurer.
Hon. N. Bowditch} Committee of publications in addition
J. E. Worcester Esq.} to the members ex officio.
Dr. Seth Brass. Keeper of the Library.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Jas. Savage.
Rec. Secretary
{{July 18.}}
A special meeting of the Academy was held at the Atheneum in Boston, by direction of the Vice President.
In the absence of the President & Vice President, the chair was taken by the corresponding Secretary.
{{Proceedings on the death of Adams & Jefferson}}
A letter from Peter S. Duponceau and Robert Walsh Esq. addressed on the part of the Philosophical Society at Philadelphia to the Vice President of the Academy, was read from the chair; and the object of the present meeting was declared to be, to consider what measures it might be proper for the Academy to adopt, in consequence of the late death of John Adams, for many years President of the Academy, and Thomas Jefferson, a corresponding Fellow.
After discussion of the subject by several members of the Academy, a resolution was submitted by Judge Davis, which, having been considered and discussed, was unanimously adopted.
It was then ordered by the Academy, that the committee to be raised, under this resolution, consist of five persons, to be nominated by the chair; and the following gentlemen were, on nomination, unanimously chosen; namely Judge Davis. His Hon. T. L. Winthrop. Hon. F. C. Gray. Col. Swett and Dr. Bigelow.
[end page 30 | begin page 31]
{{31.}}
{{1825.}}
{{July 18.}}
{{Adams & Jefferson}}
It was resolved, that the Vice President and corresponding Secretary be a Committee to address the Philosophical Society at Philadelphia in reply to their Letter to the Academy, on the subject of the decease of John Adams; and also to address the Philosophical Society on the decease of Thomas Jefferson, formerly President of that Society, and a corresponding fellow of the Academy.
Resolved, that the same Committee be requested to address suitable letters to the respective families of these departed patriots and sages.
Resolved, That when this meeting adjourns, it adjourn to Friday 21st July inst. at noon.
The meeting was then adjourned.
Jas. Savage.
Rec. Secretary.
The resolution offered by Judge Davis, above mentioned, is as follows;
The Academy being deeply impressed with the loss sustained by the recent death of John Adams, for many years president of this Institution, and also with the death of Thomas Jefferson, corresponding member of the Academy, men distinguished for their political eminence, having both sustained the office of President of the United States, and for their uniform attachment to the cause of science and literature, and who were generous and efficient promoters of all useful learning; thereupon,
Voted, That John Davis, Thomas L. Winthrop, Francis C. Gray, Jacob Bigelow and Samuel Swett be a Committee to consider and report, at an adjourned meeting the proceedings which in their opinion it would be proper for the Academy to adopt on the solemn occasion.
{{July 21.}}
At the adjourned meeting of the Academy July 21. 1826. at noon in the Academy’s room, in the absence of the President, Vice President & corresponding Secretary, the chair was taken by the Recording Secretary.
Judge Davis, from the Committee appointed at the special meeting made report of certain Resolutions, which was adopted, as follows:
Voted, That the recent death of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson distinguished members of this Institution, calls for a tribute of respectful
[end page 31 | begin page 32]
{{32.}}
{{1826}}
{{July 21.}}
{{Adams & Jefferson}}
remembrance for their surviving associates, a tribute which we would not fail to render to men, who, in the lofty contemplation of American Independence saw with wise discernment, its essential connexion with intellectual improvement, who brightened the darkest hours of a perilous conflict with the light of letters, and adorned their elevated stations and their calm retirement by the promotion of science, and by generous and uniform encouragement of all good learning in the community.
Voted, That the Vice President, Rev. John T. Kirkland D.D. be requested to deliver a discourse before the Academy on the 30th. day of October next, the anniversary of the birth day of John Adams, one of the founders of this Institution and for many years its President.
Voted, That the corresponding Secretary be requested to prepare and transmit in behalf of the Academy, suitable Letters of condolence to the family of Thomas Jefferson, and to the American Philosophical Society whose very acceptable communication on this subject has been received and read at this meeting.
Voted, That the corresponding and recording Secretaries be a Committee to make all requisite arrangements relative to the proposed discourse before the Academy giving public notice of the hour and place of attendance on that service, and that the corresponding Secretary transmit a copy of these votes to the family of Mr Adams with expressions of our sympathy in their affectionate(1) and reverential(2) regard for the memory of their venerable head.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Jas. Savage
Rec. Secretary
{{Oct. 30}}
In pursuance of the votes above recorded, the members of the Academy assembled at eleven o’clock A.M. at the Academy’s room, and at half past eleven proceeded to the church in Brattle St, where arrangements had been made for solemn exercises, and the Discourse was delivered by the Vice President, as by the Academy had been requested. The devotional service was by the Rev. Dr Porter.
Before proceeding to the Academy’s room, on motion of Hon. F. C. Gray a Committee was raised, consisting of Hon. C. Jackson, P. O. Thacher, and J. Savage to provide a suitable apartment for the future meetings and other uses of the Academy, as it was remarked that the room now occupied by the Academy was needed by the Atheneum.
Jas Savage
Rec. Secretary
[end page 32 | begin page 33]
{{33.}}
{{1826}}
{{Nov. 8.}}
{{188}} [in pencil]
One hundred and eighty fifth meeting
Nov. 8. 1826. The Academy met at the Corporation room at Cambridge. the corresponding Secretary in the chair.
A quorum not being assembled for the transaction of business the Academy adjourned to the 11th at XI o’clock AM, to meet at the Atheneum in Boston.
E. Everett
Correspond’g Sec’y.
{{Nov. 11.}}
The adjourned meeting of the Academy on 11th Nov. was at the Boston Atheneum, when the corresponding Secretary was in the chair.
A Report from Hon. Charles Jackson, chairman of the Committee to provide an apartment for the Academy, was read and accepted. By this report it appears that the south east room in the lower floor of the new building of the Atheneum is secured for the Academy.
Ordered that the Librarian take due measures for the removal of the Library.
The Committee on publications, by Mr Everett, made report, that they had applied to Dr Kirkland for a copy of his discourse on 30th October last, and had received a reply from that gentlemen, which was read.
Voted, That the thanks of the Academy be given to the Vice President, Rev. Dr Kirkland for his discourse delivered on 30th October last, at the request of the Academy, in commemoration of Adams and Jefferson, and that he be requested to furnish a copy for publication.
Voted, That the Committee of Publications cause to be printed a sufficient number of copies of said discourse for sale before the regular publication of the Memoirs of the Academy.
Voted, That Dr Bigelow and Mr Savage be a Committee to consider the expediency of making alterations in the time of the stated meetings of the Academy.
This vote was introduced by a statement, that the regular one hundred and eighty fourth meting which should have been holden on the second Wednesday
[end page 33 | begin page 34]
{{34.}}
{{1826.}}
{{Nov. 11.}}
of August last at Cambridge University, was omitted because the same fell in the vacation when none of the Faculty of that Institution remained at home.
Voted, That Hon. F. C. Gray and Dr Hayward be a Committee to consider of means of distributing the remaining volumes of the Academy’s Memoirs with authority to obtain a room in the Atheneum for bestowing them in the mean time.
Report was made from the Committee on the subject of claims for the Rumford premium, that no one of them is entitled to the premium consistently with the views of the donor. This Report is on file.
Three small bills for advertising in the Columbian Centinel, Boston Patriot, and Daily Advertiser, were approved.
Notice was taken of a Letter from Wm Vaughan Esq. transmitting the second part of the Transactions of the Royal Society for 1825.
Voted, That Dr J. Jackson, F. C. Gray, J. Bigelow, N. Bowditch and Savage be a Committee to select some gentleman to deliver a discourse before the Academy next year.
Jas. Savage
Rev. Secretary.
{{1827.}}
{{Jany 31.}}
January 31. 1827. The Academy met at their room in the Boston Atheneum, the recording Secretary being present, but on account of the tempestuous weather, only three other members were at the meeting, which was dissolved without proceeding to business for want of a quorum.
Jas. Savage
Rec. Secretary
{{May 29th.}}
One hundred and eighty sixth meeting.
A Statute meeting was held May 29th at eleven o’clock in the Academy’s room: the Vice President took the chair.
A communication from his friend Joel R. Poinsett, Ambassador of the United States of America at Mexico, was made by Hon. Edward Everett, covering certain Mexican ancient hieroglyphics engraved from the originals.
[end page 34 | begin page 35]
{{35.}}
{{1827.}}
{{May 29.}}
A communication from Baron Charles Etter, of Courland, an Imperial Counsellor of the Emperor of Russia, residing at Naples of a bas relief in bronze from Pompeii was received.
Special votes of thanks to these two associates were ordered by the Academy to be transmitted by the corresponding Secretary.
Rev. Samuel Willard of Deerfield, Mass. presented a copy of his collection of Hymns with musical directions for all the varieties of appropriate expression.
A communication from Marcus Bull Esq. of Philadelphia, on the subject of the claim by him submitted for the Rumford Premium, against which, as well as others, the Committee on the matter had at the last November meeting made a report, was read. Explanation of great length on the affair was made by Dr Bigelow, and a debate followed, in which Judge Davis, Dr Gorham, Mr Treadwell, Mr Bowdoin, Mr Quincy, Col. Swett, Mr Everett, Judge White, Mr S. Willard, and Mr Savage participated. It was understood that Mr Bull was in the city desirous to furnish evidence of experiments. The discussion closed by an unanimous vote to refer the communication to the Committee on the Rumford Premium.
A report was made from the Committee on the alteration of statute meetings, which was accepted, as it remains on file, signed, J. Bigelow. By this vote, the third annual statute meeting is in future to be held at Cambridge University on the second Wednesday in July instead of August as by the Statutes was required.
A report of the Committee to examine the Library was made in writing by Mr Gray, and accepted as on file.
The same gentlemen, Hon. F. C. Gray, Dr Harris and Mr Worcester were appointed a Committee to examine the library next year.
A ballot was taken for the admission of all the gentlemen, severally, whose names had been on the nomination book a sufficient length of time, and in the result these following were elected.
Charles Folsom of Cambridge.
Thaddeus William Harris, Dorchester.
George B. Emerson, Boston.
Solomon P. Miles, of Boston.
Warren Colburn. of Lowell.
[end page 35 | begin page 36]
{{36.}}
{{1827}}
{{May 29.}}
A Committee was raised to examine the Treasurer’s Accounts with authority if it seemed good to them, to report at the next meeting, second Wednesday of July at Cambridge, consisting of Lemuel Saw and Prof. Hedge.
An election of officers was held, and at the half past one o’clock PM. the ballots being counted, it was found that the results was as follows.
John Quincy Adams, President.
John T. Kirkland Vice President.
Hon. Edward Everett, Corresponding Secretary.
Hon. Francis C. Gray, Recording Secretary.
His Hon. Thomas L. Winthrop, Treasurer.
Dr. Jacob Bigelow, Vice Treasurer.
Hon. Nathl Bowditch, and} with the ex officio Members
Joseph E. Worcester Esq} Committee of Publications.
Dr. Seth Brass. Librarian.
The meeting was dissolved.
Jas. Savage
Rec. Secretary
{{July 11.}}
One hundred and eighty seventh meeting.
A statute meeting was held July 11th at University Hall in Cambridge, the Vice President in the chair.
The Secretary having stated that he had received a copy of the will of the late Hon. Christopher Gore containing a bequest of one thousand dollars to the Academy payable two years after the death of Mrs Gore, it was thereupon
Voted, That the Corresponding Secretary write a suitable letter to Mrs Gore on behalf of the Academy expressing our sense of the liberality of her late husband, and of his regard for this Institution.
Dr Bigelow from the Committee to whom was referred at the last meeting the communication of Marcus Bull, Esquire, made a report concluding that it is not expedient for the Academy to adopt any further measures in relation to this subject, which was accepted and is on file.
The Account of the Treasurer for the last Academic year, duly
[end page 36 | begin page 37]
{{37.}}
{{1827.}}
{{July 11.}}
certified to be correct by the committee appointed to examine the same, was laid before the Academy and ordered to be put on file.
The meeting was then dissolved.
{{209}} [in pencil]
{{Nov. 14th}}
One hundred and eighty eighth meeting.
November 14th. 1827. The Academy met at Cambridge in the Corporation room, the Vice President in the chair.
A quorum not being assembled for the transaction of business the meeting was dissolved.
{{192}} [in pencil]
{{1828.}}
{{Jany 30.}}
One hundred and eighty ninth meeting.
Jany 30. 1828.
A statute meeting of the Academy was held at their room at the Atheneum in Pearl Street, the Vice President in the chair.
Letters from Mr T. W. Harris and Mr . G. B. Emerson accepting the fellowship of the Society to which they had been elected, were read.
Volumes of the Transactions of the Swedish Academy and of the Royal Society in London were received.
A letter from Dr Marcus Bull requesting a copy of the Report of the Committee on his application for a premium was read, and it was thereupon ordered that the recording Secretary furnish Dr Bull with a copy of the Report.
The Academy proceeded to ballot for members, and the following gentlemen were elected. The Baron Julius de Wallenstein, Counsellor of Legation of the Emperor of Russia at Washington.
Dr George Hassel of Wiemar.
The meeting was then dissolved.
[end page 37 | begin page 38]
{{1828.}}
{{May 27th}}
One hundred and ninetieth meeting.
May 27, 1828.
A statute meeting of the Academy was held at their Hall in Boston. the recording Secretary in the chair.
A letter from the Rev. Dr Kirkland was read in which he declined being again candidate for the office of Vice President.
The Treasurer’s Report was laid before the Academy.
On motion of Rev. Dr Harris it was
Voted, That the Librarian be directed to give noticed on or before the 20th of April to all, who may have books out of the Library that they must be returned by the first of May.
Mr Gray, Dr Harris and Mr Worcester were appointed a Committee to examine the Library.
Mr N. Hale and Mr J. Bowdoin were appointed a Committee to examine the Treasurer’s accounts.
Mr Treadwell, Dr Ware and Mr Colburn were appointed a Committee to inquire and consider whether any discoveries and inventions within the last two years are entitled to the Rumford premium.
A Letter from Mr D. Gould on some improvements in the Science of Algebra and referred to Professor Farrar.
Voted, That the Treasurer be authorized to pay to the Atheneum, 208 dollars for rent during three years past.
Voted, That the Treasurer be authorized to pay the expense of printing and distributing a pamphlet in answer to one from Mr Marcus Bull.
Voted, That Dr Hale, Dr Bigelow and Mr Treadwell be a Committee to consider the expediency of offering compensation for such scientific communications as shall be approved for publication.
Voted, That the thanks of the Academy be presented to the late Vice President for the able and faithful manner in which he has so long presided at their meetings, together with their best wishes for his future happiness.
[end page 38 | begin page 39]
{{39.}}
{{1828.}}
{{May 27.}}
An election of Officers was had as follows.
Hon John Quincy Adams President.
" Nathl. Bowditch, Vice President.
" Edward Everett. Corresponding Secretary.
" F. C. Gray. Recording Secretary.
" Thomas L. Winthrop. Treasurer.
Dr. Jacob Bigelow, Vice Treasurer.
Mr. J. E. Worcester and } with ex officio members
" John Farrar } Committee of Publications.
Dr Seth Brass. Librarian.
Adjourned to the second Wednesday in July.
{{fcg.}} [in pencil]
{{July 9th.}}
One hundred and ninety first meeting.
July 9. 1828.
At a Statute meeting of the Academy in Cambridge a quorum not being present the meeting was dissolved.
{{Nov. 12.}}
One hundred and ninety second meeting
Nov. 12. 1828.
At a statute meeting of the Academy a quorum not being present, the meeting was dissolved.
{{fcg}} [in pencil]
{{1829.}}
{{Jany. 14.}}
One hundred and ninety third meeting.
January 14. 1829.
At a stated meeting of the Academy at their hall in Boston, a quorum having attended and none of the offices being
[end page 39 | begin page 40]
{{40.}}
{{1829.}}
{{Jany. 14.}}
present, the Hon. John Davis was chosen Chairman, and Enoch Hale Jr. Secretary pro tempore.
Mr Treadwell from the Committee on the Rumford premium made a report that the Committee had not found any discovery in heat or light made within the two years ending on the 27th of May last which is entitled to the Rumford premium.
Voted, That the report be accepted.
The Committee on the Treasurer’s Account reported that the account is correct,
Voted, That the report be accepted.
An account of Messrs Hilliard and Metcalf for printing was presented and referred to Messrs Worcester and Farrar, with authority to direct the payment of it, if they find it correct.
A Letter from the Secretary of the Linnean Society of London accompanying the XV vol. of that Society’s Transactions was read and referred to the corresponding Secretary to make the proper reply.
The Publications of the American Philosophical Society, of the London Philosophical Society, and of the Academy of St Petersburg were received.
Voted, That the Corresponding Secretary made suitable acknowledgements for the several publications.
Voted, That the meeting be dissolved.
Enoch Hale Jr Secy. Pro temp.
{{May 26.}}
One hundred and ninety fourth meeting
May 26. 1829.
At a statute meeting of the Academy at their Hall in Boston. the Treasurer in the chair.
The first and second parts of the Philosophical Transactions were received from the Royal Society in London through John Vaughan Esq. of Philadelphia, and also one volume of the Transactions of the Society in Berlin. and it was
[end page 40 | begin page 41]
{{41.}}
{{1829.}}
{{May 26.}}
Voted, That the corresponding Secretary make suitable acknowledgements for these Publications.
Rev. Dr Kirkland’s discourse before the Society on the death of Adams and Jefferson was received, and referred to the Committee of Publications.
A Letter was received from Hon. E Everett declining to be considered a candidate for re election as corresponding Secretary. Mr Gray also declined a reelection as recording Secretary.
The Treasurer’s Accounts for the last year were laid before the Board, and it was,
Voted, That the Hon. N. Hale and James Bowdoin Esq. be a Committee to examine them.
The Committee on the Library reported that they had examined it and that only two volumes were missing, viz.
Fauna Luciea vol.I. & Flora Batava, vol.I. No. 79.
Voted, That Dr Hayward and Mr Folsom be a Committee to prepare and publish a catalogue of the Library; and that they be instructed to report at the next meeting a list of all imperfect sets in the Library with an estimate of the expense of completing them, together with a draft of rules and regulations for taking out and returning books, and likewise a complete list of the members and officers of the Society.
Voted, That the Treasurer be authorized to assign the sum of two thousand dollars of the United States six per cent Stock, created in the year 1814 and now belonging to the Academy, to the Treasurer of the United States in Trust for said States.
Voted, That two gentlemen be added to the ex officio members of the Committee of Publications.
Voted, That the Treasurer be instructed to write to those gentlemen, who have omitted paying their annual assessments for two years.
Voted, That the Treasurer with the concurrence of the other officers of the Society be authorized to remit the sum due for assessments to any individual whose circumstances shall, in their opinion require it.
A ballot being taken for members, Dr A. L. Peirson of Salem was chosen.
[end page 41 | begin page 42]
{{42.}}
{{1829.}}
{{May 26.}}
Voted, That the Recording Secretary be instructed to publish the regulations respecting the Rumford Premium in those of the principal periodical publications in which it can be inserted without expense.
Voted, That the corresponding Secretary be instructed to apply to the family of the late Dr Holyoke for his meteorological Journal subsequent to the time when it was communicated by him to the Academy.
Voted, That Dr Hale, Dr Bigelow and Mr Treadwell be a committee to consider the expediency of offering compensation for such scientific communications, as shall be approved for publication.
An election of officers was had; of which the result was as follows.
Hon. Nathaniel Bowditch, President.
Prof. Jon Farrar Vice President.
His Hon. Thomas L. Winthrop, Treasurer.
Dr Rufus Wyman, Vice Treasurer.
Dr Jacob Bigelow. Corresponding Secretary.
Hon. Nathan Hale, Recording Secretary.
Dr George Hayward} with the ex officio members
Daniel Treadwell Esq} Committee of Publications.
Dr Seth Bass. Librarian & Cabinet Keeper.
Adjourned without day.
{{Nov. 11.}}
One hundred and ninety fifth meeting.
At a statute meeting of the Academy held at the Corporation room in Cambridge, Nov. 11. 1829. the President in the chair.
The record of the May meeting was read.
The Committee appointed to examine the accounts of the Treasurer made a report, which was accepted, and is placed on file.
A Table of Longitude and Altitude of the nonagesimal degree in 42[degree sign]23’28” of north latitude for every minute of the right ascension of the meridian, and also,
[end page 42 | begin page 43]
{{43.}}
{{1829.}}
{{Nov. 11.}}
A series of Observations for determining the latitude of a point in Boston: both by Robert Treat Paine Esq of Boston, were received through the President, and were referred to the publishing Committee.
A series of Tables exhibiting the expectation of life at different ages, the value of Life Estates, and of Annuities etc, by J. Ingersoll Bowditch Esq. were received through the President and referred to the publishing Committee.
A communication from Mr. W. C. Bond consisting of Minutes of the rates of a large number of chronometers, arranged by him, was received through the President and referred to the publishing committee.
A number of Papers relating to Danish Antiquities were received through the Secretary, and ordered to be placed in the Library of the Academy.
The President presented to the Academy a copy of the Mecanique Celeste by the Marquis de la Place, translated, with a Commentary by N. Bowditch L.L.D. vol.I.
It was Voted, That the President and recording Secretary be a committee with authority to procure a room on such terms as they see fit, with suitable furniture for the meetings of the academy in Boston, and to remove the Library of the Academy to it.
Voted, That the President, the Hon. Josiah Quincy, and the Hon. F. C. Gray be a Committee of Finance to advise with the Treasurer in the investment of the funds of the Academy, with authority to change the investment if they see fit.
Voted, That the Finance Committee be authorized to examine the state of the Rumford Fund, and make a report thereon at the next meeting.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Nathan Hale
Secretary
[end page 43 | begin page 44]
{{44. 197 [in pencil}}
{{1829.}}
{{Dec. 21.}}
One hundred and ninety sixth meeting.
Dec. 21. 1829.
At a meeting of the Academy called by order of the President, and held at the Hall of the Massachusetts Hospital Life Insurance Company.
The President from the Committee to procure a room for the meetings of the Academy in Boston, reported, that they had ascertained that the Hall of the Massachusetts Life Insurance Company could be procured for the use of the Academy at their meetings and for the accommodation of the Library, on condition that it should be provided by the Academy with handsome bookcases, and such other furniture as they may need, to correspond with the furniture already in the room, for a rent of one hundred dollars per annum.
Voted, That the report be accepted, and that the Committee be authorized to procure such bookcases and other furniture as they may think suitable before proceeding to move the Library.
Mr Treadwell was added to the Committee.
{{Report on the Rumford Donation}}
The Committee on the subject of the Rumford donation made the following report.
In the year 1796. Benjamin, Count Rumford, then residing in London, presented to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences 5000 dollars in three per cent stock, the amount of the interest be given, once in every second year as a premium to the author of the most important discovery, or useful improvement on [underline] Heat or Light [end underline] made public in any part of America during the two preceding years. The Letter containing the donation contains the following paragraphs.
“With regard to the formalities to be observed by the Academy in their decisions upon the comparative merits of those discoveries which in the opinion of the academy may entitle their authors to be considered as competitors for this biennial premium, the Academy will be pleased to adopt such regulations as they, in their wisdom, may judge to be proper and necessary. But in regard to the form in which this premium is conferred, I take the liberty to request that it may be given in two medals struck in the same dye, the one of [underline] gold [end underline] and the other of Silver, and of such dimensions that both of them together may be just equal in intrinsic value to the amount of interest of the aforesaid five thousand dollars sock, during two years: that is to say, that they together may be of the value of three hundred dollars.”
“If during any term of two years reckoning from the last adjudication: or from the last period for the adjudication of this premium by the Academy
[end page 44 | begin page 45]
{{45.}}
{{1829.}}
{{Dec. 21.}}
{{Rumford Donation}}
no new discovery or improvement should be made in any part of America relative to either of the subjects in question (heat or light) which in the opinion of the Academy shall be of sufficient importance to deserve this premium, in that case it is my desire that the premium may not be given, but that the value of it may be reserved, and being laid out in the purchase of additional stock in American Funds, may be employed to augment the capital of this premium; and that the interest of the sums by which the capital may from time to time be so augmented may regularly be given in [underline] money [end underline] with the two medals as an addition to the original premium at each succeeding adjudication of it. And it is further my particular request, that those additions to the value of the premium arising from its occasional non adjudications may be suffered to increase without limitation.”
This donation was accepted by the Academy on the terms in which it was offered. But the premium has never been awarded, none of the discoveries or improvements for which it has been claimed being deemed by the Academy of sufficient importance to deserve it. By constant accumulation the Fund has now increased to nearly the sum of 20.000 dollars. The history of Science in other countries unites with our own experience to convince us that Count Rumford’s plan contemplating the assignment of a biennial premium for important discoveries or useful improvements on Light and Heat first made public within two years preceding, and interrupted only by “occasional non adjudications” is absolutely impracticable. Such discoveries and improvements are not so often made, and many of those which are made require more than two years to test their merit. It is perfectly manifest that the non adjudication must be the regular and usual course, and that the assignments of the premium must be occasional and even rare. The very increase of the Fund constantly increases the difficulty of bestowing the premium – for the Academy are expressly desired to award it only to improvements or discoveries of sufficient importance in their opinion to deserve it, and an invention may merit a premium of 300 dollars which is altogether unworthy one of 2000. A strict compliance with the incidental request that the Fund should increase indefinitely may therefore prevent the assignment of any premium at all, and thus entirely defeat the great object of the foundation, and render it totally useless. To permit such a result is not a faithful fulfilment of the intentions of the donor.
If it be found by long experience that a rigid adherence to particular limitations not essential to the main object of the institution tends to defeat that object, it must be presumed, that the founder would wish those limitations modified; and it is the bounden duty of the Academy and of all who have an interest in his property to endeavor to have them so modified, as to promote the attainment of the end which he proposed.
There is another view of the subject which leads to a similar conclusion. The principal design of Count Rumford was to encourage and
[end page 45 | begin page 46]
{{46.}}
{{1829.}}
{{Dec. 21.}}
{{Rumford Donation}}
reward by an honorable distinction, important discoveries and useful improvements, in relation to light and heat, made in America, and he appoints the premium, to be given in two medals, one of gold, and one of silver, as an addition to which is to be given the income of such funds as may arise from occasional non adjudications. The whole income of the fund for two years is about two thousand dollars. He would hardly have contemplated that the accessary should so far surpass the principal. Considered with reference to its object this sum not only more than sufficient, but is altogether extravagant, and is constantly becoming more so. It must lose the character of a prize, and be sought with mercenary views, rather than as an honorable distinction. We know of no periodical premium in the world, near it in value. It has already increased almost eight fold, and if it goes on at that rate, in 33 years more, the premium will be more than 19,000 dollars, and in less than an hundred years the capital will exceed ten millions and the premium be above a million and a quarter. This absurdity must be checked somewhere, and we think it time to check it now, and to limit the premium to some reasonable amount. This cannot be done by any precise rule, but it is a matter of discretion. It seems to us that the “addition” ought not to “exceed the premium”; for if it does, it tends to throw into the back ground and discredit the premium itself. Whatever be the amount fixed, however, there will remain an unappropriated surplus of income, which should be applied to promote the general object of the donor.
The appropriation of a fund given for literary or charitable purposes may be altered by the decree of a court of Chancery after the death of the donor, when a strict compliance with his will is found to be impracticable, and in no case is such a decree made now readily or more reasonably than when a literal adherence to his directions would defeat his main intent. Or if the income of such a fund is more than sufficient to accomplish the purposes for which it was given, the court will direct the surplus to be applied to other like purposes. Such new appropriations however, are always made as nearly analogous to the first as can conveniently be done, so as to effectuate the general design of the Donor as fully as practicable.
This is of course the great object of the Academy, and in deciding how it may be best accomplished, it may be important to consider; that at the same time when Count Rumford made this donation to the Academy, he gave the sum of £1000 sterling in the English 3 per cent Stock, to the Royal Society of London with the same terms and limitations, to be applied to discoveries or improvements made in any part of Europe. The premium has been awarded by them seven times, viz. in 1803, 1809. 1816. 1817. 1818, 1819 & 1827. On each occasion the award was, of Count Rumford’s gold and silver medals, without mention of any additional sum in money. In 1803 it was awarded to Count Rumford himself, for his various discoveries & improvements
[end page 46 | begin page 47]
{{47.}}
{{1829.}}
{{Dec. 21}}
[horizontal line]
{{Rumford Donation}}
in light and heat, and not for any particular one made within two years. The same expression is used in some other awards, and we may therefore conclude that the Count expressed no dissatisfaction with the variation from his directions.
Had the Academy felt at liberty to disregard this limitation, they might have awarded this premium most justly to one of our own fellow-citizens; a circumstance which would not only have been very agreeable to the Academy, and have promoted the general views of the donor, but have been highly creditable to our country. Unfortunately however, the real merit and value of Professor Hare’s discoveries were not duly appreciated, until more than two years after they were first announced. And a similar misfortune may occur again. This, and indeed all the limitations which tend to defeat the main object of Count Rumford, appear to have arisen from an assumption not justified by experience, that some important discovery or improvement on heat or light would be made in American every two years (with perhaps occasional exceptions) and would within that time be proved to merit this premium.
All the changes made by the Royal Society appear to us advantageous, and in analogy with them, we think it desirable that the Academy should be authorized to award the premium in successive years, if they have opportunity, and to accompany it with the donation in money or not, at their discretion.
Concluding then from the example of the Royal Society, and from our own experience that Count Rumford’s plan in its details is impracticable, and being convinced that the income of the Fund has increased so much as to be more than sufficient for its purpose, we recommend to the Academy the following plan for facilitating the awarding of the premium, and applying the surplus income, as the best we can devise to execute in practice the intent, and promote the general object of the donor –
I. The Academy may at any annual meeting award the Rumford Premium consisting of a gold and silver medal, of the value of $300, adding thereto, if they see fit any sum of money not exceeding that amount, to any person in the American Continent or Islands, who, in their opinion, shall have merited that premium by any important discovery, or useful improvement, relating to heat or light.
II. The residue of the income which shall be hereafter received from the Rumford Fund, shall be appropriated to purchasing such Books and philosophical apparatus, or making such publications, or procuring such Lectures or experiments as shall, in the opinion of the Academy, best facilitate and encourage the making of such discoveries and improvements as may merit that premium – such books and apparatus to be used, and Lectures and experiments made
[end page 47 | begin page 48]
{{48.}}
{{1829.}}
{{Dec. 21}}
[horizontal line]
{{Rumford Donation}}
in the Academy or elsewhere at their discretion.
III. The Rumford Fund, or any part of it, may be invested, either in Notes of the State or City, or in the Bank of the United States, or any Bank in this State, or in the Massachusetts Hospital Life Insurance Company, or in Notes or Bonds secured by pledge of any of said Stocks, or by Mortgage. The last provision is added because as the United States are rapidly paying off the public debt, the direction to invest in the American Funds will soon become impracticable.
It only remains to inquire in what manner, and by what authority this plan should be adopted. On consulting Count Rumford’s Will, it appears that after giving certain Legacies. he appointed his Executors residuary legatees, in trust that they would pay certain annuities, and apply all the remainder of his property to Harvard College for the Rumford Professorship. It appears from the Executors [sic] accounts that they have assumed the payment of these annuities, and have reserved a sufficient amount in the French Funds to secure it, and of course the President & Fellows of the College are the only legal body beneficially interested in the residue of Count Rumford’s property. We have no doubt of their ready assent to the plan above proposed, whatever may be their legal rights, as they can have no wish but that the object of the donor should be most effectually promoted, and it is not improbable that the two institutions may mutually aid each other in promoting it.
We recommend therefore that a bill in equity making them parties be filed praying the court to pass a decree establishing that plan. We do not propose to make the annuitants under the Count’s Will or his Executors parties in the bill. They cannot be affected by any decree if they are not parties, and we do not design to affect their rights or interests, if they have any. We only wish the Court to sanction the measure so far as relates to our obligations to the donor himself; and to decree it against those parties who appear and do not oppose it. If it is a fair and conscientious execution of the trust under existing circumstances, we may expect their sanction – if it is not so, the Academy cannot wish to adopt it.
All which is respectfully submitted.
(Signed) Nathaniel Bowditch
Josiah Quincy } Committee
F. C. Gray
Voted, That the foregoing Report be accepted, and that the same Committee viz Mr Bowditch, Mr Quincy and Mr Gray be ^authorized and requested to cause a Bill in Equity to be filed forthwith, before the Supreme Judicial Court, setting forth the circumstances of the case, and praying for a decree to establish the plan proposed in said report, for the investment and disposition of the Rumford Fund.
[end page 48 | begin page 49]
{{49.}}
{{1829.}}
{{Dec. 21}}
[horizontal line]
Voted, That the thanks of the Academy be presented to the family of the late Dr Holyoke for the records of meteorological Observations presented by them to the Academy, and to request from them the Papers on Eclipses left by Dr Holyoke.
The Meteorological Journal were referred to the Publishing Committee.
Voted, That the President, Treasurer and Secretaries be a Committee to consider the expediency of an alterations of the ByLaws which fix the times and places of meetings.
N Hale
Secretary
[horizontal line]
{{Rumford Will}}
Count Rumford’s Will_
{{I.}}
Last Will of Count Rumford deposited by him in the hands of his Friend Benjamin Baron Delessert, the twenty eighth of September, eighteen hundred and twelve. Registered at Paris the fifteenth of September, eighteen hundred and fourteen – received one franc one decime – Signed, Dupont.
{{II.}}
Know all men by these presents, that I the subscriber, Benjamin, Count of Rumford, Knight of the illustrious orders of the White Eagle, and of St Stanislaus, Lieutenant General in the service of his Majesty the King of Bavaria, residing now at Auteuil, department of Paris, having a free mind and sound memory, have made this present testament, which I declare to be my last will, revoking in consequence all other declarations of my last will, and every other Testament made by me, declaring them void and of no effect.
First, I name and appoint my worthy Friends Benjamin, Baron Delessert, living Rue de Cogeron in Paris, and Daniel Parker, Esquire, Citizen of the United States of North America, dwelling in fact in Paris, Rue de Mont Parnasse, to be the sole executors of my last will contained in the present instrument.
Second, With regard to the property which I shall leave at my decease, after the payment of my just debts and funeral expenses, I have disposed of it as follows:
I give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah, Countess of Rumford, an Annuity of four hundred dollars, current money of the United States which Annuity joined with the amount of a pension of two thousand florins per ann.
[end page 49 | begin page 50]
{{50}}
{{1829.}}
[horizontal line]
{{Rumford’s Will_}}
equal to more than eight hundred dollars, which at my request has been transferred to the person of my ^said daughter, that she should enjoy it during her life, by the late Elector Palatine Duke of Bavaria, which transfer was afterwards confirmed in her favor by his Majesty the King of Bavaria, will be, I think, amply sufficient to assure her a respectable and comfortable maintenance in her native country and among her relations and first friends, where I am very desirous that she should establish her residence, being persuaded that this situation will be most to her well being and happiness.
I give and bequeath to the University of Cambridge in the State of Massachusetts in North America, my native country, one thousand dollars per annum, forever, for the purpose of founding, under the direction and government of the Corporation, Overseers and Governors of that University, a new Institution and Professorship, in order to teach by regular courses of academical and public Lectures, accompanied with proper experiments, the utility of the physical and mathematical Sciences, for the improvement of the useful Arts, and for the extension of the industry, prosperity, happiness and well being of Society.
And further I give and bequeath to the said University, for the purposes abovementioned the reversion of the Annuity of four hundred dollars, given and bequeathed by this present instrument of my last will to my daughter Sarah, Countess of Rumford, and which she is to enjoy during her life.
I give and bequeath to the Government of the United States of North America, all my Books, Plans and Designs relating to military affairs, to be deposited in the Library, or in the museum of the Military Academy of the United States, as soon as an Academy of this nature shall have been established in the United States.
I give and bequeath to my friend Benjamin, Baron Delessert, one of my Executors, my gold enamelled Snuff box, set round with diamonds, being the same which was given me by his Majesty Francis II, Emperor of Austria.
I give and bequeath to my friend Daniel Parker, Esquire, my other Executor, my gold enamelled watch, with the gold chain and seals attached to it – also my gold headed cane.
I give and bequeath to Sir Humphrey Davy, Knight, Professor of Chemistry of the Royal Institution of Great Britain my plain gold watch as a token of my esteem.
[end page 50 | begin page 51]
{{51.}}
{{1829.}}
[horizontal line]
{{Rumford’s Will}}
I desire that all my private papers, both in France and in England may be examined by my said Executors, and those among them which shall be deemed useless, be destroyed immediately, and that they dispose of the rest as they think proper.
Lastly, I give and bequeath the whole of the residue of my property which shall exist at my decease to Benjamin, Baron Delessert, and Daniel Parker Esquire, my Executors, in order that the said property may be sold by them, and the proceeds in money applied in my name to certain donations in favor of particular friends, and to sercet dispositions, in conformity to the secret and particular instructions in my own hand writing, which will be found sealed, directed to them after my death, and the contents of which I desire may not be made public.
Signed. Rumford_
Signed, sealed and published as my last will and last Testament at Draveil, the twenty eighth of September eighteen hundreed and twelve, in presence of the Subscribers
(Signed) I Preble
La Fayette
W. Stone
In the margin is written Registered at Paris the fifteenth of September, eighteen hundred and fourteen – received three francs, thirty centimes – gave notice of the declaration to be made in six months from the decease.
Signed, Mailler.
{{III.}}
I the subscriber, Benjamin Count Rumford, having in my last will and testament signed at Draveil the twenty eighth of September eighteen hundred and twelve, named and appointed my worthy friends, Benjamin, Baron Delessert, and Daniel Parker Esquire, to be the sole Executors of my last will, and having given and granted to them upon trust the whole of the residue of the property which I shall possess at my death, after divers Legacies given by me in my said last will have been paid, and provision shall have been made, by sufficient Funds, for the payment of the annuities granted by my said last Will, my will is that my said Executors shall dispose of the remainder of my property conformably to these present instructions and in manner following, to wit: –
First, I desire that an annuity of one thousand francs be paid to Sophia Walpurga, Baroness of Millitz, born Countess of Baumgarten at Munich, one thousand seven hundred and eighty eight where she now resides
[end page 51 | begin page 52]
{{52.}}
{{1829.}}
{{Rumford’s Will}}
with her husband, son of the late Baron of Millitz, Grand Marshal of the Court of Saxony. I desire that this annuity be paid to the Baroness of Millitz during her life, and that it revert to her children if she have any, and they survive her, and in case she should decease without children living at the time of her death, I desire that the reversion of the annuity to her granted by these presents may go to the University of Cambridge in the state of Massachusetts, as an addition to the Legacy given to said University in the said instrument of my last Will, and for the purposes therein mentioned.
I desire moreover, that all the rest of the property which I shall leave at my death, and which I have bequeathed upon trust to my said friends and executors of my last will, first taking out the provision made for the annuity granted to the Baroness of Millitz to be given to the said University of Cambridge for the purposes declared, with this condition however, that if the pension of two thousand florins per annum, granted to my daughter Sarah, Countess of Rumford, during her life, by the late Elector Palatine, Duke of Bavaria, should cease to be paid, which I have no cause to apprehend, in this case the University of Cambridge will well and truly pay to my said daughter two hundred dollars per annum during her life.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my signature and the seal with my arms, at Auteuil the sixth of October eighteen hundred and twelve.
Signed, Rumford.
Registered at Paris the fifteenth day of September eighteen hundred and fourteen, received three francs thirty centimes, gave notice of the declaration to be made in six months from the decease.
Signed, Mailler.
{{IV.}}
Instructions of Count Rumford to the Executors of his last will relating to the disposition of property bequeathed by him to them upon trust, in his last Will, made and signed at Draveil the twenty eighth of September eighteen hundred and twelve. Signed, Rumford. In the margin is written, Registered at Paris the fifteenth of September eighteen hundred and fourteen received one franc one decime. Signed, Dupont.
“It is thus in the translations of the said Acts or testamentary dispositions, of which the originals, written by the testator in the English language, have been placed in the hands of Mr Peter Amiable Ferdinand Viault, together with some Codicils in the French language, by order of the President of the Tribunal of Commerce of the first resort for the department of the Seine contained in Proce’s Verbal (or formal account) of the openings and description of said testamentary acts registered under date of August 22d 1814.” Which translations made by Mr Nunez de Caboada, director of the general interpolation of languages, sworn translator, legalized or authorized by the Mayor of the second arrondissement of the city of Paris, have been deposited with Mr Viault by an act registered
[end page 52 | begin page 53]
{{53.}}
{{1829.}}
{{Rumford’s Will.}}
the seventeenth of April eighteen hundred and fourteen: The present copies delivered the 31st January 1816.
Signed, De la Cour, Viault.
{{V.}}
Instructions of Count Rumford to Delessert and Mr Daniel Parker the Executors of his last Will.
Gentlemen,
In case of my death I beg you to make sure to Mons. Fleury, my Valet de Chambre and to Mad. Fleury his wife, an income of one hundred franks per annum to each of them during life, out of the amount of my property which is bequeathed to you by my last will, and of which I have reserved to myself the disposal.
Signed, Rumford.
Auteuil 29th October 1813.
Then is written, registered at Paris the fifteenth of September eighteen hundred and fourteen, received three francs thirty centimes, and gave notice of the declaration. Signed, Maillet.
On the envelope is written, Last Will of Count Rumford, to the care of Baron Delessert, Auteuil 29th October 1813. Registered at Paris the fifteenth of September eighteen hundred and fourteen, received one franc one centime.
Signed, Dupon.t
{{VI}}
To my worthy friend, Baron Delessert.
A child, born at Passy the eleventh of this month of Madlle. Victoire Joseph Lefebvre, and christened by the name of Charles Francois Robert Lefebre, to whom, if he lives, I intend to have given the name of Charles Fitz Rumford, will have sacred claims to my protection. In case of my death before I have made other provision for him, I beg you to give him formally, and to transfer in his name of Charles Francois Robert Lefebvre, the eight hundred livres income in the five per cents in the great book which you have had the goodness to keep for me, under your name, giving notice immediately to Mlle. Victoire Lefebvre, his mother, of this transfer, in order that she may be put in a situation to make use of it for the benefit of her son.
Signed, Rumford.
Then it is written. Registered at Paris the fifteenth of September, eighteen hundred and fourteen, received three francs thirty centimes, gave notice of the declaration to be made six months from decease.
Signed, Mailler.
On the back, For Baron Delessert. Eventual disposition of 800 livres income, upon the great book belonging to Count Rumford which are in the actual possession of Baron Delessert. Registered at Paris, the fifteenth of December, eighteen hundred and fourteen, received one franc one decime. Signed, Dupont.
[end page 53 | begin page 54]
{{54}}
{{1829}}
{{Rumford’s Will}}
{{VII.}}
Auteuil, nineteenth of June, eighteen hundred and fourteen.
My dear Baron,
I have just made an alteration in my testamentary dispositions, which I am going to communicate to you for your instruction as Executor of my last Will. I had ordered by a testamentary instruction which is in your hands that 2400 francs income belonging to me, which stand in the great book under your name, a moiety, or 1200 francs income should, in case of my death, be transferred to the Baroness of Millitz, born Countess of Baumgarten at Munich in Bavaria, and the other moiety to Charles Francois Robert Lefebvre in full possession. Recent events have made me wish to alter this arrangement, and I beg you in case of my death to keep the said income of 2400 francs in your hands, and to pay under the name of annuities a moiety , or 1200 francs per annum to the said Baroness of Millitz during her life, and the other moiety, or 1200 francs per annum to the said Charles Francois Robert Lefebvre during his life, and as soon as one or the other of these two persons dies, let the whole of the said sum of 2400 francs income be then transferred to the survivor of the two, my self being deceased.
Signed, Rumford.
Registered at Paris the fifteenth of September eighteen hundred fourteen, received three francs thirty centimes, and gave notice of the declaration to be made in six months from decease. Signed, Mailler.
On the back is written, Testamentary disposition of Count Rumford of the nineteenth of June eighteen hundred and fourteen, for Baron Benjamin Delessert, rue de Cogeron a’ Paris.
Registered at Paris the fifteenth September eighteen hundred and fourteen, received one franc one decime f 65 A.C.C.
Signed, Dupont.
{{1830.}}
{{May 25.}}
One hundred and ninety seventh meeting.
At a meeting of the Academy held at their Hall in State Street May 25. 1830, the President in the chair.
The President from the Committee on the Rumford donation made the following report, which was accepted.
The Committee on the subject of the Rumford donation report, That in conformity to the directions of the Academy at their last meeting they have caused a Bill in Equity to be filed before the Supreme Judicial Court, to establish a plan for the investment and disposition of the Rumford Fund, that the President and Fellows of Harvard College appeared by their counsel, and the case was submitted
[end page 54 | begin page 55]
{{55.}}
{{1830.}}
{{May 25.}}
to the decision of the court, at their late term in this country; but in consequence of the pressure of business the case was postponed to the next term of court,
By order of the Committee,
Hall of the Academy May 25. 1830. Signed, Nathl Bowditch, Chairman
{{Report of Committee of Finance}}
The President presented the following Report of the Committee of Finance which was accepted.
The Committee of Finance report. That they advised and requested the Treasurer to dispose of the Shares in the Stock of the United States Bank which formed the investment of the Rumford fund; and after paying the Academy for expenses and interest on sums advanced to this Fund, the balance being twenty one thousand dollars, was deposited by the Treasurer, with the consent of the Committee, in the Massachusetts Hospital Life Insurance Company, as an annuity in trust, By order of the Committee.
Hall of the Academy Signed, Nathl Bowditch, Chairman.
May 25. 1830.
{{Report on times & places of meeting}}
The Committee to consider the expediency of altering the By Laws relating to the times and places of holding the meetings of the Academy, made the following Report.
The Committee of the Academy appointed to consider the expediency of an alteration in the By Laws which six the times and places for meetings report the following vote for the consideration of the Academy.
Voted, That the first section of the sixth Chapter of the By Laws fixing the times and places of the stated meeting of the Academy be repealed, and that instead of it the following section be adopted.
1. There shall be annually four stated meetings of the Academy, viz, on the last Wednesday in January, the day next preceding the last Wednesday in May, the second Wednesday in August, and the second Wednesday in November, to be held at the Hall of the Academy in Boston.
The order of Committee,
Signed, Nathl Bowditch, Chairman.
The Report was accepted, and the amended By Law above proposed, was adopted.
{{Report of the Committee on the Library}}
Mr Folsom from the Committee relative to the Library made the following Report, which was accepted.
The Committee appointed by the Academy on the 26th May 1829. to prepare and publish a Catalogue of the Library, and instructed to report a “list of all the imperfect sets in the Library, with an estimate of the expense of completing them, together with a draft of
[end page 55 | begin page 56]
{{56.}}
{{1830}}
{{May 25.}}
regulations for taking out and returning books; and likewise a complete list of the Members and Officers of the Society” beg leave to report,
That circumstances beyond their control prevented their finishing the duties of their commission before the Academy passed a vote to remove the Library to anew room: that as this removal would require the making out of a new and complete list of books, and would probably affect the rules and regulations for taking out and returning them, they judged it proper to postpone the further execution of their task till the books should be arranged in the new cases; and that this arrangement having just been completed, they have had no opportunity to finish the business committed to them. Referring the Academy therefore to the new list of books, and to the separate list of imperfect sets, just made out under the direction of t he President, as anticipating a part of their labor, the Committee ask further time for preparing their ultimate Report.
Signed, Geo. Hayward, for the Committee.
May 25. 1830.
The following accounts of the Treasurer on the state of the Funds of the Academy, and on the Rumford Fund were presented and read, with the Report of the Auditing Committee thereon, which was accepted.
Count Rumford’s Donation
[table]
Boston May 24. 1830.
[end page 56 | begin page 57]
{{57.}}
The American Academy of Arts & Sciences in Account with Tho. L. Winthrop, Treasurer.
[table]
{{Auditors’ Report}}
The undersigned, a Committee of the American Academy appointed to examine the Accounts of the Treasurer have examined the within account, and find the charges duly vouched, and the computations correct, and that there is a balance of seven hundred twenty nine dollars seventy four cents in the Treasurers hands, besides the certificates of Stocks, and a Policy of the Massachusetts Life Insurance Company for the sums within mentioned.
Signed, Nathan Hale,
James Bowdoin.
[end page 57 | begin page 58]
{{58.}}
{{1830.}}
{{May 25.}}
Dr Hale and Dr Emerson were appointed a Committee to receive and count the votes for Officers.
A communication on the subject of a number of skeletons discovered in a field in Salem was presented and read by Dr Peirson. The communication was referred to the publishing Committee.
Mr Treadwell, Dr John Ware and Dr Bigelow were appointed a committee to enquire and consider whether any discoveries and improvements relating to light and head have been made which are entitled to the Rumford Premium.
Applications for the Rumford Premium were received from Samuel Morey Thomas Vinton, Marshall Tufts and Asdrubal McAllester, and referred to the Committee on that subject.
Voted, That the Committee who procured the furniture for the room be authorized to procure other book cases to correspond with those already procured.
Voted, That when the Academy adjourn it be to the second Wednesday in August next at eleven o’clock.
Voted, That the publishing Committee be requested to ascertain the number and repost the distribution which ought to be made of the Academy’s Publications.
Voted, that the Committee on Publications be authorized to prepare the Papers of Dr Holyoke for Publication at the expense of the Academy.
Col. Swett presented and read a communication describing a machine invented by him called a “Rotameter”. The Communication was referred to the Committee on Publications.
Voted, That Mr N. Hale and Mr Bowdoin be a Committee to examine the Treasurer's Accounts for the ensuing year.
The Academy proceeded to ballot for Fellows of the Academy previously nominated in conformity with the By Laws.
Gamaliel Bradford M.D. having been nominated at a previous meeting as a Fellow of the Academy, a ballot was taken upon the nomination and he was chosen.
A ballot being taken for Officers for the ensuing year, an election was made as follows;
[end page 58 | begin page 59]
{{59.}}
{{1830.}}
{{May 25.}}
Officers
Hon. Nathaniel Bowditch, President.
Prof. John Farrar, Vice President.
James Bigelow, M.D. Corresponding Secretary.
Nathan Hale Esq. Recording Secretary.
His Hon. Thomas L. Winthrop, Treasurer.
Rufus Wyman M.D. Vice Treasurer.
Willard Phillips Esq. Librarian.
George Hayward M.D.} with the ex officio members
Daniel Treadwell Esq} Committee of Publications.
On motion the meeting adjourned.
Nathan Hale
Secretary
{{1830.}}
{{Aug. 11.}}
One hundred and ninety seventh Meeting (adjournment)
At an adjourned Meeting of the Academy held on the eleventh of August for the purpose of receiving and considering the Report of the Committee on applications for the Rumford premium. the President in the chair.
{{Report on the Rumford Premium}}
Mr Treadwell from the Committee on discoveries relating to the Rumford Premium, made the following Report, which was accepted.
The Committee appointed at the Meeting of the Academy holden on the 25th of May, “to inquire and consider whether any discoveries and inventions relating to light and heat have been made which are entitled to the Rumford Premium for the last two years” beg leave to report.
That five several persons have made application for the premium founded on Count Rumford’s Donation. Of these applications, one is for an improvement by which a mechanical force is derived from the combustion of the vapour of alcohol. One for an improved grate for cooking by Anthracite. One for a projected improvement on Stoves; and two for alleged discoveries in the nature and constitution of light and heat. On a full examination of the above applications the Committee are of opinion, that no one of them is such an “important discovery or useful improvement on heat or on light” as justly entitles its author to the Rumford Premium.
The Committee further report; that they have no knowledge that any discovery on heat or on light has been made and published, in any way, within the last two years, for which the Academy can, in the faithful execution of its trust,
[end page 59 | begin page 60]
{{60.}}
{{1830.}}
{{Aug. 11.}}
award the Rumford premium. All which is respectfully submitted.
Signed, Daniel Treadwell }
J. Bigelow } Committee
John Ware }
Boston, Aug. 11. 1830.
It was Voted, That the Recording Secretary publish a notice that no Rumford premium was awarded the present season for discoveries in light and heat made within the last two years.
The adjourned meeting was dissolved.
Nathan Hale
Recordg Secry
{{Aug. 11.}}
One hundred and ninety eighth meeting.
At a Statute meeting held on the eleventh of August, the President in the chair.
Dr Hayward from the Committee to prepare and publish a Catalogue of the Library, with rules and regulations for the same, made the following Report, which was taken into consideration an accepted.
{{Report on the Library}}
Boston, August. 11th. 1830.
The Committee appointed to prepare and publish a Catalogue of the Library with Rules and Regulations for the same, and complete List of the Fellows of the Academy ask leave to report,
That they have attended to all the duty assigned them with the exception of making the publication, which they though should be deferred till there had been a meeting of the Academy, so that the Fellows might, if they saw fit, take some measures to complete the imperfect sets in the Library, before printing the catalogue of the same. The Committee would therefore recommend that the whole subject be again committed with directions to complete the imperfect sets, as far as can be done without great expense, to print the Catalogue of the Library, which is now ready for publications, and the regulations for the same, if they should be approved together with a list of the Fellows.
Signed, Geo. Hayward,
for the Committee.
It was Voted, That five hundred dollars be appropriated for the purpose of completing the sets in the Library, as suggested in the Report, and that the Committee be authorized to make the necessary purchases.
[end page 60 | begin page 61]
{{61.}}
{{1830.}}
{{Aug. 11}}
{{Regulations for the Library.}}
The following Regulations relative to taking Books from the Library were considered and adopted.
Regulations relative to taking Books from the Library of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
1. Any fellow of the Academy may have at any one time three volumes from the Library.
2. Books may be kept out three calendar months and no longer, and every person shall be subjected to a fine of twenty cents a week for every volume retained beyond that time.
2. Every person who takes a book from the Library shall give a receipt for the same to the Librarian or his Assistant.
4. Every book shall be returned in good order, regard being had to the memory wear of the book with good usage. And if any book shall be lost or injured, the person to whom it stands charged shall replace it by a new volume or set, if it belonged to a set, or pay the current price of the volume of set to the Librarian; and thereupon the remainder of the set, if the volume belonged to a set, shall be delivered to the person be paying for the same.
5. All Books shall be returned to the Library for examination at least one week before the annual meeting. And every person then having one or more books and neglecting to return the same, as herein required, shall forfeit and pay a fine of one dollar.
The President form the Committee for procuring further furniture reported that the same had been obtained and placed in the room of the Academy.
The President from the Committee on the Rumford fund made a verbal report of the proceedings which had been had, which were not yet brought to a conclusion.
A Letter was communicated from Dr Brewster acknowledging the receipt of the Diploma of the Academy as a Fellow.
Three recent publications printed at Copenhagen were presented through the Recording Secretary for the Library of the Academy.
Number IV. of the Transactions of the Albany Institute were received through the Corresponding Secretary.
A Copy of Mr Everett’s Address at Charlestown on the second centennial anniversary of the arrival of Gov. Winthrop was presented by Lieut. Gov. Winthrop.
Judge Davis made a communication on the subject of a shark lately caught in Boston Harbor, of a description rarely seen, which was referred to the publishing Committee.
[end page 61 | begin page 62]
{{62.}}
{{1830.}}
{{Aug. 11.}}
Mr Folsom made a Communication which was read, on the subject of Antiquities in the Regency of Tunis, with several unpublished inscriptions copied by him from monuments found in the vicinity of Tunis, which was referred to the Committee on Publications.
On motion the meeting was dissolved.
Nathan Hale
Recordg Secry
{{Novemb. 10.}}
One hundred and ninety ninth Meeting.
At a Statute meeting held on November tenth, the President in the chair. the Records of the preceding Meeting were read.
The following Works were presented through the President, for the Library of the Academy, viz. Transactions of the Albany Institute vol. I. No 5.
Transactions of the American Philosophical Society at Philadelphia vol. III. parts ii.
New Transactions of the Batavian Society of the Exact Sciences.
A manuscript volume of Astronomical Papers by the late President Holyoke, presented by his grandson Dr E. A. Holyoke of Salem.
The Centennial Addresses of Hon. Josiah Quincy and Gen. Dearborn, and the Centennial Ode of Mr Sprague, presented by Lieut. Gov. Winthrop.
Epitome of Universal Geography, by N. Hale.
The President from the Committee relative to the Rumford Fund made a further verbal report of the proceedings which have been had in pursuance of the vote of the Academy.
The President from the Publishing Committee reported verbally that some progress had been made in publishing a new volume of Transactions.
Voted, that the specimens of Minerals, Birds and other objects of Natural History, belonging to the Academy be deposited in the Cabinet of the Boston Society of Natural History.
On motion the Academy proceeded to ballot for members. The following gentlemen having been previously nominated in conformity with the rules were elected Fellows of the Academy.
[end page 62 | begin page 63]
{{63}}
{{November 10.}}
{{1830.}}
Hon. John Reed of Yarmouth.
Rev. Era S. Goodwin, of Sandwich.
Dr Francis Lieber, of Boston.
Robert Treat Paine Esq. of Boston.
Rev. Francis Wayland D.D. President of Brown University.
Mr J. J. Audubon F.R.S. of Louisiana.
On motion the Academy adjourned.
{{1831.}}
{{Jany 26.}}
Two hundredth meeting.
At a statute of the American Academy held this day, the President in the chair.
It was Voted, That this corporation do hereby release any lien which they may have for payment of the Legacy given them by the late Christopher Gore Esq. of Waltham, in or upon the Real Estate on Boston Neck (so called in the City of Boston of which said Christopher died seized, so that the same shall be forever discharged of and from any claim or demand of said Corporation at any time hereafter to be made by reason of the non payment of said Legacy.
On the further Report of the Committee on the subject of the Rumford Fund, it was
Voted, That the President of the Academy be a Committee to make application to the Legislature, for an Act authorizing the Supreme Judicial Court as a Court of Equity to hear and determine the matter respecting the Donation of Count Rumford heretofore submitted by the Academy to that Court.
On motion the meeting was adjourned.
{{May 24.}}
Two hundred and first meeting.
A statute meeting of the Academy was held this day, the President in the chair
[end page 63 | begin page 64]
{{64.}]
{{1831.}}
{{May 24.}}
The President from the Committee to apply to the Legislature for an Act to authorize the Supreme Judicial Court to hear and decide in Equity on the subject of the Rumford Donation made the following Report, which was read and accepted.
The Committee appointed at the last meeting of the Academy to make application to the Legislature for an Act authorizing the Supreme Judicial Court, as a Court of Equity to hear and determine the matter respecting the Donation of Count Rumford
Reports
That in conformity to the directions of the Academy an application was made to the Legislature at their last session, requesting that the authority asked for might be given to the Supreme Judicial Court. Upon the second reading of the Bill in the House of Representatives some discussion arose upon the expediency of passing the Bill to a third reading and a special Committee was appointed consisting of Messrs Lunt, Newton, and Baylies who after a full hearing made an elaborate report and recommended unanimously the passing of the Act as it was originally presented by the Academy. This Act without any modification, was approved by the Governor, March 16, 1831. A copy of it is hereto annexed.
Soon after the passing of this Act, a petition was presented to the Supreme Court as a Court of Equity, and the order of notice was issued to the President and Fellows of Harvard College, as in the former trial. The case will come on in the regular course of business, at the next Law term of the Supreme Court in the Autumn.
Signed, N. Bowditch, Committee.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The the [sic] Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled;
Respectfully shews the Petition of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences; that in the year 1796, Benjamin, Count Rumford made to you Petitioners a donation of five thousand dollars three per cent United States Stock, to be holden by your petitioners, and the income thereof to be applied to premiums for important and useful discoveries of Light and Heat, that the said Fund has been since that time held and managed by your petitioners, but that your petitioners have found it impracticable to award said premiums literally in strict accordance with the request of the said donor, but being desirous to comply with said request substantially, and so best to promote the general objects of the donor, and not to vary therefrom without the sanction of a judicial decree, they made application to the Supreme Judicial Court as a Court of Equity having cognizance of such matters for relief and direction in the premise: but the Justices of said Court dismissed your petitioners Bill of Complaint because the donation not
[end page 64 | begin page 65]
{{65.}}
{{1831.}}
{{May 24.}}
having been made to your Petitioners by deed, the said Court had not, under the Statute of this Commonwealth giving remedies in Equity, jurisdiction of the case.
Wherefore your Petitioners pray that for the advancement of science and in regard to the wishes of the distinguished and benevolent founder of the said fund, the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court may be a special Act of the Legislature be authorized and empowered as a Court of Equity to hear and determine the said Ode of your Petitioners.
And as in duty bound, will ever pray,
The American Academy of Arts & Sciences, by Nathl Bowditch a Committee especially appointed for that purpose.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
In the year of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred and thirty one.
An Act authorizing the Supreme Judicial Court to hear and determine in Equity all matters relating to the Donation of Benjamin, Count Rumford to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled and by the authority of the same. That the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court, be, and they hereby are, authorized and empowered to hear and determine in Equity any and all matters relating to the donation of Benjamin, Count Rumford to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and to make all necessary or, proper orders and decrees touching the same.
In the House of Representatives passed to be enacted, Mar. 15. 1831.
W. B. Calhoun, Speaker.
In the Senate, Mar. 16. 1831. passed to be enacted.
Samuel Lothrop, President.
March 16. 1831.
Approved Levi Lincoln.
A true Copy, attest, Edward D. Bangs, Secretary of the Commonwealth.
The Annual Account of the Treasurer was received with the Report of the Auditors Committee thereon, which was read and accepted as follows:
(over)
[end page 65 | begin page 66]
{{66.}}
{{1831}}
{{May 24}}
The American Academy of Arts & Sciences in Account with Tho. L. Winthrop, Treas.
[table]
Boston, May 21. 1831. The undersigned, a Committee of the American Academy appointed to examine the Accounts of the Treasurer, have examined the above account and find the charges duly vouched, and the computations correct, and that there is a balance of eight hundred and eighty four dollars 30/100 in the Treasurer’s hands, besides the certificates of Stocks, and a Policy of the Massachusetts Hospital Life Insurance Company for the sums mentioned in the said account amounting to twenty five thousand dollars.
Signed, Nathan Hale,
James Bowdoin.
[end page 66 | begin page 67]
{{67.}}
{{1831.}}
May 24.
A Letter from the Secretary of the Indiana Historical Society was read, it was
Voted, That the Corresponding Secretary to requested to send to that Society a copy of the Academy’s Transactions.
The Transactions of the Swedish Royal Academy of Science for the years 1827 & 1828 presented through Mr Lowth the Swedish Consul at Philadelphia was received.
Five pamphlets presented by Dr Jacob Porter of Plainfield Mass. were received through the President.
The Corresponding Secretary announced the acceptance of the following gentlemen elected as Fellows of the Academy.
Rev. Francis Wayland, Providence.
Dr Francis Lieber, Boston.
Rev. Ezra S. Goodwin, Sandwich.
Robert Treat Pain Esq. Boston.
A Communication from Rodolphus Dickinson making a claim for the Rumford Premium was received and ordered to be put on file until the regular period for examining claims of this nature.
The Academy proceeded to the choice of Officers for the ensuing year and Mr Folsom and Dr Peirson were appointed to count and sort the votes. The ballots having been received the Committee reported the election of the following Officers.
Hon. Nathaniel Bowditch, President.
" Josiah Quincy, Vice President.
" Thomas L. Winthrop. Treasurer.
Rufus Wyman, Vice Treasurer.
Hon. Francis C. Gray Corresponding Secretary.
" Nathan Hale Recording Secretary.
Willard Phillips Esq. Librarian & Cabinet Keepr.
George Hayward M.D.}
Mr Daniel Treadwell} Publishing Committee.
The Academy proceeded to ballot for Fellows previously nominated and elected James Henry Anderson Prof. of Math. & Astron. in Columbia College. Prof. Renwick of Columbia Coll. Rev. Alonzo Potter. Dr Sweetser.
On motion the Meeting adjourned.
Nathan Hale
Recordg Secretary
[end page 67 | begin page 68]
{{Aug. 10.}}
{{1831.}}
Two hundred and second meeting.
The Academy met, the President in the Chair.
After the reading of the Record of the last meeting the Corresponding Secretary communicated Letters from Hon. John Reed, Rev. Alonzo Potter and Mr Sweetser M.D. accepting their appointments as Fellows of the Academy, and also a Letter from Professor Anderson acknowledging the receipt of his Diploma.
{{Bequest of Isaiah Thomas esq}}
The Corresponding Secretary communicated a letter from John W. Lincoln Esq. one of the Executors of the Will of the late Isaiah Thomas Esq. of Worcester informing him of a bequest to the Academy of Books from his Library : whereupon it was
Voted, That the President and Secretary be authorized to make a selection of the Books in compliance with the condition of the bequest.
{{Donations}}
Seven numbers of the Astronomical Observations made at the Royal Society of London through the President.
Volumes first and second of the Library of Useful Knowledge were presented by N. Hale.
The Eulogy of the Hon. John Quincy Adams delivered at Boston on President Monroe was presented by the Author through the President.
A communication from Messrs Charles T. Jackson and Francis Alger on the Mineralogy and Geology of Nova Scotia was received through the President and referred to the Publishing Committee.
On motion of Mr Everett, Messrs A. H. Everett, Dr Hayward, John Pickering, N. Hale and F. C. Gray were appointed a Committee with instructions to report at the next quarterly meeting, for the purpose of inquiry whether it be expedient to make any changes in the mode of transacting the business of the Academy and in the time of holding the meetings.
On motion the meeting was dissolved.
Nathan Hale
Recordg Secy
[end page 68 | begin page 69]
{{Novemb. 9.}}
{{1831.}}
Two hundred and third meeting.
The Academy met the President in the chair.
The President presented a Communication from Rev. J. Prince L.L.D. entitled a description of a new Stand for a Reflecting Telescope, which was referred to the Committee on Publications.
The President from the Committee of Publications reported verbally on the progress made in the publication of a Volume of Memoirs.
Mr Gray from the Committee authorized to select from the Library of the late Isaiah Thomas the Books bequeathed by him to the Academy, reported a list of the Books selected by them.
On motion, it was Voted, That the same Committee be authorized to make exchanges of any duplicate copies of those books which they may think it not desirable to retain for such other books as may be wanted in the Library of the Academy.
Mr Everett submitted the following Report which was read and accepted.
The Committee appointed at the last quarterly Meeting to inquire whether it be expedient to make any change in the mode of transacting the business of the Academy and in the times of holding the Meetings, have considered the subject referred to them and beg leave respectfully to
Report
That it is not expedient to make at present any such change.
All which is respectfully submitted,
Signed A. H. Everett, Chairman.
Mr Everett read a Memoir on the exact position of the part of America discovered by the Scandinavians in the eleventh century and by them called Weinland the Good.
On motion the said Memoir was committed to the Committee on Publication.
The President presented a copy of the Report of the Committee of the Astronomical Society of London relative to the improvement of the Nautical Almanac.
[end page 69 | begin page 70]
{{70.}}
{{1831.}}
On motion the meeting was adjourned.
Nathan Hale
Recordg Secy
{{Jany 25.}}
{{1832.}}
Two hundred and fourth meeting.
The Academy met, the President in the chair.
{{Donations}}
The following donations of Memoirs from the respective Societies by which they were published were presented through the President and the Corresponding Secretary.
Seven numbers of the Flora Batava.
Several numbers of the Memoirs of the Imperial Academy of Sciences at St Petersburgh
Four volumes of Memoirs of the Royal Academy at Stockholm.
The third volume of Hutchinson’s History of Massachusetts, from Lt. Gov. Winthrop.
{{Fellows elected}}
On motion the Academy proceeded to ballot for the election of candidates in nomination, and the following gentlemen were elected Fellows of the Academy viz.
Eugenius Nulty of Philadelphia.
Strong, Professor of Mathematics in the College of New Brunswick N.J.
Professor Hamilton of the Royal Observatory, Dublin.
Charles L. Bonaparte, Prince of Musignano.
Francis Bialy.
John F. W. Herschel.
Capt. Henry Kater.
Charles Babbage.
Peter Barlow.
Michael Faraday, of London
Professor Airy.
F. J. D. Arago, of Paris.
A. M. Le Gendre, "
J. L. Gay-Lussac "
F. W. Bessel. of Konigsberg.
M. G. Plana, of Turin.
Sir Everard Home, Baronet.
See 27 May 14 [pointer] [in pencil] Prof. J. F. Blumenbach, of Gottingen.
Mr William Cranch Bond, of Dorchester.
{{Foreign Members to receive Memoirs}}
Voted, That until the further order of the Academy it shall be the duty of the Corresponding Secretary to transmit to every Fellow thereof residing in foreign countries one copy of each volume of Memoirs hereafter published as soon as convenient.
[end page 70 | begin page 71]
{{71.}}
{{Disposition of Memoirs.}}
Voted, That any Fellow of the Academy residing without the limits of Massachusetts shall be entitled to receive one copy of each volume hereafter published by applying personally, or by written order for the same within two years after such publication
{{New series of Memoirs}}
Voted, That the next volume of the Memoirs of the Academy be designated as the first volume of a new series.
{{List of Fellows to be published}}
Voted that the By Laws and a corrected List of the Fellows of the Academy be published with the next volume of Memoirs.
On motion the meeting was adjourned.
Nathan Hale
Recordg Secy
{{May 28}}
{{1832}}
One hundred and fifth meeting.
The Academy met, the President in the chair.
{{Treasurer’s Account}}
The following Account of the Treasurer with the Report thereon was submitted, and the Report was accepted. via next page.
{{Donations}}
The following Works were presented for the Library, viz
8 Numbers of the Flora Batava
Transactions of the Royal Society of Berlin by the Society
Transactions of the London Philosophical Society for 1831. part II, by Society
Mecanique Celeste of La Place vol. II. translated, with a Commentary. By the President.
{{Communications}}
The President communicated the following papers, which were referred to the Publishing Committee; viz.
On the Latitude & Longitudes of several places in the United States as determined by observation, By Robert Treat Paine Esq.
Tables exhibiting the number of White Persons in the United States, of every age, deduced from the last Census. By J. Ingersoll Bowditch, Esq.
Voted, That Mr Folsom be requested to superintend the publication of the volume of Memoirs under the direction of the Publishing Committee.
[end page 71 | begin page 72]
{{72}}
The American Academy of Arts & Sciences in account with Tho. L. Winthrop, Treas.
{{Treasurer’s Account}}
[table]
{{Auditor’s Report}}
Boston, May 28. 1832. The undersigned, a Committee of the American Academy , appointed to examine the Account of the Treasurer, have examined the above Account, and find the charges duly vouched and the computations correct, and that there is a balance in the Treasurer’s hands of three hundred and twenty eight dollars 92/100, besides the certificates of Stocks, and a Policy of the Massachusetts Hospital Life Insurance Company described in the said account.
Signed, Nathan Hale.
{{Rumford Premium}}
Voted, That Mr Treadwell, Dr Bigelow and Dr John Ware be a Committee to enquire and consider whether any discoveries and improvements, relating to Light & Heat have been made which are entitled to the Rumford Premium.
Voted, That the communication of Mssrs Adolplus Dickenson, Thomas Wells Dickinson & Thomas W. Dickinson Jr. or any other communications on the subject of discoveries and improvements in Light & Heat which
[end page 72 | begin page 73]
{{73}}
{{1832.}}
have been made to the Corresponding Secretary be referred to the Committee on that subject.
{{Rasle’s copy of the Abnaki Language}}
The President communicated a letter from Mr John Pickering on the subject of a copy of the Abnaki Language of North America, by Father Sebastian Rasles. It was thereupon, on motion,
Voted, That Mr Pickering be requested to superintend the publication of the Dictionary of the Abnaki Language of North America by Father Sebastian Rasles, under the direction of the Publishing Committee, in the next volume of the Memoirs of the Academy, and that Mr Pickering be requested to prepare a Memoir on the subject of Father Rasle’s his work.
{{Dr Holyoke’s Journals}}
Voted, That the thanks of the Academy be presented to the family of the late Dr Holyoke for the use of his valuable Manuscripts to aid in the publication of his Meteorological Journal, and also for their donation to the Academy of the continuation of his Manuscripts Journal from 1821 to the time of his death in 1829; and that copies of the volume of Memoirs containing the Journal of Dr Holyoke, where published, be presented to each of the surviving members of his family.
Voted, That Dr Lisbon be a Committee to enter upon the several volumes of the Transactions of the Royal Societies of Berlin & Stockholm, an abstract in English of the titles of the several Memoirs.
{{Election of Officers}}
Mr Miles & Mr Folsom were appointed to receive & count the votes for Officers of the Academy for the ensuing year. The ballot having been received, the Committee requested the election of the following Officers, viz
Hon. Nathaniel Bowditch, President.
" Josiah Quincy, Vice President.
" Thomas L. Winthrop, Treasurer.
Hon. Francis C. Gray, Corresponding Secretary.
" Nathan Hale, Recording Secretary
Solomon P. Miles Esq. Librarian & Cabinet Keeper
George Hayward M.D.}
Daniel Treadwell Esq.} Publishing Committee
On motion the Academy adjourned to the second Wednesday in August.
[end page 73 | begin page 74]
{{Aug. 3.}}
{{1832.}}
Two hundred and sixth Meeting.
The Academy met at their room, the President in the chair.
In the absence of the Secretary Mr Edward Everett was chosen Secretary Pro tem.
{{Donations}}
The following works were presented to the Library of the Academy.
Transactions of the Royal Society of London
parts 2 & 3, 1831, parts 1 & 2 1831. part 1 1832.
With a Catalogue of the Members & Minutes of Proceedings. Also a copy of the Journal of the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia.
Voted, That a copy of the Transactions of the Academy be presented to the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia.
{{United States Bank Stock}}
Voted That his honor Tho. L. Winthrop, Treasurer of the Academy be authorized to transfer to the Treasurer of the United States in trust, for the said States, any Stocks of the United States held by the Academy.
Voted, That the Treasurer with the President & Corresponding Secretary be a Committee to re invest the Stocks held by the Academy as the same shall be paid off.
In true copy from the minutes of Edward Everett, Secretary Pro tem.
N. Hale Rec. Sec.
{{Nov. 14.}}
{{1832}}
Two hundred and seventh meeting.
The Academy met, the President in the chair.
{{Donations}}
The following works were presented for the Library of the Academy
viz. Dermot McMorrogh: a poem by Hon. J Q. Adams, by the Author.
Flora Batava, Nos. 90 & 91, by the Society.
Conduct of the Administration, & the Memorial of the New York Convention, by Hon. A. H. Everett.
An Address before the Essex County Lyceum, by D. A. White.
Correspondence between the First Church and the Tabernacle Church, Salem, by Hon. D. A. White.
Fifth Census of the United States, printed by order of Congress, by the Hon. Nathan Appleton.
[end page 74 | begin page 75]
{{75}}
{{1832}}
Transactions of the American Philosophical Society at Philadelphia vol. IV. New Series, parts 1 2, by the Society.
{{U.S. Stocks to be transferred}}
Voted, That Dr Wyman, the Assistant Treasurer of the Academy, be authorized to transfer to the Treasurer of the United States, in trust for the said States, any Stock of the United States held by the Academy.
{{Letters received}}
Letters from the following gentlemen elected Fellows of the Academy, acknowledging the receipt of their Diplomas, were presented by the Corresponding Secretary and read, viz.
Mr C. Babbage
Sir John Herschell
Mr G. B. Airy
Mr M. Faraday
Capt. Henry Kater
Mr Peter Braslow
M. Le Gendre.
{{Report on the Rumford Premium}}
The following Report of the Committee on the subject of awarding the Rumford Premium, was made which was read and accepted.
The Committee appointed to consider the subject of awarding the Rumford Premium for the last two years, ask leave to Report. That no invention or discovery, on Light or on Heat, deserving of that Premium, has been proved to them to have been made within the last two years.
For the Committee.
Boston Nov. 13. 1832.
Signed, Daniel Treadwell, chairman.
{{Report on the Rumford Fund}}
The President from the Committee on the Rumford Fund, made the following Report, which was read and accepted, and ordered, with the Decree of the Supreme Judicial Court, to be put on record.
Report.
The Committee on the Rumford Fund make the following Report relative to the proceedings in chancery, upon the disposition of the income of this property.
On the eleventh of November 1829, the Academy appointed a Committee to examine into the state of this Fund, and directed them to make a report thereon at the next meeting. This Report was accordingly made in Dec. 21. 1829. and accepted by the Academy, who authorized the same Committee to apply, in the name of the Academy, to the Supreme Judicial Court, as a Court of Chancery praying for a Decree to
[end page 75 | begin page 76]
{{76}}
{{Report on the Rumford Fund}}
established a new plan for the disposition of the income of this Fund. Upon this application an order of notice was issued to the President & Fellows of Harvard College; who appeared bytheir counsel, and made their objections. After a full hearing, the Court dismissed the petition, because the Chancery powers if the Court had not been extended to cases of this nature.
This decision having been reported to the Academy, at their Meeting in January 1831; the authorized and directed the President, as a Committee, to petition the Legislature, in behalf of the Academy, to authorize the Supreme Court, as a Court of Equity, to take cognizance of this matter. The proceedings of the Legislature upon this petition, were reported to the Academy, at their meeting in May 1831; together with a copy of the Act passed in conformity to the petition of the Academy; Proceedings were again instituted in the Court of Chancery, and an order of notice issued by the Court to the President & Fellows of Harvard College, as in the former suit. They again appeared by their Counsel, Charles G. Loring Esq. and the case being taken up, in the regular course of the business of the Court, and after a full argument, the Court ordered that the petition of the Academy should be granted, and that a Master of Chancery, should prepare a new plan for the disposition of the Income of the Fund. The plan proposed by the Master in Chancery was accepted by the Court, at the adjournment of the March Term, 1832. An attested Copy of this plan is herewith submitted to the Academy; and it is gratifying to the state, that it fully accords with the wishes of the Academy, as expressed in the Report first made by the Committee in the year 1829.
All which is respectfully submitted.
Signed, Nathl Bowditch, Prest.
Nov. 14. 1832
Committee on the Rumford Fund.
{{Decree with Rumford Fund}}
Decree
Supreme Judicial Court, March Term, 1832.
In Equity { The American Academy of Arts & Sciences, Complainants.
between { The President & Fellows of Harvard College, Defendants.
The cause coming to be heard upon the Bill and Answer, by agreement of the parties, the substance of the plaintiff’s Bill appeared to be that.
Benjamin, Count Rumford, in his life time, made a donation to the plaintiff of five thousand dollars in the three per cent Stocks of the United States, as a testimony of his respect for the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, and for the purpose of promoting by premiums, to be adjudged biennially by them, for the making of such discoveries relating to light and heat, as should, in the opinion of the plaintiffs, tend most
[end page 76 | begin page 77]
{{77.}}
{{Decree on the Rumford Fund}}
to promote the good of mankind, and which should be made and published in the American Continent or Islands, within the two years next preceding the awarding of such premium and directing the surplus income and accumulation of said Fund to be invested in the Stock of the United States, and the income thereof added to the said premiums. But it is alleged that the mode of awarding said premiums pointed out by the Donor cannot usefully, nor without defeating the general intent of the Donor, to strictly complied with, and that in consequence thereof, no premiums have been yet awarded, but the said Fund has, by the addition of the income thereof accumulated to the sum of nearly twenty thousand dollars, and the income thereof for two years has become too large for a proper premium for such discovery, and that the same cannot longer be conveniently invested in the Stocks of the United States. Therefore, that the plaintiffs may be authorized to dispose of the surplus income of said Funds in other modes adapted to promote the general intent of the Donor, and to invest said Fund in more convenient securities.
Whereto, the Defendants, by answer, admit the material facts set forth in the Bill, but allege that, as residuary Legates of said Benjamin, Count Rumford, they are entitled to have paid over to them, for the use of the Rumford Professorship, founded by said Count Rumford, at said University, any portion of said Fund, and of the accumulation and interest thereof, which cannot be applied in the hands of the complainants, to the execution of the general intent of said Donor.
The cause having been argued by Counsel and fully considered, it appears to the Court that the Complainants have not done any act, or neglected or renounced the said donation, and that the President & Fellows of Harvard College, have no right, as residuary legates of Count Rumford, otherwise, to claim the same, or any part thereof. It further appears, that the said donation was made to the American Academy for a general purpose of charity, that, namely, of promoting a useful branch of Science for the benefit of mankind, that the Academy accepted the same, upon the terms stated, and for the purposes contemplated by said donation, and are now under obligation to carry the general intent of the donor into effect, as far as it is practicable to do so. It further appears that in consequence of the impediments set forth in the Bill, it is impracticable for the Academy to carry the general charitable intent of the donor into effect in the exact
[end page 77 | begin page 78]
{{78.}}
{{Decree on the Rumford Fund}}
and precise mode, specified by him, but considering the general & primary interest of Count Rumford to have been to awaken and stimulate the ingenuity, and encourage the researches and experiments of individuals on the Continent or the Islands of America to make important discoveries or useful improvements upon the subjects of Light and Heat, and to cause them speedily to be published for the good of mankind, it does appear to the Court, that it is quite practicable for the Academy to accomplish and carry into effect the general charitable intent and purpose of Count Rumford by some slight alterations in the mode particularly prescribed by him, for carrying the same into effect. It also appears to the Court that it would tend to promote the general charitable intent of the donor, to allow the complainants to invest the principal of the said Fund, in some safe and productive securities, other than the Stocks of the United States.
Whereupon, it was ordered by the Court that the matter be referred to one of the Masters in Chancery to report a scheme for carrying into effect the general charitable intent & purpose of the donor conformably to the prayer of the plaintiffs Bill; and now John B. Davis, Esquire, one of the Masters in Chancery for the Country of Suffolk, having reported a scheme in pursuance of said order, which being heard and considered by the Court, and the same appearing reasonable and conformable to the general intent of the donor, is accepted, and it is therefore by the Court ordered, adjudged and decreed for the reasons set forth in the Bill, that the complainants be, and they are by the authority of the Court, empowered to make from the income of said Fund, as it now exists, at any annual meeting of the Academy, (instead of biennially, as directed by the said Benjamin, Count Rumford), award of a gold and silver medal, being together of the intrinsic value of three hundred dollars, as a premium to the author of any important discovery or useful improvement on light or on heat which shall have been made and published by printing or in any way made known to the public in any part of the Continent of America, or any of the American Islands, preference being always given to such discoveries as shall, in the opinion of the Academy, tend most to promote the good of mankind; and to add to such medals as a further reward and premium for such discovery or improvement, if the complainants see fit so to do, a sum of money, not exceeding three hundred dollars.
And it is further (ordered, adjudged, and decreed, that the complainants may appropriate from time to time, as the same
[end page 78 | begin page 79]
{{79.}}
{{Decree on the Rumford Fund}}
can advantageously be done, the residue of the income of said fund here, after to be received, and not so as aforesaid awarded in premiums, to the purchase of such books and papers and philosophical apparatus (to be the property of said Academy) and in making such publications, or procuring such Lectures, experiments or investigations as shall in their opinion best facilitate and encourage the making of discoveries and improvements, which may merit the premiums so as aforesaid to be by them awarded. (And the books, papers and apparatus so purchased shall be used, and such lectures, experiments and investigations be delivered and made either in the said Academy or elsewhere, as the complainants shall think best adapted to promote such discoveries and improvements as aforesaid, and either by the Rumford Professor of Harvard University, or by any other person or persons, as to the Complainants shall from time to time seem best.
And it is further ordered, adjudged and decreed, that the said fund, or any part thereof, may be from time to time invested by the said Complainants either in Notes, Stocks or debts of the United States, or of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or of the City of Boston, or in Stock of the Bank of the United States, or of any Bank in the Commonwealth, or in Notes or Bonds secured by pledge of any of said Stocks, or by Mortgage of real estate in this Commonwealth, or may be deposited in trust, and on interest with the Massachusetts Hospital Life Insurance Company.
By the Court,
Jno Callender, Ma.
{{Committee on Rumford Fund.}}
Voted, That the President, Mr Gray, Mr Treadwell, Dr Bigelow and Dr Ware be a Committee to consider and report what measures shall be adopted by the Academy in pursuance of the Decree of the Court respecting the Rumford Fund.
{{Assistant Librarian appointed}}
Voted, That Mr George F. Flint be appointed Assistant Librarian, and be allowed an annual salary of twenty five dollars.
{{Dr Holyoke’s Journal}}
Voted, That the expenses of arranging, preparing and publishing the Thermometrical Journals of the late Dr Holyoke be a charge upon the Rumford Fund.
{{Fellows elected}}
The Academy on motion proceeded to ballot for candidates previously nominated and the following gentlemen were duly elected as Fellows
[end page 79 | begin page 80]
{{80.}}
{{1832.}}
of the Academy, viz
Benjamin D. Greene Esq. of Boston.
Davies Gilbert Esq. F.R.S. London.
John W. Lubbock Esq. R.S. Vice Pres. London.
Mr A. S. Cauchy, Member of the French Institute.
M. Le Baron Damoiseau, Paris.
On motion the meeting was dissolved.
Nathan Hale
Recordg Secy
{{January. 30.}}
{1833.}}
Two hundred and eighth meeting.
The Academy met, the President in the chair.
The Recording Secretary being absent, Mr. Charles Folsom was chosen Recording Secretary pro tempore.
The records of the last meeting were read by the President.
The following Report of the Committee on the Rumford Fund, was then made and accepted.
{{Report of the Committee on the Rumford Fund}}
The Committee appointed by the Academy, a t their meeting on the 14th November, 1832, to consider and report what measures shall be adopted by the Academy in pursuance of the decree of the Court respecting the Rumford Fund.
Report.
That a standing Committee of five, to be called the Rumford Committee, be appointed at the annual meeting in May, by ballot to consider and report on all applications for the Rumford premiums.
“That the same Committee be authorized to appropriate agreeably to the Decree of the Supreme Court, all the income of the Rumford fund which may remain in the Treasury subject to such general directions as may be made by the Academy from time to time in relation thereto, making an annual report of their proceedings to the Academy.
That the Treasurer kept a separate account of the income and appropriations of the Rumford fund and report the same annually.
That there be added to the Rumford fund from the income of the present year, the sum of thirty seven dollars and forty two cents, so as to make the whole amount thereof, twenty two thousand six hundred dollars.
[end page 80 | begin page 81]
{{81}}
{{1833}}
That a Rumford Committee be now appointed to save till the next annual meeting.
(signed) Nathl Bowditch}
F. C. Gray}
Daniel Treadwell} Committee
Jacob Bigelow}
John Ware.}
{{Rumford Committee to be chosen annually and to appropriate the Rumford Fund.}}
It was then
Voted, That a standing Committee of five, to be called the Rumford Committee, be appointed at the annual meeting in May, by ballot to consider and report on all applications for the Rumford premiums.
Voted, That the same Committee be authorized to appropriate agreeably to the Decree of the Supreme Court, all the income of the Rumford fund which may remain in the Treasury, subject to such general directions as may be made by the Academy from time to time in relation thereto, making an annual report of their proceedings to the Academy.
{{Rumford Fund to be kept separate.}}
Voted, That the Treasurer keep a separate account of the income and appropriation of the Rumford fund, and report the same annually.
Voted, That there be added to the Rumford fund from the income of the present year, the sum of thirty seven dollars and forty two cents, so as to make the whole amount thereof twenty two thousand six hundred dollars.
Voted, That a Rumford Committee be new appointed to serve till the next annual meeting.
Voted, That The President, Hon. F. C. Gray, Dan. Treadwell Esq. Dr Jacob Bigelow, Dr John Ware compose this committee to serve till the next annual meeting.
Voted, That the Treasurer be authorized to place the Two Thousand dollars proceeding from the 3 per cent stock with the Massachusetts Hospital Life Insurance Company.
{{Donations}}
The President laid before the Academy five portions of the Memoirs of the Imperial Academy of Sciences of St Petersburg, received since the last meeting.
[end page 81 | begin page 82]
{{82}}
{{1833}}
on motion, the meeting was dissolved.
Charles Folsom,
Recording Secry. pro tem.
{{May 28}}
{{1833}}
Two hundred and ninth meeting.
The Academy met, the President in the chair.
The record of the last meeting was read.
The Corresponding Secretary communicated papers from Isaiah Jenneys, Isaac Orr, and Hudson Kingsley, which were referred to the Rumford Committee.
{{Donations}}
The following donations were received through the President.
No92 of the Flora Batava
Memoirs of the Stockholm Royal Academy for 1831 and 1832
Mr. J. Q. Adams communicated a paper from Mr R. Newman of Romney, Virginia, entitled an Outline of a View of the Solar System, which was referred to the Committee of Publication
The following accounts by the Treasurer, with the subjoined report thereon were presented, and the report was accepted.
{{Treasurer’s Accounts}}
Count Rumford Donation
[table]
Boston May. 27. 1833
Errors Excepted
Thos. L. Winthrop.
[end page 82 | begin page 83]
{{83}}
The American Academy of Arts & Sciences in account with Thos. L. Winthrop Treas.r
[table]
Boston May. 27. 1833
Errors Exep.d Thos. L. Winthrop.
{{Funds of the Academy.}}
Funds of the American Academy including Count Rumford’s Donation to wit,
United States 5 per cent Stock 2000.
Deposited in the Massachusetts Life Insurance Office 2000.
Ditto Ditto Rumford Fund 22.600.
Dollars 26.600.
{{Auditor’s Report}}
Boston May. 27. 1833 The undersigned, a committee of the American Academy appointed to examine the accounts of the Treasurer, has examined the annexed accounts, and finds the charges truly vouched, and the computations correct and that there is a balance of six hundred and five dollars & 17/10. on account of the Academy, and one hundred and fifty four dollars 80/100 on account of the Rumford Fund, in the Treasurer’s hands, besides the certificates of stock and two policies of the Massachusetts Hospital Life Insurance Company, described in the said account for the sums therein mentioned, amounting in the whole to twenty six thousand, six hundred dollars.
Nathan Hale
Committee.
[end page 83 | begin page 84]
{{84}}
{{1833}}
{{May 28.}}
The President laid before the Academy, a copy of a volume of Memoirs now ready for publication and on motion it was
Voted, That the price of the volume be fixed at four dollars.
{{Mr Folsom’s a/c for Printing}}
The account of Mr Folsom for printing a part of the Volume of Memoirs was laid before the Academy, and it was thereon,
Voted, That the said account be referred to Mess Treadwell and Hale, and that the President be authorized to draw on the Treasurer for the amount of the said account of it shall be approved by the said Committee
{{Fellow Elected}}
The Academy on motion proceeded to ballot on the nomination of Mr Francis Alger, and he was chosen a “Fellow.
{{Election of Officers}}
Mr Worcester and Dr Hale were appointed a committee to receive and count the votes for officers of the Academy for the ensuing year, and they reported that the following officers were chosen.
Nathaniel Bowditch, President.
Josiah Quincy, Vice President.
Francis C. Gray, Corresponding Secretary.
Daniel Treadwell, Recording Secretary.
Thomas L. Winthrop, Treasurer.
Rufus Wyman, Vice Treasurer.
Solomon P. Miles, Librarian and Cabinet Keeper.
George Hayward } Committee of
John Ware } Publication
Nathaniel Bowditch }
Francis C. Gray }
Jacob Bigelow } Rumford Committee
Daniel Treadwell }
John Ware }
Voted, That Mr Folsom and Mr Worcester be a committee to revise and correct the list of members of the Academy to be inserted in the volume now ready for publication.
[end page 84 | begin page 85]
{{85}}
{{1833}}
{{May. 28}}
{{Manner of recording the list of members.}}
Voted, That in recording the list of members of the Academy, no other than scientific titles, and the title usually given to clergymen be added to the names of members resident in Massachusetts; and American Honorary members, and of Foreign Honorary members, such titles as are usually annexed to the names in the ordinary intercourse of society.//
On motion, the meeting was dissolved.
Nathan Hale,
Recording Secretary
{{August 14}}
{{1833}}
Two hundred and tenth meeting.
The Academy met, the President in the chair.
Present, Mess. Bowditch, Winthrop, Gray, Treadwell, Sparks, Paine, Worcester, Shattuck, Swett, A. H. Everett, Shaw & Adams
{{Report of the Corresponding Secretary}}
Mr Gray, Corresponding Secretary presented to the Academy his report, together with the books and papers therein mentioned.
The Corresponding Secretary respectfully submits the following communications received since the last meeting.
{{Donations}}
From the Royal Society, London
Philosophical transactions for 1832, Part 2nd
List of Members of the Royal Society
Proceedings of R.S. from No. 9 to 11 inclusive
Addresses of the P.R.S for years 1831. 1832
From the Royal Society, Berlin.
Their Transactions for 1830. 1831. 2vols 4to.
From Professor Airy of Cambridge, England.
His Astronomical Observations, Vol. 5th for year 1832
From Mr Quetelet acting President of the Royal Academy of Sciences & Belles Lettres at Brussels.
A letter on behalf of that Academy addressed to our President.
(continued)
[end page 85 | begin page 86]
{{86}}
{{August 14}}
{{1833}}
Description of the Observatory at Brussels by Mr. Quetelet.
Treatise on the possibility of measuring the influence of the causes, which modify the elements of Society by Mr. Quetelet.
Bulletins of the Academy’s proceedings from N. 1 to 11 inclusive.
Program for the Concours of 1833
From Mr. J. B. P. Marcos, on the acceleration of the moon.
Mr. Treadwell read to the Academy a letter from George Templeman to Edward Everett offering to the Academy an exchange of books for the Academy’s Volumes of Memoirs. Whereupon it was
Voted, that the President and Secretaries have full authority to make such exchanges of books with Mr. Templeman as they may deem expedient.
Mr. Worcester laid before the Academy an extract of a letter from Mr Warden of Paris stating that he had heretofore presented to the Academy two volumes of the collections of the Geographical Society with the hope of receiving the Memoirs of the Academy in return which he had not received. Whereupon it was
Voted, that the subject be referred to Mr Worcester to report at the next meeting.
Voted, That twelve copies of the last Volume of Memoirs be presented to Mr Pickering as a compensation for his services in editing the dictionary of Father Rasles contained in that volume.
Voted, That six copies of the last volume of Memoirs be presented to Mr Folsom in consideration of his general superintendence of the printing of the volume.
On motion, the meeting was dissolved.
Danl Treadwell
Recording Secretary
[end page 86 | begin page 87]
{{87}}
{{November 13}}
{{1833}}
Two hundred and eleventh meeting.
Present, Messrs. Bowditch, Winthrop, Porter, Davis, Gray and Treadwell.
A quorum not being present the meeting was dissolved.
Danl Treadwell
Recording Secretary
{{January 29th}}
{{1834}}
Two hundred and twelfth meeting.
The Academy and the President in the chair.
Present, Messrs. Bowditch, Wyman, Treadwell, Davis, Swett, E. Hale, Worcester and Paine.
The President presented the following books, received since the last meeting, viz.
Transactions of the Royal Society for 1833 part first
Continuation of the Alphabetical Index of the Phil. Trans. of the Royal Society
Proceedings of the Royal Society, four numbers
Geology of Massachusetts by Professor Hitchcock
Prize Questions of the Imperial Academy
Penitentiary System of the United States
The President presented a paper from Mr Nuttall, entitled “Geological Remarks and an account of some fossils bought by Mr Wyeth, from the “Rocky Mountains.”
Voted, that this paper be referred to the committee of publications.
Voted, that the Academy proceed to ballot for persons nominated as Fellows of the Academy.
Whereupon the following persons were elected Fellows of the Academy.
(over)
[end page 87 | begin page 88]
{{88}}
{{January 29th. 1834}}
Samuel L. Dana of Waltham
Benjamin Peirce of Cambridge
Edward Wigglesworth of Boston
Sylvanus Thayer of the United States Army
Heinrich Christian Schumacher of Altonya in Germany
Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve of Dorpat in Russia
Robert M. Patterson of Virginia.
Voted, that further proceedings on the nomination list be deferred until the next meeting.
Voted, that the meeting be dissolved.
Danl Treadwell
Recording Secretary
{{May, 27. 1834.}}
Two hundred and thirteenth meeting
The Academy met, the Vice President in the chair.
Present Messrs. Quincy, Gray, Treadwell, Prince, Pickering, Bigelow, Shattuck, Pollock, Waterhouse, Sparks, E. Hale, Paine, Wigglesworth and Swett.
{{Report of the Corresponding Secy.}}
The Corresponding Secretary made his report and presented the books therein noticed being donations to the Academy.
Boston May 27. 1834. The Corresponding Secretary respectfully reports: that he has sent notice to all the members chosen at the last meeting. He submits a letter from Edward Wigglesworth signifying his acceptance
{{Donations}}
He submits also a communication from Mr Pickering transmitting two volumes of the transactions of the Batavian Society of Sciences at Java on the part of Mr John Vaughan of Philadelphia.
Also from the Royal Society of Sciences at Brussels the annuaire of the observatory in that city and six bulletins of the proceedings of the Society.
Also from Mr Quetelet Director of the last named Society notes extracted from travels in England in 1830. 1831.
[end page 88 | begin page 89]
{{89}}
{{May. 27. 1834}}
Also a letter from the Chevalier de Kirkhof of Antwerp accompanied by a work written by him on the Cholera.
Respectfully submitted by
F. C. Gray, Corresponding Sec.y
At the request of the President absent from indisposition, the Secretary also lays before the Board a letter from the Hon. Thos. Le Winthrop resigning his office of Treasurer.
{{Treasurer’s Accounts}}
The Treasurer’s accounts being laid before the Academy, it was Voted, that the Treasurer’s accounts be accepted as audited by Mr Hale.
The American Academy of Arts & Sciences in account with Thos. L. Winthrop, Treasr.
[table]
Boston May. 24. 1834
Errors Excepted Thos L. Winthrop.
Count Rumford’s Donation
[table]
[end page 89 | begin page 90]
{{90}}
{{May 27. 1834.}}
{{Funds of the Academy}}
Funds of the American Academy including Count Rumford’s Donation
United States 5 per cent Stock 2000.
Deposited on the Massachusetts Hospital Life Insurance office 2000.
Do. Do. Rumford Fund. 22.600.
Dollars 26.600
{{Auditor’s Report}}
Boston May 24. 1834. The undersigned a committee of the American Academy appointed to examine the Accounts of the Treasurer has examined the above accounts and finds the charges duly vouched and the computations correct, and that there is a balance on the account of the Academy of two hundred and fifty nine dollars & 34/100 due to the said Treasurer, and on the account with the Rumford Fund in balance of one hundred and fifty four dollars & 80/100 due from him. There are also in his hands the certificate of the Stock, and the two policies of the Massachusetts Hospital Life Insurance Company described in the said account, for the sums therein mentioned, amounting to twenty six thousand, six hundred dollars.
Nathan Hale
Committee
Voted, that a communication be opened with the Batavian Society of Sciences, and that the volumes of the Academy’s Transactions be sent to that society.
Voted, that the Academy proceed to the choice of officers; and Mr Paine was appointed to collect, assort and count the ballots.
The Rumford Committee made the following report which was read and accepted.
{{Report of the Rumford Committee}}
The Rumford Committee respectfully report, That no discovery or improvement connected with the subject of light or heat has, to their knowledge, been made during the last year, for which they can advise the Academy to award the Rumford Premium.
Nathl. Bowditch
F. C. Gray
Jacob Bigelow
Danl. Treadwell
May . 27. 1834
[end page 90 | begin page 91]
{{91}}
{{May. 27. 1834.}}
Voted, that the thanks of the Academy be presented to the Hon. Thos. L. Winthrop for his long and faithful services as Treasurers for the Academy
Voted, that Messrs. Gray and Wigglesworth be a committee to receive from the late Treasurer the evidences of properly belonging to the Academy and deliver them to the new Treasurer; giving and taking proper receipts therefor.
Voted, that a committee of two be appointed to remit the annual assessment in all cases where they may deem it proper. Mess. Bowditch and Bigelow was chosen as the committee.
Voted, that the Academy proceed to the election of Fellows from the nomination list. Mr Wigglesworth was chosen to receive the ballots.
{{Fellows Elected.}}
The following persons were then elected Fellows of the Academy.
Sir Francis Palgrave, Knt. of London
John Dalton Esq. of Manchester, England.
Mr Ostrogradsky of the Imperial Acady of Sciences St Petersburg.
Prof. Edward Hitchcock of Amherst College Mass.
Rev. Joshua Bates, President of Middleburg College, Vermont.
James Hayward Esq. of Cambridge.
{{Election of Officers.}}
The committee chosen to receive the votes for officers of the Academy for the ensuing year reported that the following were unanimously elected.
Nathaniel Bowditch President
Josiah Quincy Vice President
Francis C. Gray, Corresponding Secretary
Daniel Treadwell Recording Secretary
Joseph Tilden Treasurer.
Rufus Wyman Vice Treasurer.
Solomon P Miles, Librarian & Cabinet Keeper.
George Hayward } Committee of
John Ware } Publication.
(over)
[end page 91 | begin page 92]
{{92}}
{{May. 27. 1834}}
Nathaniel Bowditch }
Francis C. Gray }
Daniel Treadwell } Rumford Committee
Jacob Bigelow }
John Ware}
Voted, that the meeting be dissolved.
Danl. Treadwell
Recording Secretary.
{{August. 13. 1834}}
Two hundred and fourteenth meeting.
The Academy met, the President in the chair.
Present, Messrs. Bowditch, Treadwell, Adams, Pollock, A. H. Everett, Bigelow, E. Hale, Worcester, Wigglesworth, Hayward, and Alger.
{{Report of the Corresponding Secy}}
The report of the Corresponding Secretary was received and read by the Recording Secretary, and was as follows.
A.A. S. Aug 13.1834 The Corresponding Secretary respectfully reports.
That he has given due notice to the members elected at the last meeting and he herewith submits letters from Professor Hitchcock and from James Hayward Esq. and from Francis Alger accepting the appointment; also a letter of thanks from President Bates; and one from the Baron de Damoiseau of Paris.
A letter is also presented from Mr Moreau de Jonnes, offering to the Academy A treatise on the increase of population in Europe.
There have also been received from the Royal Society, London the 2d part of their transactions for the year 1833 with the annual address and a list of members for the same year; also from Usher Parsons, M.D. Directions for making Anatomical Preparations.
All which is respectfully submitted. F.C. Gray
The several letters as specified in the above, were read, and placed on file, and the several books were placed in the library.
The President presented the following report from Messrs. Gray
[end page 92 | begin page 93]
{{93}}
{{August. 13. 1834}}
and Wigglesworth who were appointed at the last meeting of the Academy to receive from the late treasurer the property of the Academy to transfer the same to his successor.
A.A.S. Aug. 13 1834. The Committee appointed to receive form the late Treasurer and deliver to his successor the property, and certificates of property belonging to the Academy have performed that service and herewith submit the receipt of the present Treasurer for the same.
Respectfully submitted by.
F. C. Gray }Committee.
Ed Wigglesworth }
The receipt of the Treasurer is as follows.
{{Treasurer}}
Boston June 6. 1834 Received of F. C. Gray and Edward Wigglesworth, Committee, the following certificates of Stocks.
One u.s. 5 pr ct. Stock for two thousand dollars … 2000.
One of deposit in the Massachusetts Hospital Life
Insurance Comp. for two thousand dollars. … 2,00
One of deposit with the same Company, for the Rumford fund, amounting twenty two thousand, six hundred dollars 22.600
Also, a box containing the account books and sundry papers, with a copper plate for inserting the names of the donors. in the books given.
Joseph Tilden. Treas.r. of the Amer. Act. of A&S
The President stated to the meeting that the Treasurer had received from the Estate of the late Hon. C. Gore the amount of his legacy of one thousand dollars, interest at the rate of 5 per cent per annum for the time when the same would have become due having been deducted from the full sum; and that the amount received had been learned to the Columbian Bank at the same rate of interest so that the full sum of one thousand dollars, will be paid to the Academy, by the Bank, in the year 1836 when it would have become due according to the terms of the BEQUEST.
Voted, that the meeting be dissolved.
Danl Treadwell
Recording Secretary
[end page 93 | begin page 94]
{{94}}
{{Novembr 12 1834}}
Two hundred and fifteenth meeting.
The Academy met, the President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs Bowditch, Gray, Tilden, Treadwell, Winthrop, Pollock, James Hayward, Worcester.
The president presented the several books, received since the last meeting, which are enumerated in the report of the Corresponding Secretary.
Voted, that the thanks of the Academy be presented to Henry Beaufoy Esq. for the 1st volume of Col. Beaufoy’s Nautical experiments, and that the last volume of the Academy’s transactions be transmitted to him.
Voted, that the thanks of the Academy be also transmitted to O. Rich Esq. for his agency in the transmission of Col Beaufoy’s work.
{{Report of the Correspondg Sec.y}}
The Corresponding Secretary presented his report as follows.
American Academy, Nov.r. 12 1834 The Corresponding Secretary respectfully Reports that the following books have been received since the last meeting.
One volume Memoirs of the Royal Society of Berlin for 1832 1st of Cambridge Observations 1833
Memoirs of the Royal Society for 1834 Part 1st
7 numbers of Memoirs of Imperial Academy of St. Petersburg 1832
2 numbers of Do Do Do Do for 1833
1 number of Zoological Catalogue St Petersburg 1832
1 vol. of Beaufoy’s Nautical Experiments
1 vol Report of third meeting of the British Association for the advancement of Science.
3 numbers of the proceedings of the Royal Society
Letters were laid before the Board from Professor Patterson of Virginia and from O. Rich Esq. which are on file.
F. C. Gray
{{Fellows Elected}}
Voted that the Academy proceed to the choice of Fellows from the Nominations list
Whereupon the following were admitted as Fellows of the Academy.
[end page 94 | begin page 95]
{{95}}
{{Novemr 12 1834}}
Sir Edward Collins of St. Petersburg
J Ingersoll Bowditch of Boston
Mark Trambert Bunel Esq. of London
Thomas. P. Jones M.D. of Washington City.
Mr Worcester presented from the Geographical Society of Paris a letter with two volumes of the Memoirs of that Society.
Voted, that the meeting be dissolved.
Danl Treadwell
Recording Secretary
{{Jan.y 28. 1835}}
Two hundred and sixteenth meeting
The Academy met, the President in the Chair.
Present Messrs Bowditch, Gray, Tilden, Treadwell, Davis, Harris sen. Wyman, E. Hale, Bigelow, Shattuck, Worcester, Greene, and Alger.
The Recording Secretary laid before the Academy a letter from Dr. Gamaliel Bradford declining a further continuance as a member of the Academy. Whereupon
Voted, that notice of the above letter be entered upon the record.
{{Report of the Correspong Sec.y.}}
The Corresponding Secretary presented his report together with the several works therein specified as received since the last meeting.
American Academy, Jan 7. 20. 1835 The Corresponding Secretary respectfully reports that the following books have been received since the last meeting.
From the Royal Society, London
The Catalogue of Members of the Royal Society for Novr. 30. 1833.
The Presidents Annual Address at the same meeting.
From the Royal Society, Stockholm.
Their transactions for the year 1832.
Also, the Annual Report on the progress of the Sciences. for 1833.
Also, a Eulogy on A. I. Hagstromer by M. M. Pontin.
(over)
[end page 95 | begin page 96]
{{96}}
{{Jany. 28 1835}}
He also lays before the Board a letter from Sir Francis Palgrave.
F. C. Gray.
The Corresponding Secretary presented a letter from Sir Francis Palgrave accepting the membership to which he had been elected.
Voted, that the meeting be dissolved.
Danl Treadwell
Recording Secretary
{{May 26. 1835}}
Two hundred & seventeenth meeting
The Academy met, the President in the Chair
Present, Messrs Bowditch, Quincy, Gray, Wyman, Winthrop, Shaw, R. T. Paine, N. Hale, E. Hale, Davis, Hayward, Farrar, S. E. Worcester, Folsom, Prince and President Bates from Middlebury, Vermont.
{{Report of the Corresponding Sec.y.}}
The Corresponding Secretary made the following report on Letters and Donations.
A. A. S. May 26 1835 The Corresponding Secretary respectfully reports; that since the last meeting he has received a letter from Dr. S. L. Dana of Lowell, signifying his acceptance of his appointment to be one of the Fellows of the Academy.
The following books have also been received,
From the Legislature of Massachusetts
Hitchcock’s Geology 2nd Edition
" Sir Francis Palgrave
His Rise & Progress of the English Commonwealth
His History of the Anglo Saxons
" O. Rich Esq
His Catalogue of books for Sale
" Sir John F. W. Herschel
His observations on Nebulae on absorption of Light by Coloured media.
[end page 96 | begin page 97]
{{97}}
{{May 26. 1835}}
From J. W. Lubbock Esq.
His treatise on the theory of the Moon
" Society of Natural History at Geneva, 4th & 5th vols of their Memoirs.
" Boston Society of Natural History,
1 & 2 parts of their Journal
F. C. Gray.
{{Treasurers a/cs.}}
The President laid before the Academy the Treasurer’s accounts and it was
Voted: that Mr. Gray be a committee to examine the same and that if correct they be recorded.
Dr. The American Academy of Arts & Sciences in a/c with Joseph Tilden Treasurer. Cr.
[table]
[end page 97 | begin page 98]
{{98}}
Dr. The American Academy of Arts & Sciences in a/c with Joseph Tilden Treasurer. Cr.
[table]
[end page 98 | begin page 99]
{{99}}
{{May 26. 1835}}
The property of the Academy is invested as follows
Policy No 1377 at Hos Life Ins. office 2.000
Do 1565 Do Do 2.000
Hon. Christ Gore’s Legacy deported in Columbian Bank, Interest to begin 2 years after Mrs Gore’s decease viz 14th 100
Balance in Columbian Bank 31.979
$5.031.79
Boston 18 Septr 1835. I certify that I have examined this account and that the same is rightly cast and duly vouched; and that the Treasurer has shown me the evidences of the property therein mentioned as remaining in his hands.
F. C. Gray, Committee.
Rumford Fund
Dr. The American Academy of Arts & Sciences in a/c with Joseph Tilden Treasr. CR.
[table]
Boston 12th May 1835
Errors Excepted, Joseph Tilden, Treasr
The fund is as follows, viz.
Policy at Hospital Life Ins office No 1376 22.600
Balance in Columbian Bank at 4 pr ct interest 2.437.30
25.037.30
Boston Septr 18. 1835. I certify that I have examined this account and that the same is rightly cast and duly vouched; and that the Treasurer has shewn me the evidences of the property therein mentioned as remaining in his hands.
F. C. Gray, Committee.
[end page 99 | begin page 100]
{{100}}
{{May 26. 1835}}
Voted, that a copy of the 1st volume of the second series of the Academy’s transactions be presented to the Boston Society of Natural History.
{{Report of Rumford Committee}}
The Rumford Committee presented the following Report, which was read and accepted.
A. A. S. May. 26. 1835. The Rumford Committee beg leave to report:
That there are no applications before them for the Rumford Premium during the past year.
The condition of the Fund will appear from the Treasurer’s Accounts.
In relation to the purchase of Books the Committee have adopted the proceedings which are herewith submitted.
“At a meeting of the Rumford Committee at the house of the President, holden Feby 17. 1835.
The Committee having determined to commence the purchase of books from the proceeds of the Rumford Fund, in accordance with the permission granted to the Academy by the Decree in Chancery and it being necessary to decide whether any works other than those, which profess to treat solely on light or on heat ought to be purchased, the Committee declare, as their unanimous opinion, That no collection of works on light & heat can be complete without embracing a great variety of books relating to almost every science and art, and in which the subjects of light and heat are treated of, either incidentally or in connexion with other scientific matter. Thus the transactions of learned Societies, the journals of Sciences and the arts, the systematic works on Natural Philosophy generally, together with treatises on Galvanism & Electricity, all contain facts, demonstrations and reasonings, without a knowledge of which no tolerable understanding of the laws of light, or heat can be attained.
Besides these, there are numerous works reflecting to the practice of various arts, which depend upon the production & management of heat. Among these are works on coal mines, on the Steam Engine, on warming & ventilating buildings, on smelting ores and on refining & working the metals, refining sugar, making gunpowder & many acids & more particularly the illuminating gasses. In short, there is hardly an art essential to the comfort of man, which does not depend, in some of its processes on the skillful management of heat. There are few of these
[end page 100 | begin page 101]
{{101}}
{{May 26. 1835}}
arts, which have not been made the subject of elaborate treatises, and these works should be within the reach of every one, who contemplates any improvement in the application of heat a light to the use of mankind, which by the terms of Count Rumford’s donation was to receive a preference to any other improvement in awarding his premium.
The Committee are therefore of opinion that in forming a Library, which shall promote improvements in the knowledge and application of light and heat, it will be necessary to include the Transactions of learned Societies, periodical Journals of Science and the arts, works on Astronomy, Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Electricity, & Galvanism and Treatises on the practice of any art, which depends, in any of its processes on the influence of light or heat.
Whereupon it was Voted, that any Agent of the Academy directed to purchase books, shall conform in his selections to the opinion above expressed.
Voted, that Daniel Treadwell, Esq. be authorized to purchase books in Europe, the cost of which in the whole, shall not exceed the sum of Two thousand dollars, to be charged to the Rumford Fund, and that the Treasurer be requested to furnish him with a letter of credit to that amount.”
All which is respectfully submitted
Nathl. Bowditch, for the Committee.
A communication from Professor Strong of Rutgers College, N.J. was laid before the Board by the President and referred to the publishing Committee.
The following honorary members were elected.
Rev. Jasper Adams, President of the College at Charleston, S.C.
Dr Francis Boott M.D. of London
{{Election of Officers}}
Voted, to proceed to the choice of Officers and ballots being taken, it appeared that the following were chosen for the ensuing year.
Nathaniel Bowditch, President
Josiah Quincy, Vice President
F. C. Gray, Corresponding Secretary
Daniel Treadwell, Recording Secretary
Joseph Tilden, Treasurer.
Rufus Wyman, Vice Treasurer
Enoch Hale, Librarian & Cabinet Keeper.
[end page 101 | begin page 102]
{{102}}
{{May 26 1835}}
George Hayward}
John Ware} Publishing Committee
Nathl. Bowditch}
F. C. Gray}
Daniel Treadwell} Rumford Committee
Jacob Bigelow}
John Ware}
Voted, that in the absence of the Recording Secretary, the Corresponding Secretary record the doings of the Academy.
Meeting dissolved.
F. C. Gray
Corresponding Secretary
{{August. 12 1835}}
Two hundred and eighteenth Meeting
A Quorum not being present in the Hall of the Academy on this day no business was transacted.
F. C. Gray
Corresponding Secretary
{{November. 11 1835}}
Two hundred and nineteenth Meeting.
The Academy met, the President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs Bowditch, Quincy, Tilden, Treadwell, E. Everett, Pollock, Wyman, Bigelow, Bowditch Jr. Emerson
The President presented the following books received form the several societies and individuals as noticed.
Experimental Researches in Electricity
By M. Faraday, presented By the Author
Dissertation on Cancer
By Usher Parsons do By the Author
[end page 102 | begin page 103]
{{103}}
{{November. 11. 1835}}
Sermon by W. L. Frothingham and other services performed at the Installation of W. P. Bunt
By. J. Q. Adams
Oration on the Life and Character of Lafayette
by J. Q. Adams By the Author
Memoir of L. D. Von Schweinitz
by Walter R. Johnson By the Author
Meteorological Observations from May to August. 1832
By Car. Nicolo Cacciatore
On the Difference of the longitude between Palerma and Naples
By Car. Nicolo Cacciatore
On the Methods of reducing Meteorological observations to a uniform standard
By Car. Nicolo Cacciatore
Transactions of the Berlin Academy for 1833
By the Berlin Academy
Transactions of the Academy of Stockholm for 1833
By the Academy of Stockholm
History of Science published by the Academy of Stockholm
By Stockholm Academy
Uber die Landerverwaltung unter dem Chalifate von Joseph von Hammer
By the Academy of Stockholm
Memoirs of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Manchester 9 vols
By John Dalton D.C.L of Manchester
New System of Chemistry
by John Dalton F.R.S. By the Author
Dalton’s Meteorological Observations 2 vols do
The President read a letter from the secretary of the Royal Society communicating the subjects for which the Royal Medals are to be awarded for the year 1837.
The President read a letter from Hon. T. L. Winthrop, accom-
[end page 103 | begin page 104]
{{104}}
{{November. 11. 1835}}
-panied with a Meteorological Journal kept at Cambridge by the late Professor Winthrop from 1742 to 1779 which Journal is presented to the Academy by his grandson Adam Winthrop Esq. of Baton Rouge.
Voted, that the thanks of the Academy be presented to Hon. T. L. Winthrop for the communication of the donation made by Adam Winthrop Esq of the Journal of the late Professor Winthrop.
Voted, that the thanks of the Academy be presented to Adam Winthrop Esq for the donation of the Meteorological Journal of the late Professor Winthrop.
Voted, that the manuscript Meteorological Journal of the late Professor Winthrop be referred to the Committee on Publications.
Voted, that the Secretary be requested to publish an account of the communication from the Royal Society concerning the subjects for which the Royal Medals are to be awarded in 1837.
Voted, that the meeting be dissolved.
Danl Treadwell
Recording Secretary
{{January. 27 1836}}
Two hundred and twentieth meeting
The Academy met, the President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs Bowditch, Tilden, Gray, Treadwell, Pollock, Worcester, Greene, Miles, Wyman, Paine, Jas. Hayward, Swett, Davis, Quincy.
The President presented the following books from the several societies and individuals as noticed.
From the Royal Society of London
Astronomical Obs. at Greenwich 1829 Part 5 folio [in pencil]
1831 " 5
1833 " 3, 4, 5
1834 " 1, 2, 3, 4
1835 " 1.
[end page 104 | begin page 105]
{{105}}
{{January 27. 1836}}
Astronomical Observations at Cambridge 1 Vol 4to.
Philosophical Transactions 1834 Part 2 4to
Do 1832 Part 1 4to
Proceedings of Royal Society, Pamphlet Nos 17. 18. 19. 20.
List of its members of the Royal Society
Cuvier’s Zoological Report
From Professor Faraday
Observations on Electricity 10th series
From Sir John Herschell
3 Pamphlets from Transactions of Astronomical Society. Vol 8
From the Society at Amserdam
Flora Batava from 95 @ 101 inclusive
From the “Societe de Geographie” of Paris
Their “Bulletin de la Societe de Geographie”
Deuxieme Serie Tome 1.2.
From the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty
An account of the Life of Rev. J. Hamsteed.
Topographical description of Plainfield by Jacob Porter from the Author.
Astronomical Tables from Dudley Leavitt.
Voted, that the meeting be dissolved.
Danl Treadwell
Recording Secretary
{{May. 24. 1836}}
Two hundred and twenty first Meeting
The Academy met, the President in the Chair.
Present Messrs Bowditch, Quincy, Treadwell, Pickering, Pollock, Wyman, E Hale, Bates, Hayward, Miles, Worcester, Paine and Shaw.
The President reported that several books had been received as donations, and that others had been purchased since the last meeting, all of which were centered in
[end page 105 | begin page 106]
{{106}}
{{May. 24. 1836}}
the catalogue of the receiving book.
The Rumford Committee made the following report,
“The Rumford Committee respectfully report, that pursuant to the directions of the Academy as expressed in the acceptance of the report made by this Committee in January 1835 they have procured from London about 900 volumes of books which are now upon the shelves of the Library and have been paid for from the Rumford fund. They have likewise given orders for a constant supply of all such English Journals as usually contain articles relating to the subjects of light and heat. By continuing the course thus begun the Committee are confident that the intentions of Count Rumford to promote discoveries in the subjects of light and heat will become more effectual than by any other means than can be adopted by the Academy. The Committee are not aware that any discovery deserving of a premium has been made since their last report.
By order of the Committee
May. 24. 1836 Nathl Bowditch, Chairman
which report was accepted
The President laid before the Academy the Treasurer’s Accounts.
Voted, that Mr Gray be a committee to examine the Treasurers accounts, and that if he find them correct, they be recorded.
[see pages 187.8 for a/cs]
{{Election of Officers.}}
Voted, that the Academy proceed to the choice of officers.
Messrs Pickering and Paine were appointed a Committee to collect, sort and count the votes.
The Committee reported that the following gentlemen were chosen officers of the Academy.
President. Nathl Bowditch
Vice President. Josiah Quincy
[end page 106 | begin page 107]
{{107}}
{{May. 24. 1836}}
Corresponding Secretary. Francis C. Gray
Recording Secretary. Daniel Treadwell
Treasurer. Joseph Tilden
Vice Treasurer. Rufus Wyman
Librarian. Enoch Hale
Committee of Publication. George Hayward and
John Ware
Rumford Committee. Nathl Bowditch
Francis C. Gray
Danl. Treadwell
Jacob Bigelow
John Ware
Voted, that the Academy proceed to act on the nomination list for fellows of the Academy.
Dr Hale was appointed to collect the ballots and reported that Thomas Sherwin was elected a fellow of the Academy.
The President laid before the Academy a communication from the Secretary of the Royal Academy of Lisbon, which is placed on file.
Voted that the meeting be dissolved.
Danl Treadwell
Recording Secretary
Rumford Fund
Dr. American Academy of Arts & Sciences in a/c with Joseph Tilden Treasr. Cr.
[table]
[end page 107 | begin page 108]
{{108}}
{{May. 24. 1836}}
Dr The American Academy of Arts & Sciences in a/c with Joseph Tilden, Treasurer. Cr.
[table]
The property of the Academy appropriated to this is invested, viz, Policy No 1377 at Hospital Life Ins. Office 2000.
" 1565 " Do. Do. 2000.
Columbian Bank Deposit Book of 14th June 1834 Interest at 5 pr ct per anm. from 14th April 1836 1000.
Cash in Columbian Bank 282.70
5.282.70
Boston 12th May 1836
Errors Excepted
Joseph Tilden, Treasurer
Boston August 19. 1836 I certify that I have examined this a/c & that the same is rightly cast and duly vouched, & that the Treasurer has shown me the evidences of property therein mentioned s remaining in his hands.
F. C. Gray, Committee
{{August. 10. 1836.}}
Two hundred and twenty second Meeting
The Academy met, the President in the chair.
Present, Messrs Bowditch, Treadwell, Hale, Winthrop, Pollock, A. H. Everett, Bigelow, Paine & Hayward.
[end page 108 | begin page 109]
{{109}}
{{August. 10. 1836}}
The President reported the books received since the last meeting which are entered in the catalogue of the receiving books.
Mr A. H. Everett presented copies of several addresses delivered by him.
Voted, that the meeting be dissolved.
Danl Treadwell
Recording Secretary
{{November. 9. 1836}}
Two hundred and twenty third Meeting.
The President in the chair.
Present, Messrs Bowditch, Quincy, Tilden, Treadwell, Winthrop, E Everett, Emerson, E. Hale, Hayward, Paine, J. I. Bowditch and Green.
The President reported the books received since the last meeting, which are entered in the catalogue of the receiving books.
Voted, that the meeting be dissolved.
Danl Treadwell
Recording Secretary
{{January 25. 1837}}
Two hundred and twenty fourth Meeting.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs. Bowditch, Quincy, Tilden, Treadwell, Worcester, Paine, Bond, J. I. Bowditch, Sherwin and Greene.
The President reported the books received since the last meeting which are entered in the catalogue of the receiving book.
[end page 109 | begin page 110]
{{110}}
{{January 25. 1837}}
Voted, that the Academy proceed to act upon the nomination list for fellows of the Academy.
Voted, that Messrs. Paine and Worcester be a committee to collect the ballots.
The committee reported that
Nicolas Cacciatore, Director of the Royal Observatory at Palermo and
A. Quetelet, Director of the Royal Observatory at Brussels and perpetual secretary of the Royal Academy of Brussels
were duly elected Fellows of the Academy.
Voted, that during the absence of Mr Gray, Mr Pickering be requested to act as corresponding Secretary.
Voted, that hereafter the names of the persons nominated to the Academy be placed upon a sheet which shall be placed upon the wall of the hall during the meetings and that the lists shall be destroyed after the names upon them shall have been acted upon.
Voted, that the meeting be dissolved.
Danl Treadwell
Recording Secretary
{{May. 30 1837.}}
Two hundred and twenty fifth Meeting.
The Academy met, the President in the chair.
Present, Messrs Bowditch, T. L. Winthrop, J Quincy, J. Pickering, J. Tilden, J. Bigelow, R. D. Massey, R. T. Paine, E. Hale, J. Worcester, D. Treadwell, L Shaw, S. Swett.
The President reported that several books had been received as donations, and that others had been purchased since the last meeting, all of which are entered in the catalogue of the receiving book.
[end page 110 | begin page 111]
{{111}}
{{May. 30.1837.}}
The President reported that the Rumford committee had no notice of any discovery deserving of a premium since their last report.
That four boxes of books had been received from Europe since the last meeting, being part of those on the catalogue of books given to Professor Farrar to purchase in London & Paris on account of the Rumford Fund. These books are entered on the Catalogue.
The President laid before the Academy the Treasurers accounts for the last year which had been examined and fount to be correct by J Pickering.
Voted, that the same be accepted and recorded.
Dr The American Academy of Arts & Sciences in a/c/ with Joseph Tilden, Treasr. Cr.
[table]
Boston 19th May 1837 Errors Excepted, Joseph Tilden. Treasurer.
The Property of Academy appropriated to this a/c is as follows
Policy No 1377 in Hos. Life Insurance office 2000.
do No 1565 do do 2.000
Columbian Bank postnote payle. 2years from this date @ 5% per Annum 1.400
Balance of this a/c 139.43
5.539.43
Boston May 24. 1837 I certify that I have examined this account and that the same is rightly cast, and duly vouched, and that the Treasurer has shown me the evidences of Property therein mentioned as remaining in his hands.
Jno. Pickering.
[end page 111 | begin page 112]
{{112}}
{{May 30.1837}}
Rumford Fund
Dr. The American Academy of Arts & Sciences in a/c with Joseph Tilden. Treasurer Cr.
[table]
Boston 19th May 1837 Errors Excepted, Joseph Tilden, Treasurer
The Rumford fund is invested as follows
Policy No 1376 in Hosp. Life Insurance office 22.600
The balance of this a/c which is deposited in Columbian Bank at 5% interest 2.802.26
25.402.26
Boston 24th May 1837 I certify that I have examined this account, an that the same is rightly cast & duly vouched, and that the Treasurer has shown me the evidence of the property therein mentioned as remaining in his hands.
Jno. Pickering.
Voted, that the Academy proceed to the choice of officers. Messrs Hale and Bigelow were appointed a Committee to collect sort and count the votes.
The Committee reported that the following gentlemen were chosen officers of the Academy
President Nathl. Bowditch
Vice President Josiah Quincy
Corresponding Secy John Pickering
Recording Sec.y. Danl. Treadwell
Treasurer Joseph Tilden
Vice Treasurer Rufus Wyman
Librarian Enoch Hale
Committee of } George Hayward
Publication } John Ware
} Nathl. Bowditch
Rumford } John Pickering
Committee } Daniel Treadwell
} Jacob Bigelow
} John Ware
[end page 112 | begin page 113]
{{113}}
{{May 30.1837}}
Voted, that a committee of three be appointed to consider and report on the propriety of arranging the manuscript Meteorological Journals now in the possession of the Academy and likewise to provide for the continuance of Meteorological observations at the expense of the Academy.
Messrs Bowditch, Pickering and the Bigelow were appointed to constitute the Committee.
Voted, that the meeting be dissolved.
Danl Treadwell
Recording Secretary
{{August, 9. 1837.}}
Two hundred and twenty sixth Meeting
The Academy met, the President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs. Bowditch, Tilden, Wyman, Hayward, E. Hale, Bond, Bigelow, Alger, Bowditch Jr, Adams (Jasper), Swett.
The two Secretaries being absent, Dr Hale was appointed Secretary pro-tem.
The records of the last meeting were read.
The President reported that several books had been received since the last meeting as donations, and that others had been purchased, all of which are entered in the catalogue of the receiving book.
Voted, that the meeting be dissolved.
E Hale Secy pro tem.
[end page 113 | begin page 114]
{{114}}
{{Novemr 8. 1837.}}
Two hundred and twenty seventh Meeting
The Academy met, the President in the Chair
Present, Messrs Bowditch, Quincy, Treadwell, Winthrop, Sparks, Hayward, Paine and Davis.
The President made a report of the books received since the last meeting, a list of which has been entered in the catalogue of the receiving book.
The President read the names of persons nominated as Fellows.
Voted, that the Academy proceed to act upon the nomination list and Messrs Sparks and Paine were appointed a committee to collect the ballots.
The Committee reported that
David Humphreys Storer M.D.
and
Charles T. Jackson M.D.
were elected Fellows.
The President reported that the Committee appointed to provide for keeping a Meteorological Journal had made several arrangements for that purpose, and blank forms for the Journal were laid upon the table.
Voted, that the meeting be dissolved.
Danl Treadwell
Recording Secretary
{{January. 31. 1838.}}
Two hundred and twenty eighth Meeting
The Academy met, the President in the Chair
Present, Messrs Bowditch, Quincy, Treadwell, Folsom, Bond, T. W. Harris, Bowditch Jr., Storer, E Hale, Swett and Davis.
[end page 114 | begin page 115]
{{115}}
{{January 31. 1838.}}
The president reported that several Books had been received as donations and that others had been purchased since the last meeting, the titles of which were read, as entered in the catalogue of the receiving book.
Dr. F. W. Harris stated to the meeting that he had made a large collection of American Insects and that he was desirous of publishing an account of the same in the Transactions of the Academy.
Voted, that the committee of publication have full authority to publish such paper as Dr Harris may present and to incur such expense on account of the Academy for plates and figures as they may deem necessary.
Voted, that the meeting be dissolved.
Danl Treadwell
Recording Secretary
{{March 20. 1838}}
Two hundred and twenty ninth Meeting.
This meeting was called by order of the Vice President to enable the Academy to record an expression of its feelings on the death of its President, Nathaniel Bowditch L.L.D. F.R.S. which lamented event took place, after an illness of about four months, on Friday the 16th inst. at 1 O’Clock in the afternoon.
The Vice President in the chair, present, Messrs Quincy, Treadwell, Dr Hale, Dr. Hayward, Ware, Davis, Story, Gov. Everett, Bigelow, Miles, Peirce, Paine, Folsom, Worcester, Storer, Swett, J. Hayward, Sherwin, Sparks and Emerson.
The Vice President stated the object of the meeting, and made a short eulogium on the character of the late President.
Governor Everett after an address, in which he called the attention of the Academy to the great intellectual endowments
[end page 115 | begin page 116]
{{116}}
{{March 20. 1838.}}
and high moral virtues of Dr. Bowditch, late President of the Academy, offered the following resolves which were unanimously adopted by the Academy.
Whereas it has pleased Divine Providence to remove from this life Nathaniel Bowditch President of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Fellows of the Academy, at a special meeting called for the purpose of taking due notice of this melancholy event, unanimously adopt the following resolutions, expressive of their feelings on this sorrowful occasion;
Resolved, that the Fellows of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences entertain the liveliest sense of the exalted talents and extraordinary attainments of their late President, who stood preeminent among the men of Science of the United States, and who, by universal consent, has long been regarded as one of the most precious treasures of our Common Country; that we deeply deplore his loss in the fullness of his intellectual power; and the we esteem it our sacred duty to cherish his memory.
Resolved, that in addition to the loss which they have sustained as members of this scientific body in being deprived of their distinguished associate and head, whose name has for many years conferred honor on their institution, & whose communications are among the most valuable contents of the volume of the Academy’s transactions, the Fellows of the Academy, as Members of the community, lament the loss of a friend and fellow citizen whose services were of the highest value in the active walks of life; whose entire influence was given to the cause of good principles; whose life was a uniform exhibition of the loftiest virtues; and who with a firmness and energy which nothing could shake or subdue, devoted himself to the most arduous & important duties, and made the profoundest researches of Sciences subservient to the practical business of life.
Resolved, that the Fellows of the Academy deeply sympathize with the family of their late President in the loss of a faithful, affectionate and revered parent, and that the officers of the Academy be requested to address to them a letter of respectful condolence.
[end page 116 | begin page 117]
{{117}}
{{March.20.1838.}}
Resolved, that the officers of the Academy be a committee to procure a bust in Marble of the late President to be placed in the hall of the Academy, and to adopt and carry into execution such other measures as they may deem expedient in honor of the Memory of one, who among living men of Science has left few equals.
Resolved, that an attested copy of these resolutions be transmitted by the Corresponding Secretary to the family of the Deceased, and to the various learned Societies in Europe and America of which he was a member, and that they be furnished for publication in the papers of the city.
Voted, that the meeting be dissolved.
Danl Treadwell
Recording Secretary
{{May.29.1838.}}
Two hundred and thirtieth Meeting
The Academy met, the vice President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs Quincy, Pickering, Treadwell, Tilden, Dr. Hale, Wyman, Dr Hayward, J Ware, Shattuck, Pollock, Greene, Walter Channing, Worcester, Sparks, Brewer, Dr Webster, Paine, Miles, Storer, Sweetser, Folsom, Wilde, Peirce, Peirce, Sherwin, Dr Jackson, E. Everett, Davis, Wayland, N Hale, White, Dearborn, Swett, Philips, Thacher, Story and Shaw /37/
The Vice President stated that pursuant to a vote passed at the last meeting, the officers of the Academy, acting as a committee, had appointed John Pickering L.L.D. to deliver a Eulogy on the Life and Character of Dr Bowditch. That he had accepted the appointment and that the Eulogy would be delivered this day at 11 O’Clock at Kings Chapel.
Voted, that the Academy now proceed to the choice of officers, and Dr. Webster and Prof. Peirce were appointed a committee to collect, sort and count the votes.
[end page 117 | begin page 118]
{{118}}
{{May 29. 1838}}
The corresponding Secretary laid before the Academy letters from Mr Cacciatore of Palermo and Dr Storer of Boston, declaring their acceptance of their diplomas as follows of the Academy, and also a letter from the secretary of the Royal Society of Lisbon acknowledging the receipt of the Academy’s volume of transactions.
Dr Hale, librarian laid before the Academy an account of books received since the last meeting.
Mr Tilden, treasurer, presented has accounts for the year, which were referred to Mr Pickering, as a committee for examination, and if found correct, they were ordered to be accepted and inserted in the record.
Dr The American Academy of Arts & Sciences in a/c/ with Joseph Tilden, Treas. Cr.
[table]
The property of the Academy appropriated to this a/c is as follows viz
Policies in Hosp. Life Ins. Office Nos 1377 – 2000.$ 1565 – 2000.$ 4.000.
Columbian Bank Post Note Pays 17 May 1839 1.400.
Balance this a/c 379.37
5.779.37
Boston 28 May 1838 I certify that I have examined this account and that the same is rightly cast and duly vouched, and that the Treasurer has shown to me the evidences of property therein mentioned as remaining in his hands.
John Pickering. Committee.
[end page 118 | begin page 119]
{{119}}
{{May 29. 1838.}}
Rumford Fund
Dr. The American Academy of Arts & Sciences in a/c with Joseph Tilden, Treasurer, Cr.
[table]
The Rumford Fund is invested in
Policy No 1376 in Mass. Hos. Life Insn. office 22.600
The balance of this a/c 87.77
22.512.23
Boston 28th May 1838 I certify that I have examined this account, and that the same is rightly cast and duly vouched. And that the Treasurer has shown me the evidences of the property therein mentioned as remaining in his hands.
Jno. Pickering. Committee.
Voted, that the poll be now closed.
Dr Webster from the committee appointed to collect and count the votes, reported the following as having been chosen officers for the ensuing year.
James Jackson – President.
Josiah Quincy Vice President.
John Pickering Corresponding Secretary.
Daniel Treadwell Recording Secretary.
Joseph Tilden – Treasurer
Enoch Hale – Librarian
Georgy Hayward } Committee of
John Ware } Publication
James Jackson}
John Pickering} Rumford
Daniel Treadwell} Committee.
Jacob Bigelow}
John Ware}
[end page 119 | begin page 120]
{{120}}
{{May 29.1838.}}
Dr. Jackson the President elect then took the chair.
A vacancy having been made in the committee on Meteorology by the death of Dr Bowditch, Mr Treadwell was chosen a member of that Committee.
Voted, that the Academy now proceed to Kings Chapel to attend the delivery of the Eulogy according to the arrangements of the Committee. Whereupon the Academy moved to the Chapel and after prayers by the Rev Mr Greenwood, and the delivery of the Eulogy by Mr Pickering it was,
Voted, That the thanks of the Academy be presented to John Pickering L.L.D. for his just and learned eulogy on the Life and Character of our late President, and that he be requested to furnish a copy for publication.
Voted, that the meeting be dissolved.
Danl Treadwell
Recording Secretary
{{August 8.1838.}}
Two hundred & thirty first Meeting
August 8. 1838.
The Academy met, the President in the chair.
Present, Messrs. Jackson, Quincy, Pickering, Treadwell, E. Everett, Shattuck, Dr. Hale, Dr Hayward, Bigelow, Peirce, Wyman, Sweetser, and Storer.
Voted, That the Academy now proceed to act upon the nomination list.
Professor Peirce and Dr Sweetser were appointed to collect the ballots and the following persons were successively elected Fellows of the Academy.
Rev F. W. P. Greenwood of Boston
Augustus W. Hayes, Esqr. of Roxbury
John B. S. Jackson, M.D. of Boston
Domenico Lo Faso, Pietra Santa Duke of Serra di Falco.
[end page 120 | begin page 121]
{{121}}
{{August 8.1838}}
Dr Bigelow chairman of the committee of Meteorology submitted a report from that committee, recommending that the Academy shall pay to Dr Hale for his services in making and recording observations, until otherwise ordered, annually Seventy five dollars; and to the same for extra service in superintending observations to be made at the State house and Mass. Gen. Hospital an additional sum of Twenty five dollars annually; and further that he be authorized to procure assistants for making the observatory at the State House and other points if necessary and to pay the same Thirty dollars each. The report further recommended that Dr Hale be authorized to procure, under the direction of the committee, Meteorological instruments for the Academy at an expense not exceeding One hundred dollars.
This report was accepted, and it was,
Voted, that the sums of money therein specified be appropriated to the several purposes named.
Dr Hale, librarian, laid before the Academy an account of books received since the last meeting.
Dr Bigelow made a report from the committee appointed to procure a Bust of Dr Bowditch, stating that the committee had contracted with Mr Ball Hewes to complete the same for the sum of Four hundred dollars.
Voted, that Dr. Hale, President Quincy, Dr. Bigelow, Dr. Shattuck and Professor Peirce be a committee to consider the propriety of holding additional meetings of the Academy, and that said committee be instructed to report an account of their proceedings at the next meeting.
Voted, that this meeting be dissolved.
Danl Treadwell
Recording Secretary
[end page 121 | begin page 122]
{{122}}
{{November.14.1838}}
Two hundred & thirty second Meeting.
November 14. 1838
The Academy met, the President in the chair.
Present, Messrs Jackson, Quincy, Pickering, Treadwell, Tilden, Winthrop, E Everett, Warren, Bigelow, Dr Hale, Worcester, Peirce, Storer, Davis, Gray, Wyman, Swett, Shattuck, Hayward, Bowditch, Pierson, Sherwin.
Dr Hale from the committee appointed at the last meeting to consider the expediency of holding more frequent meetings made the following report.
“American Academy of Arts and Sciences
The Committee appointed to consider the expediency of holding extra meetings of the Academy respectfully report, that in their opinion it is not expedient at the present time to establish additional meetings.
Enoch Hale
Josiah Quincy
Benjamin Peirce
Jacob Bigelow
Boston Nov. 14.1838
which report was accepted.
Voted, that the Academy now proceed to act upon the nomination list.
Messrs Peirce and Storer were appointed a committee to collect the ballots, and during the meeting they reported that the following persons were elected Fellows of the Academy.
Oliver Wendell Holmes, M.D. of Boston.
Joseph Roby, M.D. of Boston.
Professor C. Gill of St. Pauls College, Flushing, L.I.
Professor C. Avery of Hamilton College
Professor M. Cotton of Hamilton College
Mr Joseph Hale Abbott of Boston.
Dr Hale made a report of his proceedings, under direction of the committee in Meteorology, in procuring instruments and commencing his new course of observations, ordered that the report be placed on file.
[end page 122 | begin page 123]
{{123}}
{{Novembr.14.1838}}
Dr Bigelow from the committee on Meteorology made the following report,
“The committee to whom is referred the subject of Meteorological observations recommend that there be paid to Dr Enoch Hale the sum of fifty cents per page for the expense of copying, examining & computing the Meteorological Journal from Jan. 1 to Dec. 3 1837. Also, the sum of $132.59 as the total expense of apparatus as per his account herewith rendered.
Jacob Bigelow
Danl Treadwell
Jno Pickering
Boston Nov. 13.1838.
which report was accepted
The Recording Secretary read a letter from Lemuel Shattuck, Esq. to J. Ingersoll Bowditch, Esq. proposing in behalf of the committee on the Library of the Commonwealth an exchange of printed documents of the state for the volumes of the Transactions of the Academy.
Voted, that the Librarian be authorized to furnish the volumes required, in exchange for such books from the state as he may deem an equivalent, for the same.
Dr. Warren presented two publications from Professor Faraday of London.
The Librarian presented an account of the books received since the last meeting; all of which are entered in the catalogue of the receiving book.
The Recording Secretary stated that early in the present year Mr William J. Bowditch requested of the officers of the Academy, to be permitted to arrange in a more complete order the books of the library & make a catalogue of the same, which request had been granted. That Mr Bowditch had devoted several months in the performance of his labors which were now completed and a new catalogue was now presented by him to the Academy, Whereupon it was
Voted, that the thanks of the Academy be presented to Mr William J. Bowditch for his services in arranging the Library and forming a complete catalogue of the same, and that a copy of this vote be transmitted to Mr Bowditch by the Corresponding Secretary.
[end page 123 | begin page 124]
{{124}}
{{Novemr.14. 1838.}}
On motion of Pres. Quincy
Voted, that the new catalogue be referred to the committee of publications with authority to print the same if they seem it expedient.
On motion of Dr Pierson
Voted, that the secretary be requested to notify the meetings of the Academy to the Fellows residing in Boston & the vicinity and such other Fellows as may request it, and that this vote be published for the information of distant Fellows.
The President presented in behalf of the Rumford committee the following report
“The standing committee on the subject of the donation of Count Rumford, respectfully report,
That they have for many years held the opinion that the invention of the compound, or oxyhydrogen blow pipe, and its practical application to the purposes of science, by Dr Robert Hare of Philadelphia, deserved from the Academy the award of the premium provided by Count Rumford for “the most important discovery of useful improvement on heat or on light.” Unfortunately the terms in which Count Rumford placed his premium at the disposal of the Academy, limited the award to the period of two years from the time of the first publication of the description of the invention, or discovery, forming the subject of the premium; and a much longer time than that comprised in the above limits had elapsed from the publication, by Dr. Hare, of an account of his invention, before the present members of the committee, or the members of the Academy generally, became acquainted with its character and importance. The terms, of the donation, limiting the award, having now been abrogated by a decree of the supreme judicial court, the committee are of opinion that a faithful execution of the obligations entered into on accepting the trust of this donation, as well as justice to the claims of Dr. Hare, demand of the Academy that the premium be now awarded to that distinguished chemist.
To enable all the members of the Academy justly to appreciate the merits of the proposition thus advanced; the committee beg leave to present a summary statement of the labors of Dr. Hare in the production of this invention. The combination of oxygen and hydrogen, by the process of combustion, was well known to chemists before the close of the last century.
[end page 124 | begin page 125]
{{125}}
{{Novemr.14. 1838.}}
The apparatus in which this combustion was carried on, however, was not suited to exhibit the great evolution of heat which must necessarily have taken place, and it was therefore neglected. In the year 1801 Dr. Hare made his invention of an instrument, called by him the hydrostatic blow pipe, in which oxygen and hydrogen, from separate reservoirs, were made to unite in a small stream, where, being ignited, they burned with an intense heat. A full account of this instrument was published in 1802, together with a statement of numerous results obtained by it in the fusion of various substances which had not before been reduced by any temperature within the reach of the chemist.
In 1812 a yet more extensive course of experiments were made by Professor Silliman, in the account of which, in addition to the great power of the instrument in producing heat, the brilliant light exhibited by bodies exposed to its action was fully noticed. Since the first publication, by Dr Hare, of the account of his invention, he has made various modifications and improvements in the form of the instrument, and its use is now so general, that it is considered essential to every well furnished laboratory. Indeed the committee have reason to believe that the use of this blow pipe, in an enlarged form, as lately constructed by Dr. Hare, will soon be carried beyond the mere purposes of the chemist, and applied directly in the practice of the useful arts.
The whole course of Dr. Hare, in the invention and improvement of the compound blow pipe, exhibits in the opinion of the committee, much ingenuity, and preserving industry, with complete success in attaining the useful object for which the instrument was designed.
Should the Academy adopt the recommendation of the committee, and expressed in the first part of this report, and carry the same into effect; it will be necessary that immediate measures be taken for procuring the medals, which may be awarded at the next annual meeting of the Academy. The committee therefore offer the following vote to the consideration of the Academy.
Voted, that the Rumford committee be authorized to procure dies, of such size, and with such devices as they may deem proper, for striking medals to be awarded, hereafter, according to the intentions of Count Rumford, and from the funds provided by him to the author of any important discovery or useful improvement on light or on heat; and that the same
[end page 125 | begin page 126]
{{126}}
{{Novemr.14. 1838.}}
committee be authorized to procure one gold and one silver medal, to be made from the dies thus obtained.
James Jackson
Jno Pickering
Jacob Bigelow
Daniel Treadwell
John Ware
Boston Nov. 13.1838.
which vote was passed and adopted by the Academy and the Report was recommitted to the Rumford Committee.
Voted, that the meeting be dissolved.
Danl Treadwell
Recording Secretary
{{January 30.1839.}}
Two hundred and thirty third Meeting
January 30.1839.
The Academy met, the President in the chair.
Present, Messrs. Jackson, Quincy, Pickering, Treadwell, Tilden, Pollock, Bigelow, Folsom, Miles, C. T. Jackson, Bowditch, Paine, Gay, Holmes and Storer.
Voted, That the Academy proceed to act upon the nomination of Professor Lovering
Dr Storer was appointed to collect ballots.
The President made a verbal report from the committee of publications, stating, that they had considered the subject of printing the catalogue made by Mr Wm. I. Bowditch, which was referred to them by a vote of the last meeting, and that they thought it inexpedient to print the same; but that they had accepted Mr Bowditch’s offer to furnish another copy, and had ordered a large book to be made in which such copy should be written.
The Corresponding Secretary stated that he had received letters from Dr. Gay, Dr. Roby, Dr Holmes and Mr Abbott declaring their
[end page 126 | begin page 127]
{{127}}
{{January 30.1839.}}
acceptance of the place of Fellows of the Academy.
Voted, That the Transactions of the Academy be presented to the New York Historical Society.
Dr. Storer reported that he had collected the ballots on the nomination of Professor Lovering and that he is elected a Fellow.
Mr. J. I. Bowditch laid before the Academy a list of books missing from the Library.
Voted, That the list be referred to the Librarian with instructions to endeavor to recover the books and report his proceedings at the next meeting.
President Quincy laid before the Academy a Meteorological Journal furnished by [blank] Paine of [blank]
Voted, That it be referred to the committee on Meteorology.
Voted, That this meeting be dissolved.
Danl Treadwell
Recording Secretary.
{{May 28. 1839.}}
Two hundred and thirty fourth Meeting
May 28 1839
The Academy met, the President in the chair.
Present, Messrs. Jackson, Quincy, Tilden, Treadwell, E Everett, Dr. Hayward, Miles, Paine, Wyman, Swett, Folsom, J. B. S. Jackson, Bowditch, Worcester, Peirce, White, Warren, Dr Hale, Lovering, Sherwin, Abbott, Bigelow, Ware, Davis, Peirson, Gay, Shattuck, Bond, Emerson & Pickering. 30
The record of the last meeting was read.
Voted, To proceed to the choice of officers.
Dr. Hayward and Mr. Miles were appointed to collect the votes.
Voted, That the poll be closed at 12 O’Clock.
[end page 127 | begin page 128]
{{128}}
{{May 28.1839.}}
The President, Dr Jackson, the vice President, Mr Quincy, and the Recording Secretary, Mr Treadwell severally stated that they declined being considered as candidates for re-election.
The Treasurer laid before the meeting his accounts for the year as follows.
Dr. The American Academy of Arts & Sciences in a/c with Joseph Tilden, Treasurer, Cr.
[table]
Boston 25th May 1839. Errors Excepted, Joseph Tilden, Treasurer.
The property of the Academy appropriated to this a/c is as follows, viz,
Policy No. 1377 in Hos. Life Insurance Co. 2.000.
do 1565 do do 2000.
Amount deposited in Columbian Bank bearing interest @ 5 pr ct pr annum. 2000.
Balance of this a/c deposited in Columbian Bank 39 24
$6.039.24
Boston 30th May 1839. I certify that I have examined this account & that the same is rightly cast and duly vouched & that the Treasurer has shown me evidences of property therein mentioned as remaining in his hands.
J. I. Bowditch, Committee.
[end page 128 | begin page 129]
{{129}}
{{May 28.1839.}}
Rumford Fund
Dr. The American Academy of Arts & Sciences in a/c with Joseph Tilden, Treasurer, Cr.
[table]
Boston 25th May, 1839 Errors Excepted
Joseph Tilden, Treasurer
The Rumford Fund is invested in Policy No 1376 in Mass. Hos. Life Insure. office 22.600
4 shares in Lowell Rail Road cost 1.904
24.504
Less the above balance of a/c 53 56
24.450.44.
Boston May 30 1839. I certify that I have examined this account & that the same is rightly cast & duly vouched & that the Treasurer has shown me the evidences of property therein mentioned as remaining on his hands.
J. I. Bowditch, Committee.
Voted, That Mr Bowditch be a committee to examine the treasurers accounts & that when he shall certify to their correctness that they be accepted and recorded.
Vice President Quincy made the following report,
The officers of the Academy appointed at a meeting held March 20, 1838 “to carry into execution such measurers as they may deem expedient in honor of the memory of Dr Bowditch, late President of the Academy.
Respectfully report, That to carry into effect the design of the Academy they appointed Messrs. Quincy and Treadwell as a subcommittee to correct measures with such other societies as might be disposed to unite with the Academy in rendering honor to the memory of Dr Bowditch. The sub committee thus appointed united with committees from the Boston Marine Society, the Salem Marine Society, the Salem East India Marine Society, the Salem East Indian Marine Society, the Boston
[end page 129 | begin page 130]
{{130}}
{{May 28.1839}}
Athenaeum, the Salem Athenaeum and members of the Nautical profession in adopting certain votes and a subscription paper, a copy of which is herewith presented. (see file( To one of these papers circulated by the sub committee of the Academy the sum of Eight hundred dollars has been subscribed; which sum has been paid to the treasurer of the Academy.
All of which is respectfully submitted,
Josiah Quincy.
Danl Treadwell
Boston May 28. 1839.
Voted, That the report be accepted and that a committee of two be appointed to carry into effect the report, and that the President and Vice President for the time being constitute this committee.
The Librarian made a report of books and charts received since last meeting.
Voted, That the thanks of the Academy be presented to those who have presented the works as reported by the Librarian.
The Librarian made a report on the state of the Library as follows.
American Academy of Arts & Sciences
The Librarian having been instructed by a vote of the Academy to take measures to recover the books missing from the Library, and to report his proceedings thereon, respectfully reports, That by personal inquiries & applications he has obtained the return of a considerable number of volumes, and he believes that most of the remainder will be regained in the same manner. In order more effectually to guard against similar occurrences in future, he has procured a more convenient Library account book, in which each member will be requested to enter his book before taking it from the Library.
The Librarian takes this occasion to remark that there is in the library a considerable number of duplicate volumes, some of which are of considerable value in themselves, although of very little use to the Academy. The space they occupy on the shelves is much needed for other books. So far as he is aware, there is no authority given to any one, either to dispose of the duplicates, or to provide new shelves, nor even to purchase books, unless it be included in the powers of the Rumford Committee to dispose of that fund. There are also some valuable engravings & charts, for the preservation of which there is no adequate provision. He therefore respectfully suggests
[end page 130 | begin page 131]
{{131}}
{{May 28. 1839.}}
to the Academy the expediency of appointing a standing committee on the library, with authority to purchase books to dispose of duplicate copies, to provide necessary cases, and to determine such questions s may arise in regard to the library, subject of course to such limitations as the Academy may fix.
Which is respectfully submitted,
Enoch Hale, Librarian.
Boston May 28, 1839.
Voted, That the above report be committed to the Rumford Committee.
The President laid before the Academy a work on the Dighton Rock, referred to a committee consisting of Messrs. Everett & Davis.
The President presented a new draft of the Report of the Rumford Committee made Novembr 14. 1838 and re-committed at that time to the same committee. The report as now presented is as follows.
The standing committee, on the subject of the donation of Count Rumford, respectfully report,
That nearly forty years have elapsed, since Dr Robert Hare of Philadelphia, made and published an account of his invention of the instrument , called at first by him the Hydrostatic, but more recently, the Compound, or Oxy Hydrogen Blow Pipe. The reasons at this distance of time unknown to the committee, but probably form the fact that the value of this this, like that of many other inventions and discoveries of great importance, was not at first fully appreciated, the attention of the Academy was not at the time called to this invention as a subject deserving the award of the premium provided by Count Rumford “for the most important discovery, or useful improvement on heat or on light.” Unfortunately also the terms in which Count Rumford placed his premium at the disposal of the Academy, precluded any subsequent action on the subject since they require that the award be made within two years from the first publication of the description of the invention or discovery which forms the subject of the premium. These terms having been now abrogated by a decree of the Supreme Judicial Court, the committee feel bound to act upon the opinion which they have long entertained that the invention of the Blowpipe by Dr. Hare and its practical
[end page 131 | begin page 132]
{{132}}
{{May 28.1839.}}
application to the purposes of science, deserves from the Academy the award of the Rumford Premium, and they accordingly propose that the award be now made, as an act of justice to this distinguished Chemist.
To enable all the members of the Academy justly to appreciate the merits of this proposal the committee beg leave to present a summary statement of the labors of Dr Hare in the production of this invention. The combination of oxygen and hydrogen, by the process of combustion, was well known to chemists before the close of the last century. The apparatus in which this combustion was carried on, however, was not suited to exhibit the great evolution of heat which must necessarily have taken place, and it was therefore neglected. In the year 1801 Dr Hare made his invention of an instrument, called by him the hydrostatic blow-pipe, in which oxygen & hydrogen, from separate reservoirs, were made to unite in a small stream, where being ignited, they burned with an intense heat. A full account of this instrument was published in 1802, together with a statement of numerous results obtained by it, in the fusion of various substances which had not before been reduced by any temperature within the reach of the chemist.
In 1812 a yet more extensive course of experiments were made by Professor Silliman , in the account of which, in addition to the great power of the instrument in producing heat, the brilliant light exhibited by bodies exposed to its action was fully noticed.
Since the first publication, by Dr Hare, of the account of his invention, he has made various modifications and improvements in the form of the instrument, and its use is now so general, that it is considered essential to every well furnished laboratory. Indeed the committee have reason to believe that the use of this blow pipe, in an enlarged form, as lately constructed by Dr. Hare, will soon be carried beyond the mere purposes of the chemist, and applied directly in the practice of the useful arts.
The whole course of Dr Hare, in the invention & improvements of the compound blow pipe, exhibits in the opinion of the committee, much ingenuity, and persevering industry, with complete succession attaining the useful object for which the instrument and designed.) Should the Academy adopt the recommendation of the committee, as expressed in the first part of this report, and carry the same into effect, it will be necessary that immediate measures be taken for procuring the medals which may be awarded at the next annual
[end page 132 | begin page 133]
{{133}}
{{May 28. 1839.}}
meeting of the Academy. The committee therefore offer the following vote to the consideration of the Academy.
Voted, that the Rumford Committee be authorized to procure dies, of such size and with such devices as they may deem proper, for striking medals to be awarded, hereafter according to the intentions of Count Rumford, and from the funds provided by him, to the author of any important discovery or useful improvement on light or on heat; and that the same committee be authorized to procure one gold and one silver medal, to be made form the dies thus obtained.
James Jackson.
Jno. Pickering.
Jacob Bigelow.
Danl Treadwell.
John Ware.
Boston May 28. 1839.
Voted, That the report be accepted an that one gold and one silver medal be awarded to Dr Hare as therein recommended.
Voted, That the Rumford committee be directed to communicate the award thus made, to Dr Hare, and take such measures as they may deem necessary for presenting the medals to him.
Dr Hayward made a report of officers chosen for the year ensuing as follows,
John Pickering, L.L.D. President.
Jacob Bigelow, M.D. Vice President.
Charles Folsom, A.M. Corresponding Secretary.
Benjamin Peirce, A.M. Recording Secretary.
Joseph Tilden Treasurer.
Enoch Hale, M.D. Librarian.
George Hayward, M.D. } Committee
John Ware, M.D. } Publications.
John Pickering }
Jacob Bigelow } Rumford
Danl Treadwell } Committee.
John Ware }
Benj Peirce }
On motion of Judge Davis
Voted, That the thanks of the Academy be presented to
[end page 133 | begin page 134]
{{134}}
{{May 28.1839}}
Dr Jackson for his services as President.
On motion of Dr Hayward
Voted, That the thanks of the Academy be presented to Mr Quincy for his services as Vice President.
On motion of Dr Hale
Voted, That the thanks of the Academy be presented to Mr Treadwell for his services as Recording Secretary.
Voted, That the meeting be dissolved.
Danl Treadwell
Recording Secretary
{{Novemr 13.1839}}
Two hundred & thirty fifth Meeting
Novemr 13.1839.
The Academy met, the President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs. Pickering, Folsom, Hale, Treadwell, Tilden, Winthrop, Quincy, Worcester, Webster, Paine, C.T. Jackson, J H. Abbot, Alger, Gay, Storer, Holmes, Hayes, Peirce.
On motion of President Quincy
Voted, That the communication from the Royal Society upon the subject of Magnetic Observations be referred to a committee of five, consisting of
The President of the Academy
Professor Treadwell
Mr Bond
Professor Lovering
Mr J. H Abbot.
On motion of Mr Folsom.
Voted, That an engraved copper plate be prepared for the purpose of acknowledging the receipt of Donations.
[end page 134 | begin page 135]
{{135}}
{{Novemr 13.1839}}
Voted, That the Academy proceed to the election of members.
Voted, That Dr. Holmes be appointed a committee for counting the votes
{{Fellows chosen.}}
{{J. J. da Costa.}}
{{E. Reynolds.}}
{{N. Tillinghast.}}
The following members were elected.
Joaqin Jose da Costa de Macedo, Secretary of Lisbon Academy.
Edward Reynolds, M.D. of Boston
Nicholas Tillinghast of Medfield.
On motion of Mr Treadwell,
Voted, That the Corresponding Secretary and the Librarian be united with the Rumford Committee, as the committee for considering the report of the Librarian which was made at the meeting in May last; and that the committee be instructed to report at the next meeting of the Academy.
On motion of Dr. Hale.
Voted, That a copy of the Transactions of the Academy be transmitted to the Albany Institute, and also a copy to the National History Society of Boston.
On motion of Mr Folsom,
Voted, That a copy of the Transactions of the Academy be transmitted to the Royal Geographical Society of London.
On motion of Mr Folsom,
Voted, That in the two preceding votes, all publications of the Academy be included in the word “Transactions”.
On motion of Mr Folsom
Voted, That the Academy advertise for the purchase of any deficient portion of the Transactions.
On motion of Dr. Hale
Voted, That the last volume of the Transactions of the Academy be transmitted to Dr. Thomas Thomson of Glasgow, and also to the University of Glasgow, and also to the Natural History Society of Montreal.
/over/
[end page 135 | begin page 136]
{{136}}
{{Novemr 13.1839.}}
On motion of Prof Treadwell
Voted, That the thanks of the Academy be presented to Robert M. Patterson of Philadelphia, for his very judicious advice & assistance to the Rumford Committee, in their execution of the order of the Academy for procuring the dies and medals for the Rumford Premium.
Voted, That an attested copy of the vote be transmitted to Dr. Patterson, by the Corresponding Secretary.
Voted, That the meeting be dissolved.
Benjamin Peirce
Recording Secretary
{{January 29.1840.}}
Two hundred and thirty sixth Meeting
January 29. 1840.
Present, Messrs. Pickering, Quincy, Tilden, Peirson, Hale, Swett, Bigelow, Hayward, Folsom, Treadwell, Emerson, Payne, Sherwin, Gay, Lovering, Peirce.
Voted, That the Academy proceed to the election of members.
Voted, That Prof. Lovering be appointed a committee for counting the votes.
{{Fellows chosen.}}
{{W. Vaughan.}}
{{W.H. Prescott.}}
{{C. S. Storrow}}
The following members were elected
William Vaughan, F.R.S. of London.
William H. Prescott of Boston
Charles S. Storrow of Boston
Voted, That the meeting be dissolved.
Benjamin Peirce
Recording Secretary
[end page 136 | begin page 137]
{{137}}
{{April 22.1840.}}
Two hundred and thirty seventh Meeting
April 22. 1840.
A special meeting was held this day at 4 O’Clock, P.M.
the President in the chair.
Present, Messrs. Pickering, Bigelow, Folsom, Hale, Quincy, Paine, Treadwell, Lovering, Gay, Hayes, Hayward (George), Hayward (James), Storrow, Pierson, Sherwin, Miles, Emerson, Holmes, Abbot, Brewer.
The Recording Secretary being absent it was
Voted, That the Corresponding Secretary act as Recording Secretary pro tempore.
The President, as Chairman of the committee (appointed on the 13th of November 1839) to whom was referred a communication from the Royal Society of London on the subject of Terrestrial Magnetism, read their Report, as follows:
The Committee, to whom was referred the communication from the Royal Society of London on the subject of Terrestrial Magnetism, beg leave to submit the following Report:
The Committee have agreeably to the views expressed at the meeting of the Academy, at which the subject was referred to them, conferred with the Corporation of Harvard College; the result of which conference was, that a vote was passed by the Corporation, a copy of which is hereto annexed and is submitted as a part of this report. The Committee, in furtherance of the important object in view, recommend that the Academy should appropriate a sum, not exceeding one thousand dollars, to be applied to the purchase of such philosophical instrument as shall be deemed requisite; and such purchase to be made under the direction of a Committee of the Academy.
The Committee further recommend, that the above appropriation should be made from the “Rumford Fund”; the objects in view being in furtherance of the scientific researches contemplated by the liberal donor of that fund.
In conformity with the above views, the Committee respectfully propose for adoption the subjoined Votes.
All which is respectfully submitted
By order of the Committee, Jno Pickering, Chairman.
[end page 137 | begin page 138]
{{138}}
{{April 22.1840.}}
Voted, That a sum not exceeding one thousand dollars be appropriated, from the Rumford Fund, to the purchase of the requisite Instruments for making Magnetic and Meteorological Observations, under the direction of a committee of the Academy, and in conjunction with the observations directed by the Corporation of Harvard College.
Voted, That be a Committee for the purpose of carrying into effect the objects contemplated in the foregoing vote and the Report accompanying the same – and that they be, and hereby are, authorized to draw upon the treasurer of the Academy for a sum part exceeding one thousand dollars.
At a meeting of the President and Fellows of Harvard College held Feby 12. 1840.
The President stated to the Board a proposition made to him by a committee of the American Academy relative to an appropriation of a sum to be applied to the purchase of instruments for magnetic & meteorological observations, which being considered, thereupon,
Voted, That if the American Academy of Arts & Sciences shall appropriate a sum not less than eight hundred dollars for the purchase of instruments, suitable for making magnetic and meteorological observations, & shall cause the same to be placed in the building to be placed in the building lately erected for that purpose by this Corporation, for the use of the Professor of Natural Philosophy and Astronomical Observer of the said college, for the time being, it is hereby declined and agreed that the record of the original observations made with those instruments, shall be the joint property of the said American Academy & of Harvard College, and that all such observations shall be made, according to the plan prescribed by the Royal Society of London in their letter addressed to the said American Academy, with such amendments as the said Royal Society may hereafter propose, under the joint superintendence of the President of the American Academy and the President of Harvard College for the time being, and that the publication, or other use made of said observations shall be under the joint authority of both the Academy and the College, it being understood that the instruments thus purchased shall always be and remain the property of said American Academy, and all times subject to their order of removal, and also that the Corporation of Harvard College may put an end to this connexion whenever they see fit.
A true copy from the Records
Attest, James Walker, Secy. of the Corporation.
[end page 138 | begin page 139]
{{139}}
{{April 22.1840.}}
Voted, That the Report be accepted.
Voted, That a sum not exceeding one thousand dollars be appropriated, from the Rumford Fund, to the purchase of the requisite Instruments for making Magnetic and Meteorological Observations, under the direction of a Committee of the Academy, and in conjunction with the Observations directed by the Corporation of the Harvard College.
Voted, That the President, Professor Treadwell, Mr. W. C. Bond, Professor Lovering, & Mr Joseph H. Abbot be a Committee for the purpose of carrying into effect the objects contemplated in the foregoing vote & the Report accompanying the same, and that they be, and hereby are, authorized to draw upon the treasurer of the Academy for a sum not exceeding one thousand dollars.
Voted, That the Corresponding Secretary transmit to the Royal Society of London an account of the proceedings of the American Academy on the subject of Terrestrial Magnetism in consequence of their communication.
Voted, To adjourn the meeting.
Charles Folsom,
Recording Secretary pro tem.
{{May 26.1840.}}
Two hundred and thirty eighth Meeting.
May 26.1840.
The Academy met, the President in the chair.
Present, Messrs. Pickering, Folsom, Winthrop, Treadwell, Quincy, Tilden, Bigelow, Swett, G Hayward, J. Hayward, Ware, Emerson, Prescott, Paine, Storer, Roby, Holmes, Storrow, Abbot, Peirce.
Voted, To proceed to the choice of officers.
Mr Storrow & Dr Holmes were appointed to collect the votes.
Voted, That the poll be closed at 5 O’Clock.
[end page 139 | begin page 140]
{{140}}
{{May 26.1840}]
Mr Peirce stated that he declined being considered a candidate for re-election.
The Treasurer laid before the meeting his accounts for the year, as follows,
Dr. The American Academy of Arts & Sciences in a/c with the Joseph Tilden, Treasurer, Cr.
[table]
Boston May 25.1840. Errors Excepted, Joseph Tilden, Treasurer.
The property of the Academy appropriated to this a/c/ is as follows.
Policy No. 1377 in Mass Hos. Life Ins. Co. 2000.
do " 1565 do 2000.
do " 2015 do 2000.
Balance of the a/c deposited in Columbian Bank 312.56
$6.312.56
Boston July 3 1840 I certify that I have examined this account and that the same is rightly cast & duly vouched & that the Treasurer has shown me the evidences of property therein mentioned as remaining in his hands.
J. Ingersoll Bowditch, Committee.
[end page 140 | begin page 141]
{{141}}
{{May 26.1840.}}
Rumford Fund
Dr. The American Academy of Arts and Sciences in a/c with Joseph Tilden, Treasurer, Cr.
[table]
Boston May 25.1840. Errors Excepted, Joseph Tilden, Treasurer.
Property of Rumford Fund is invested in
Policy No 1376 in Mass Hos. Life Ins Co 22.600.
4 Shares in Lowell Rail Road Co. at cost. 1.904
Balance of this a/c deposited in Columbian Bank 895.56
23.399.56
Boston 3rd July. 1840. I certify that I have examined this account & that the same is rightly cast & duly vouched & that the Treasurer has shown me the evidence of the property therein mentioned as remaining in his hands.
J. Ingersoll Bowditch, Committee.
Voted, That Mr Bowditch be a committee to examine the Treasurer’s accounts and that, when he shall certify to their correctness, they be accepted and recorded.
Mr Storrow made a report of the officers chosen for the year ensuing as follows,
John Pickering, L.L.D. President.
Jacob Bigelow, M.D. Vice President.
Charles Folsom, Esqr. Corresponding Secretary.
George B. Emerson, Esqr. Recording Secretary.
Hon. Joseph Tilden. Treasurer.
Vice Treasurer.
Enoch Hale, M.D. Librarian
John Ware, M.D. } Committee of
Geo. Hayward, M.D. } Publications
/over/
[end page 141 | begin page 142]
{{142}}
{{May 26.1840.}}
John Pickering, L.L.D. }
Jacob Bigelow, L.L.D. } Rumford
Prof. Daniel Treadwell } Committee
John Ware, M.D. }
George B. Emerson, Esqr. }
The Committee, consisting of the Rumford Committee, together with the Corresponding Secretary and the Librarian, to whom was referred the Report of the Librarian, made at the last annual meeting, respectfully report.
That there is now no officer or committee of the Academy having in charge the purchase of books for such increase of the Library as is necessary to render it in the greatest degree useful to the Academy. The committee consider it important that this defect in the laws should be corrected, and that it should be made the duty of some one, or more, of the fellows of the Academy to procure from time to time, such books as shall render the Library most complete as a scientific collection; provided the expenditures, for this purpose, shall at all times be kept within the limits of the surplus income of the Academy. It would at the first view seem most proper that this trust should be confided to a separate committee to be chosen annually for the purpose. As however the purchases must be made principally from the income of the Rumford Fund which is held for certain specific purposes, and as the state of this fund, as well as the purposes to which it can be safely applied, may be supposed to be best known to the standing committee annually chosen specially to advise the Academy in the administration of this trust, the committee recommend that the duty of the purchase of books be confided to the Rumford Committee and the Librarian, accepting together as one committee. The committee further recommend, that the same committee have authority to make such regulations for the circulation and return of books, and to employ such agents for the arrangements and preservation of the books as they may deem necessary. To provide for the execution of the plan herein proposed, the committee present the following votes:
Voted, That the Rumford committee together with the Librarian be a committee on the Library, with authority to purchase such works, from time to time, as they may think expedient; and that they have authority to make rules and regulations concerning the circulation, return and safe keeping of the books; and that
[end page 142 | begin page 143]
{{143}}
{{May 26.1840.}}
they may appoint such agents for effecting the above objects as they may think necessary.
Voted, That there be annually appropriated to all the above purposes from the income of the Rumford Fund, and that of the Academy, the charges to be made to either fund as the committee shall direct, the sum of $800. and the Treasurer is hereby authorised to pay the drafts of the committee to that amount.
All of which is respectfully submitted by order of the committee.
Jno. Pickering
Chairman
May 26.1840.
The above report was accepted and the votes were passed.
Voted, That the Academy proceed to the election of members.
Voted, That Dr. Roby be appointed a committee for counting the votes.
The following members were elected.
{{Fellows chosen.}}
{{J. Henry.}}
{{U. A. Boyden}}
Joseph Henry, Prof. Natl. Phil. Princeton, N.J.
Uriah A. Boyden. Boston.
On motion of Dr. Hale.
Voted, That the committee on publications be requested to take such measures as they may think expedient to publish any memoirs, which now are, or may be submitted to them.
Voted, That the meeting be dissolved.
Benjamin Peirce
Recording Secretary
{{Aug. 19.1840}}
Two hundred and thirty ninth Meeting
August 19.1840.
The Academy met, the President in the chair.
Present, Messrs. Pickering, Bigelow, Folsom, Emerson, Tilden, E. Hale, L. Shaw, J. Savage, G. C. Shattuck, J. C. Warren, G. Hayward,
[end page 143 | begin page 144]
{{144}}
{{Aug. 19.1840.}}
J. Hayward, W Bond, D. Treadwell, B. Peirce, S. P. Miles, F. Algers, C. S. Storrow, and N. Tillinghast.
The President read a letter from Wm. Cogswell, editor of the American Quarterly Register, to the Corresponding Secretary, requesting information in regard to the History of the Academy.
On motion of Mr Folsom,
Voted, That a committee of one be appointed to draw up a sketch of the history of the Academy for the “American Quarterly Register.”
Voted, That the President be that committee.
Voted, To proceed to ballot for members.
Messrs Storrow and Peirce were appointed to Meet the ballots.
The following gentlemen were elected Fellows of the Academy.
{{Members chosen.}}
{{C. Morris;}}
{{C. Wilkes,}}
{{D. Oliver,}}
Commodore Charles Morris, U.S. Navy.
Lieutenant Charles Wilkes, U.S. Navy.
Daniel Oliver, M.D. of Boston.
{{R. I. Murchison.}}
Professor Roderick Impey Murchison.
{{Letter from The Royal Soc.}}
The Corresponding Secretary read a letter from J. F. Daniell, Foreign Secretary of the Royal Society, expressing the high gratification of the Council of that society at the compliance of the Academy with their wishes and its munificence in furthering their plans in reference to meteorological observations.
Mr Bond and Prof Peirce gave some information in regard to the meteorological observations now making at Cambridge.
{{Meteorological Observations}}
Dr Hale noticed the deficiency in the records of meteorological observations from April 1779 when those of Prof Winthrop ended, to the end of 1785 when Dr Holyoke’s began; records for a century, with this exception, being among the Academy’s papers. He expressed the hope that some gentlemen might be acquainted
[end page 144 | begin page 145]
{{145}}
{{Aug. 19. 1840}}
with records from which the want might be supplied
Adjourned.
Geo. B. Emerson.
Recording Secretary
{{Novemr. 11.1840.}}
Two hundred and fortieth Meeting
November 11.1840.
The Academy met, J. Tilden, Esqr. Treasurer, in the chair
Present, Messrs. J. Tilden, R. T. Paine, S. Swett, J Lovering, F. W. P. Greenwood, F. Alger, G. B. Emerson, C. T. Jackson, E. Hale and D. H. Storer.
{{Library}}
Dr Hale made a report of the additions made to the Library, and, on his motion, a vote of thanks was passed to the gentlemen who had made donations.
On motion of Dr Hale,
Voted, To proceed to ballot for members.
Col. Swett and Dr Storer were appointed to receive the ballots.
{{Fellows chosen.}}
{{C. Cramer.}}
Mr Charles Cramer of St. Petersburg was chosen a member of the Academy.
Adjourned.
Geo. B. Emerson.
Recording Secretary.
[end page 145 | begin page 146]
{{146}}
{{Jany 27.1841.}}
Two hundred and forty first meeting
January 27.1841.
A meeting of the Academy was holden at the Academy’s room at 11 O’Clock A.M.
The President in the chair.
Present, Messrs. Pickering, J. Brewer, J Quincy, J Tilden, Storrow, O. W. Holmes, D. H. Storer, R. T. Paine, A. W. Boyden, D. Treadwell, F. C. Gray, S. Swett, T. Sherwin, G. B. Emerson, Bond.
Voted, To proceed to the choice of Members.
Mr Storrow was appointed to collected the ballots and
{{Fellows chosen}}
Prof. Albert Hopkins of Williams College, Williamstown.
who had been nominated by [REDACTED].
and
Col. George Bonford Chief of the Ordnance Department Washington, nominated by [REDACTED].
were chosen.
{{Magnetic experiments}}
President Quincy made some observations on two magnetic experiments now making at the observatory at Cambridge and moved that the Committee on Magnetic observations be authorized to publish the results of these experiments, provided the expense of publishing do not exceed three hundred dollars.
This motion was seconded by Prof. Treadwell & unanimously adopted.
{{On nominations}}
On motion of Dr Brewer, it was
Voted, That the Secretary be instructed to insert in the records of the Academy, together with the names of individuals chosen Fellows of the Academy, the names of the members by whom they had been nominated.
{{Application to the Legislature.}}
The Librarian moved that a Committee be appointed to consider the expediency of an application to the legislature to provide for a more effectual Registry and Report of Deaths, Births and Marriages throughout the Commonwealth, with authority if they
[end page 146 | begin page 147]
{{147.}}
{{Jany 27.1841}}
judge it expedient, to present a memorial on the subject, in the name of the Academy to the present Legislature.
This was adopted and
The President, F. C. Gray, Dr Hale, J. I. Bowditch and Prof. Treadwell were chosen the committee.
{{Meteorological observations}}
Dr. Hale made some interesting remarks upon the meteorological observations which he is carrying on for the purpose of determining the difference of rain which falls at different elevations at the same place
Adjourned.
Geo. B. Emerson
Recording Secretary.
{{May 25.1841}}
Two hundred and forty second meeting
May 25.1841.
The Academy met at its Hall in State St at 11 O’Clock
The President in the chair.
Present, John Pickering, J Bigelow, W. C. Bond, U Boyden, F. Alger, T. W. Harris, E. Hale, J. B. S. Jackson, A Hopkins, D. A. White, J. Tilden, Josiah Quincy, D. H. Storer, R. T. Paine, T. Sherwin, S. Swett, R. Wyman, J. Roby, D. Treadwell, J. C. Warren, B. Peirce, & Jas. Savage.
{{Librarian}}
The Librarian, E. Hale, M.D. read his report upon the Library, which on the motion of Hon. D. A. White, was accepted.
On motion of the Librarian it was
Voted, That the thanks of the Academy be presented and transmitted by the Corresponding Secretary, to the several persons and societies that have made donations to the Library of the Academy.
and
That the thanks of the Academy be presented to the Rev.d John Andrews, D.D. of Newburyport, for the very valuable donation of the manuscript Meteorological Journal of the late Dr Wigglesworth of
[end page 147 | begin page 148]
{{148}}
{{May 25.1841.}}
Harvard University.
On motion of the Vice President, J. Bigelow, M.D. it was,
Voted, That the thanks of the Academy be presented to Mr William J. Bowditch for the very acceptable and useful manner in which he has arranged their library, and for the elaborate & elegant catalogue which he has made of its contents. Also,
Voted, That Mr Bowditch be invited to make use of the Academy’s Library, in the same manner and on the same conditions, as it is used by the members themselves.
{{Magnetic Observations}}
President Quincy presented, in the name of Prof. Lovering and W.C. Bond, the magnetic observations made at the Observatory at Cambridge, which had been printed agreeably to a recent vote of the Academy.
On motion of the Dr. Hale, they were referred to the committee on Publications.
{{Meteorological}}
Dr. Hale laid before the Academy a series of Meteorological Tables and made some interesting observations on the results obtained therefrom.
J. Tilden, Esqr. presented his annual report as Treasurer of the Academy and of the Rumford Fund.
On motion it was
Voted, That the committee on the Library be that committee.
{{Memorial to the Legislature}}
The President read a memorial which, as chairman of a Committee chosen at the last meeting of the Academy, he had caused to be presented to the Legislature of Massachusetts at its last session on the subject of the Registration of Births, Deaths, etc.
On motion of the Recording Secretary it was,
Voted, That the same Committee be requested to present the
[end page 148 | begin page 149]
{{149}}
{{May 25.1841}}
same memorial to the Legislature at its next session.
{{Scienziati of Italy}}
The Secretary read a communication which had been received by the President from the President, the Marchese Cosimo Ridolfi and the General Secretary, the Cavalier Ferdinando Tartini, of the Associated Men of Science of Italy, giving notice of their proposed Third Meeting to be held at Florence on the 15th of September, 1841, and inviting men of Science, members of Learned Societies in foreign countries to be present.
On motion of the Recording Secretary, it was,
Voted, That the Corresponding Secretary be instructed to make a suitable answer to the communication, on behalf of the Academy; and that the Hon. Edward Everett, now resident at Florence, be authorized [sic] and requested to represent the Academy at that meeting.
{{Soc. Royale de Lille.}}
The Secretary also read a letter received by the President from Z Marequard for the Societe Royale des Sciences, del Agriculture et des Arts, de Lille, proposing an exchange of Memoirs and Transactions: and it was,
Voted, That the Corresponding Secretary be instructed to answer the communication, with authority to carry the proposed exchange in to effect.
On motion of Prof Pierce, it was,
Voted, To proceed to the choice of Members, and
James Englebert Teschemacher of Boston, (who had been proposed by G. B. Emerson, & O. W. Holmes)
Augustus A. Gould, M.D. of Boston, (who had been proposed by G. B. Emerson, D. H. Storer and T. Sherwin) were chosen.
{{Officers}}
The Academy having voted to proceed to the choice of officers, T. Sherwin, in behalf of the Committee appointed to receive and count the votes, reported that the following gentlemen were chosen officers for the year ensuing.
Hon. John Pickering. President.
Jacob Bigelow, M.D. Vice President.
Charles Folsom, A.M. Corresponding Secretary.
George B. Emerson, A.M. Recording Secretary.
Joseph Tilden, Esqr. Treasurer.
Vice Treasurer.
[end page 149 | begin page 150]
{{150}}
{{May 25.1841}}
Enoch Hale, M.D. Librarian and
That the following gentlemen were chosen a committee of Publications
John Ware, M.D.
Geo. Hayward, M.D.
and the following a Committee on the Rumford Premium.
John Pickering, L.L.D.
Jacob Bigelow, M.D.
Prof D. Treadwell.
John Ware, M.D. and
Geo. B. Emerson, A.M.
On motion of Dr Hale,
Voted, That during the absence of the Corresponding Secretary, the Recording Secretary be instructed to perform his duties.
{{Comee. of Library.}}
On motion of the Librarian it was,
Voted, That a committee of three be chosen to examine the Library.
Voted, That T. Sherwin, A.M. J. B. S. Jackson, M.D. and D. H. Storer, M.D. be that committee
{{Catalogue}}
On motion of Dr Wyman,
Voted, That a committee be appointed to consider the expediency of printing a catalogue of the Library, and that the Committee just chosen be that committee.
Adjourned.
Geo. B. Emerson
Recording Secretary
{{Rumford Fund Report.}}
Rumford Fund
Dr. The American Academy of Arts & Sciences in a/c with Joseph Tilden, Treasr. Cr.
[table]
Boston May 22 1841. Errors Excepted. Joseph Tilden, Treasr.
[end page 150 | begin page 151]
{{151.}}
{{May 25.1841}}
The property of Rumford Fund is in Policy No 1376 Mass. Hos. Life Ins. Co 22600.
4 shares in Lowell Rail Road cost 1.904
24.50
Less, balance of this a/c/ 545.14
$23.908.86
Boston 9th August 1841. I certify that I have examined this account, and that the same is rightly cast and duly vouched, and that the Treasurer has shown me the evidences of property therein mentioned as remaining in his hands.
J. Ingersoll Bowditch. Committee.
{{Genl. Fund Report}}
Dr. The American Academy of Arts and Sciences in a/c with Joseph Tilden, Treasurer, Cr.
[table]
Boston May 22.1841. Errors Excepted. Jos. Tilden. Treasurer.
The property of the Academy appropriated to this a/c is as follows, viz,
Policy No 1377 in Mass. Life Ins. Co. 2000.
do " 1565 2000
do " 2015 2000
Balance of this a/c IN Columbian Bank 559.64
$6.559.64
Boston 9th August 1841. I certify that I have examined this account and that the same is rightly cast & duly vouched and that the Treasurer has shown me the evidences of property therein mentioned as remaining in his hands.
J. Ingersoll Bowditch, Committee.
[end page 151 | begin page 152]
{{152}}
{{August 11.1841.}}
Two hundred and forty third meeting.
August 11.1841.
The Academy met at its Hall on State Street at 11 O’Clock, A.M.
The President in the chair.
Present, J. Pickering, L. Lincoln, J. Bigelow, J. Tilden, E. Hale, R. Wyman, D. H. Storer, J. H. Abbot, S. Swett.
{{Report on Magnetl Obser.}}
After the reading of the record of the last meeting, the Recording Secretary stated that at a meeting of the committee on Publications, Prof. Lovering and W. C. Bond, Esqr were authorized to make such disposition of the extra copies of the Report on the Magnetical Observations, as they should think best.
{{Catalogue}}
Dr. Hale reported that a catalogue of the books in the Library, according to their places on the shelves, had been prepared for the purpose of facilitating the examination of the Library.
{{Fellows chosen.}}
On motion of Dr Hale, The Academy proceeded to the choice of Fellows, and
Jean Baptiste Benoit Eyries, of Paris (who had been nominated by [REDACTED)
Col. Joseph G. Totten, Chief Engineer of the U.S. Army
(nominated by [REDACTED])
James F. Baldwin, Esqr. (nominated by [REDACTED])
Maj. Richard Delafield, Superintendent of the Military Academy at West Point, (nominated by REDACTED)
Rev Mark Hopkins, D.D. President of Williams College (nominated by [REDACTED]) were elected.
On motion of Dr Hale, it was
Voted, That the Corresponding Secretary be instructed to transmit the thanks of the Academy for the donations that have been made to the Academy since the last meeting.
On motion of G. B. Emerson,
Voted, That a committee be appointed to propose a blank
[end page 152 | begin page 153]
{{153}}
{{August 11.1841.}}
form of a letter to be addressed to gentlemen chosen Fellows of the Academy, giving them notice of their election.
On motion of Dr Bigelow
The Recording Secretary was constituted that committee.
Adjourned.
Geo. B. Emerson.
Recording Secretary.
{{Novemr. 10.1841.}}
Two hundred and forty fourth Meeting
November 10.1841.
The Academy met at its Hall on State St. at 11 O’Clock, A.M.
The President in the chair.
Present, Messrs. Pickering, W. H. Prescott, J. Tilden, J. H. Abbot, J. I. Bowditch, D. A. White, R. T. Paine, J. E. Teschmacher, J. E. Worcester, President Quincy, Drs J. Bigelow, D. H. Storer, J. B. S. Jackson, E. Hale, A. A. Gould, A. L. Pierson, Rev Dr Harris and G. B. Emerson.
{{Meteorological Observations.}}
After the reading of the record of the last meeting, the Recording Secretary, in behalf of Prof. Lovering, who was necessarily absent, made a statement of what had been done at Cambridge by Profs Lovering and Peirce towards organizing a corps of Meteorological Observers. They have engaged sixty or more of the young gentlemen in the three upper classes in college, who, in turn, make observations upon the several instruments in the Observatory, and record their observations; a fine spirit prevails & many of the young men promise to make excellent observers.
The Recording Secretary submitted the form of a letter giving information of admission to the Academy, which was adopted.
{{Meteorological}}
Dr Hale made observations upon the means that had been used to ascertain the quantities of rain falling, at the same time, at stations at different elevations. New stations had been taken, one on Boston Common, and guages [sic] had been fixed at the top and bottom of a
[end page 153 | begin page 154]
{{154}}
{{Novemr. 10.1841.}}
fixed pole. No satisfactory conclusions had been drawn from them and they had been interrupted, more than once, by the removal of the rain guages [sic].
{{Comee. on Meteorological Ob:}}
On motion of Dr Hale, it was,
Voted, That the committee on meteorological observations, consisting of the President, Dr. Bigelow and Mr Treadwell be authorized to continue and extend the observations now going on.
{{Bust of Dr Bowditch}}
Dr. Bigelow reported in behalf of a committee chosen to procure a bust of the late President of the Academy, Dr. Bowditch. A model had been made by R. Ball Hughes, and plaster casts taken from it; and a bust in marble would probably have been finished but for a defect in the block Mr Hughes had selected for the purpose.
On motion of Dr Hale, it was,
Voted, That the committee be authorised to add forty dollars to the sum already appropriated for procuring the bust.
{{Library.}}
Mr. Sherwin, from the Committee on the condition of the Library made a report, which after some remarks upon the subject by Dr Hale, was accepted.
{{Meetings of the Acad:}}
On motion of the Recording Secretary, it was,
Voted, That a Committee be chosen to consider the expediency of making arrangements for the more convenient meeting of the Academy and the better accommodation of its Library and in assistant Librarian, to report at a future meeting of the Academy to be called for the purpose.
On motion of Dr Hale, it was
Voted, That the same committee consider the expediency of holding more frequent meetings of the Academy.
Voted, That Dr Hale, Mr Emerson and Dr Storer be the Committee
Voted, To proceed to ballot for members.
{{Fellows chosen.}}
Charles Lyell F.R.S., nominated by [REDACTED].
John Amory Lowell, Esqr, nominated by the [REDACTED].
William Oakes, Esqr of Ipswich, nominated by [REDACTED].
John Torrey, M.D. of New York, nominated by [REDACTED].
Asa Gray, M.D. of New York, nominated by [REDACTED].
and Edward H. Courteney, of nominated by [REDACTED].
[end page 154 | begin page 155]
{{155}}
{{Novemr. 10.1841.}}
were unanimously elected Fellows of the Academy.
Adjourned.
Geo. B. Emerson
Recording Secretary.
{{Novemr 29.1841}}
Two hundred and forty fifth Meeting
Novemr 29.1841.
The Academy met in a snow storm at the Medical Society’s room in the Masonic Temple at 7 O’Clock, P.M.
The President in the chair.
Present, Messrs. Pickering, Boyden, Abbot, Emerson, Folsom, Lyell, Sherwin, Swett, and Drs Bigelow, Hale, Gould, Hayward, Holmes, J. B. S. Jackson, C. T. Jackson, W. Channing, Roby, Storer & Ware.
{{Academy’s Meetings: Report}}
The Committee chosen at the last meeting “to consider the expediency of making arrangements for the more convenient meeting of the Academy, and the better accommodation of its Library and an assistant Librarian” made a report which was read by the Secretary and accepted; and the following propositions, recommended in the report, were adopted:
1. That a committee of three be chosen with authority to obtain other rooms which shall more perfectly accommodate the meetings of the Academy and render its library more accessible, and
Dr Storer, Mr J. I. Bowditch and Mr Sherwin were chosen to constitute the Committee.
2. That the same committee be authorised in conjunction with the Committee on the Library, to cause the Library to be removed, and arranged in such way as to them shall seem best, in conformity, so far as may be, with the principle, that the arrangement of the books be according to the subjects of which they treat.
3. That the Librarian be instructed to obtain insurance upon the Library.
4. That the Librarian be authorised & requested to cause a catalogue to be made in which the names of the books shall be arranged in divisions, according to their subjects, and those in
[end page 155 | begin page 156]
{{156}}
{{Novem. 29.1841.}}
each division shall be arranged alphabetically, and that the catalogue so formed be printed for the use of the Academy.
5. That hereafter, for at least a portion of the year, meetings be held twice a month in the evening.
6. That a committee of five be appointed to make arrangements for the semi-monthly meetings, and also to consider the expediency of devising measures for the greater activity & more frequent action of the Academy, and, among them, to consider that of dividing the members of the Academy into sections, or in such other way as may seem best, and also that of assigning subjects for written dissertations or for discussion, by individuals or by the Sections, and
The President, Dr Bigelow, Mr. F. C. Gray, Dr Hayward, and Mr Emerson were chosen on the Committee.
7. That the thanks of the Academy be presented to the Massachusetts Hospital Life Insurance Company for their kindness in allowing the use of their Hall to the Academy for so long a time, on so favorable terms.
Adjourned.
Geo. B. Emerson
Recording Secretary.
Two hundred and forty Sixth Meeting
February 9. 1842.
The Academy met at their room in Tremont Row at 11 O’Clock, A.M.
The Recording Secretary in the Chair.
Present Messrs. Emerson, Hale, Tilden, Baldwin, Treadwell, Worcester, Savage, Boyden, Hale, Warren, J. B. S. Jackson, Storer, Hayward, Brazer, Greene, Harris, Prescott, Gay, Quincy, Davis, Pearson & Lovering.
Academy proceeded to the choice of Professor Lovering as Secretary of this Meeting, pro tem:
After the reading of the Record of the last meeting upon the motion of Dr. Storer it was,
[end page 156 | begin page 157]
{{157}}
{{Feby 9.1842}}
Voted, That the thanks of the Academy be presented to C. K. Dillaway Esqr. for the acceptable manner in which he has attended to the duty of moving the Library, and that a Copy of the Transactions of the Academy be given to him.
The Librarian reported, that according to the general instructions, given to him at the last meeting, he had obtained Insurance at the Manufacturers Office, to the account of $4000 on the Library and $500. on the Cases, at ½ per cent.
The Librarian made a report on the donations and purchases to the Library, and on his motion it was
Voted, That the thanks of the Academy be presented to all who have made donations to the Library since August last
Mr. Emerson in behalf of the Committee appointed to Superintend the removal of the Library, stated that the President of the Academy, who was, Chairman of that Committee would probably come in before the Meeting was closed and make a report.
On Motion of Professor Treadwell it was,
Voted, That the 4th Proposition in regard to the Library, adopted at the last Meeting be suspended on its operation and referred to the committee on the Library to report.
{{Meteorological}}
On Motion of Dr Hale it was
Voted, That the Committee on Meteorological Observations be authorized to pay for the copying of the observations made by Dr. Holyoke before 1780.
{{Nomination list.}}
On Motion of Mr. Treadwell,
Voted, That the nomination list be hung up in the room of the Academy.
Voted, To proceed to ballots for Members.
{{Fellows chosen.}}
Marquis Gino Cappone of Florence nominated by [REDACTED].
Leos Pascual de Gayaugos of London, nominated by [REDACTED].
[end page 157 | begin page 158]
{{158}}
{{January 9. 1842.}}
Sears C. Walker of Philadelphia, nominated by [REDACTED].
Mr. Mitchell of Nantucket, nominated by [REDACTED].
were elected Fellows of the Academy.
On Motion of Dr. Hale.
Voted, To dissolve this Meeting.
Joseph Lovering
Recording Secretary
{{May 24. 1842}}
Two hundred and forty seventh Meeting
May 24. 1842
The Academy met at its Hall on Tremont Street 7 ½ at 11 O’Clock A.M.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs. Pickering, Abbot, P. P. Bowditch, Boyden, Jas. Hayward, Paine, Quincy, Sherwin, Swett, Treadwell, Emerson, Rev. Dr. Pierce Drs Bigelow, Gould, Hale, Hayward, Holmes, Storer, & Wyman.
Voted to proceed to the choice of Officers for the ensuing year.
Voted, That Messrs. Paine and Abbot be a Committee to select and report the ballots and that the ballot box be be [sic] kept open for one hour.
The President read a communication from the Treasurer Joseph Tilden, Esqr. submitting his report for the last year and declining reelection.
Voted, That Mr. James Hayward be a Committee to examine the Treasurers account, and that, in case they be
[end page 158 | begin page 159]
{{159}}
{{May 24. 1842}}
found correct, the report be entered on the Records of the Academy.
{{Magnetic Observations}}
The President laid before the Academy, a communication from MR. Bond, enclosing a copy of the Mean monthly results of Magnetic and Meteorological Observations, made at the City of Washington, D.C. by Lieut t. Melville Gilles, which he had been requested to communicate to the Academy.
Voted, That Mr. Bond’s communication be referred to the Committee on publications.
{{Letters from Brith Assns.}}
The President read a letter from R. P. Murchison and Edward Sabine, General Secretaries of the British Association for the advancement of Science to the Corresponding Secretary of the Academy requesting to be informed whether any of the Members of the Academy propose to be present at the next meeting of the British Association.
{{E. Everett to represent Am. Ac.}}
On motion of Dr Wyman it was,
Voted, That the Hon. Edward Everett, our Minister at London, be requested to represent the Academy at the next meeting of the British Association and that the Corresponding Secretary be directed to make a suitable answer to the letter of the Secretaries.
{{Fellows chosen.}}
Voted, To proceed to Ballot for Fellows of the Academy; And that Dr. Gould, be a committee to collect and report the Ballots, From his report it appeared that
{{Fellows chosen.}}
Hon. Nathan Appleton of Boston nominated by [REDACTED].
Rev. Herman Humphrey D.D. President of Amherst College, nominated by [REDACTED].
Amos Binney Esqr. of Boston nominated by [REDACTED].
Simeon Borden, Esqr of the State Trigonometrical Survey nominated by [REDACTED].
Rev. John Lewis Russel of Salon nominated by [REDACTED].
[end page 159 | begin page 160]
{{160}}
{{May 24.1842.}}
Francis C. Lowell Esq. of Boston nominated by [REDACTED].
Lieut Charles Henry Davis of the U.S. Navy nominated by [REDACTED].
Rev. James Walker D.D. of Cambridge nominated by [REDACTED] and
Francis Bowen Esqr. of Boston, nominated by [REDACTED], and are elected Fellows of the Academy.
On motion of President Quincy it was
Voted, That the Treasurer for the time being, be ex office, a member of the Committee of Publications.
{{Lease of Hall}}
Voted, That the Treasurer be authorized to take a Lease, for five years of the Hall now occupied by the Academy on terms agreed upon the Committee chosen to engage the Hall and to cause the Library to be removed.
{{Officers Chosen}}
The Committee appointed for the purpose reported the following gentlemen were elected Officers for the ensuing year.
President, John Pickering.
Vice President, Jacob Bigelow, M.D.
Treasurers, J. Ingersoll Bowditch Esqr.
Corresponding Secretary, Charles Folsom Esqr.
Recording Secretary, Geo. B. Emerson.
Keeper of the Library and Cabinet
Enoch Hale M.D.
Committee on Publications
John Ware M.D.
George Hayward M.D.
J. P. Bowditch Esqr.
Committee on the Rumford Premium
John Pickering, L.L.D.
[end page 160 | begin page 161]
{{161}}
{{May 24. 1842}}
Jacob Bigelow M.D.
Daniel Treadwell Esqr
John Ware M.D.
George B. Emerson.
Mr Hayward, The Committee to examine the Treasurers accounts, reported that the same were rightly stated and duly vouched, and that the Treasurer had shewn him the evidence of the property of the Academy in his hands.
{{Thanks to J. Tilden.}}
Voted, That the thanks of the Academy be presented to Joseph Tilden Esqr for his very able, punctual and faithful services as Treasurer of the Academy, for the eight years last past.
Voted, That Committee of two be appointed to receive from the late Treasurer the property and evidences of property belonging to the Academy and transfer the same to the Treasurer just elected; and that Jams Hayward and George B. Emerson be that Committee.
Voted, That the Librarian be authorized to present a copy of the Memoirs of the Academy so far as they are in the possession of the Academy to the Northern Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Adjourned.
Geo. B. Emerson.
Recording Secretary
{{Aug. 10. 1842}}
Two hundred and forty eighth Meeting
August 10. 1842.
The Academy met at its Hall on Tremont Street at 1.2 past 11
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs Pickering, J. Hayward, J. S. Bowditch, Gray, Gould, Binney, Green, Boyden,
[end page 161 | begin page 162]
{{162}}
{{August 10 1842}}
Bowen, Lovering, Folsom, Peirce, Norton.
The Corresponding Secretary read the record of the last meeting.
{{Pickering on Language}}
The President communicated a paper, written by himself, on the language of the inhabitants of Lord North’s Island.
Voted, that it be referred to the Committee on publications.
{{Magnetic Observations printed.}}
Professor Lovering having represented that it is desirable that the series of magnetic observations made at the Observatory in Cambridge during the last year should be printed immediately for distribution, on motion of Mr. Green it was
voted that 750 copies of the same be printed, of which 500 copies shall be retained to form a part of the next volume of the Academy’s Memoirs.
{{Academy’s Memoirs}}
On motion of Mr. Folsom, it was
voted that the Committee on publications issue the President’s Memoir of Dr Bowditch, the Magnetic Observations already printed, and those now about to be printed as the First Part of the next volume of the Academy’s Memoirs.
voted to proceed to the choice of members, Mr. Folsom being appointed to count the votes, and
{{Fellows chosen}}
Mr. Charles G. Page, of Washington, D.C., (nominated by [REDACTED]) was elected a Fellow of the Academy.
Adjourned.
Charles Folsom,
Recording Sec. pro tem.
[end page 162 | begin page 163]
{{163}}
{{1842 Nov. 16.}}
Two hundred and forty ninth meeting.
The Academy met at its Hall on Tremont Street at 11 O’Clock Nov. 16. 1842
The President being absent, the Hon. J. Hoar, by invitation, took the chair.
Present Messrs Abbot, Bigelow, Bowditch, Boyden, Bowen, Brayer, Emerson, Folsom, F. C. Gray, A. Gray, Gould, Hayward, Hoar, Hale, J. B. S. Jackson, Paine, Quincy, Peirce, Savage, Sparks, Storrow, Mitchell, Tilden, Walker, Worcester, F. C. Lowell.
{{Report on Academy’s Meetings}}
The President of the Academy offered, through the Recording Secretary, the report of the Committee appointed at a meeting held Nov. 29. 1841. “to make arrangements for semi-monthly meetings of the Academy,” and for other purposes, which was accepted. It is as follows;
“The Committee appointed “to make arrangements for semi-monthly meetings of the Academy; and also, to consider the expediency of devising measures for the greater activity and more frequent action of the Academy, and, among them, to consider that of dividing the Members of the Academy into Sections, or, in such other way as may seem best, and also that of assigning subject, for written dissertations or for discussion, by individuals, or by the Sections,”, beg leave to submit the following.
“Report; That it is expedient that semi-monthly meetings of the Academy should be held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, at seven o’clock in the evening, necessary to change the hour of meeting; such meetings to be held for the purposes of conversation and the reading of brief written communications.
“That there should be a committee of members, to be called the Receiving Committee, whose duty it shall be to see that two or more of their number shall be present at every semi-monthly meeting, and to make all suita-
[end page 163 | begin page 164]
{{164}}
{{Nov. 16. 1842}}
{{Report on Academy’s Meetings.}}
“able arrangements, for the meetings”
“That all the important Scientific Journals should be procured and laid on the table at the meetings, as early as they can be obtained:
“That the Receiving Committee should be authorized to invite any gentlemen whom they may think proper, to attend the meetings; and that any Member of the Academy should have the right of introducing any scientific or other strangers of distinction:
“In respect to the assigning of subjects for dissertations or discussion, the Committee are of opinion that it is not expedient, at present, to propose any measures for adoption by the Academy. The experiment of semi-monthly meetings will probably lead to a more mature consideration of this subject, and to a better mode of carrying into effect the wishes of the Academy in this respect than the committee would now be willing to recommend.
“The subject of dividing the Academy into Sections has not been overlooked by the committee; but they have not yet been able to come to the conclusion that such a division, however desirable it may appear in some respects, would practically, and in any material degree, add to the effective labors of the Academy.
“As connected with the convenient use of the books, as well at the meetings as on all other occasions, the Committee cannot forbear adverting to the want of a printed Catalogue of the Library, which is daily becoming more necessary, as the Library is gradually enlarged; and they respectfully suggest whether it may not be advisable to refer this subject to the consideration of a Committee, with instructions to report as soon as may be practicable.
All which is respectfully submitted by John Pickering, Chairman of the Committee.
Nov.16.1842
[end page 164 | begin page 165]
{{165}}
{{ Nov.16.1842}}
On motion of F. C. Gray, a committee of two, Messrs F. C. Gray and Walker was appointed by the chair, to nominate the Receiving Committee.
{{Receiving Committee.}}
Mr Gray reported the following names, The President, Dr Hale, Mr Emerson, Mr Folsom, Mr Paine, Mr Abbot, Dr Storer, and they were chosen the Receiving Committee.
{{Catalogue ordered}}
On motion of Dr Hale it was
Voted, That the Committee on the Library be instructed to cause a Catalogue to be printed for the use of the Fellows.
{{Dr. Storer on Fishes of Mass.}}
Dr Storer, through the Recording Secretary, presented a paper on the Fishes of our coast, which was referred to the Committee of Publication.
{{Telescope}}
Prof. Peirce having stated that a subscription is on foot for procuring a large telescope for the Observatory at Cambridge; and having made some forcible remarks on the importance of this measure to the cause of science, (in which he was followed up by Prest. Quincy,) it was
Voted that
{{Committee on Ditto}}
Mr Mitchell of Nantucket,
Mr Paine of Boston, and
Mr S. C. Walker of Philadelphia,
be a Committee, on the part of the American Academy, to aid, by their advice and assistance, in completing the subscription for the purchase of a large equatorial telescope for Harvard University.
Adjourned
Geo. B. Emerson
Recording Secretary
[end page 165 | begin page 166]
{{166}}
Two hundred and fiftieth meeting.
Feb. 8. 1843.
The Academy met at their Hall no 7 ½ Tremont Street, at 11 O’Clock A.M.
In the absence of the President, the Corresponding Secretary, and afterwards the Vice President, in the chair. Subsequently the President took the chair.
Present, Messrs Bigelow, Bowditch, Boyden, Davis, Emerson, A. H. Everett, Folsom, Gould, Hayes, J. B. S. Jackson, C. T. Jackson, Lovering, Paine, Peirce, Pickering, Storer, Worcester.
{{Oriental Society’s Request.}}
The records of the latest meeting having been read, the Recording Secretary stated that he had been requested by the Treasurer of the Oriental Society to ask of the Academy leave to hold the meetings of that Society in the Academy’s Hall.
After some discussion, it was
Voted, To refer the application of the Oriental Society to a committee of three, and Messrs Emerson, Bowditch and C. T. Jackson, nominated by the chair, were made the Committee.
{{Fellows chosen.}}
The Academy then proceeded to vote for members, and
Horatio Greenough Esq. of Florence, Italy, recommended by [REDACTED]
Jeffries Wyman M.D. of Boston proposed by [REDACTED], and J. Lovering,
and Francis Peabody Esq. of Salem, proposed by [REDACTED] were chosen fellows of The Academy.
On motion of Prof. Peirce; it was
Voted, That a committee be raised, to report at the next meeting, to consider the expediency of appro
[end page 166 | begin page 167]
{{167}}
{{Comm. on Metl. Observ.}}
priating $100, from the Rumford Fund towards conducting the Meteorological observations at Cambridge.
{{$25. for Meteorologl. Ob}}
Messrs Peirce, Paine and Bowditch were chosen the committee. On motion of Prof. Peirce it was Voted That twenty five dollars be now appropriated for that purpose, for the next three months.
{{Storer’s Paper on Fishes.}}
In behalf of the President, the Recording Secretary reported, from the Committee of Publications, that the paper of Dr Storer upon the Fishes of Massachusetts, referred to that Committee at the last meeting, together with his proposed continuation of that paper, ought, in the opinion of the Committee, to be published by the Academy, as soon and as rapidly as the funds of the Academy will permit.
{{250 copies of Metl. Observ.}}
On motion of Prof. Lovering, it was
Voted, That a committee of three be appointed to take charge of and distribute the 250 copies of the Meteorological Observations made at Cambridge, which have been printed for circulation: and
Prof. Lovering, Mr Bond and Mr Worcester were chosen the committee.
Adjourned.
Geo. B. Emerson
Recording Secretary.
[end page 167 | begin page 168]
{{168}}
{{April 5, 1843}}
Two hundred and fifty first Meeting.
April 5. 1843.
A special meeting of the Academy was held at 11 o’clock, in the Hall on Tremont Street.
The President in the chair.
Present Messrs J. Bigelow, A. Binney, J. I. Bowditch, U. A. Boyden, W. Channing, G. B. Emerson, A. Gray, E. Hale, G. Hayward, J. Hayward, O. W. Holmes, J. Jackson, J. B. S. Jackson, B. Peirce, J. Pickering, J. Quincy, D. H. Storer, Storrow, D. Treadwell, J. C. Warren, J. Wyman.
{{Report on Dr Buchanan}}
Dr. James Jackson from a committee held March 14. reported the doings and conclusions of the committee on the alleged discoveries in Physiology of Dr Buchanan of Kentucky.
On motion of Dr. Bigelow, seconded by Dr. Storer, the Reports were accepted, and
On motion Dr. J. Jackson, seconded by Dr. Bigelow, it was Voted,
That these Reports be placed on file.
{{Oriental Society.}}
The Recording Secretary, in behalf of the Committee appointed at the last statute meeting of the Academy, reported in favor, of allowing the Oriental Society to hold their stated meetings in the Hall of the Academy, which report was accepted.
{{Comee. on Telescope.}}
Voted, That a Special Committee of five be appointed to consider the expediency of devoting a portion of the income of the Rumford Fund for the purchase of a Telescope to be used at Harvard University.
Prof. Treadwell, Dr. E. Hale, J. I. Bowditch, The President, and Mr Emerson, nominated by the chair, were appointed.
Voted, That the meeting be adjourned, to meet on Wednesday next at 11 o’clock.
Geo. B. Emerson
Recording Secretary.
[end page 168 | begin page 169]
{{169}}
{{April 12. 1843.}}
Two hundred and fifty second Meeting.
April 12.1843.
The Academy met at their Hall on Tremont Street, at 11 o’clock.
The Vice President in the chair.
Present, Messrs. Bigelow, J. I. Bowditch, F. Bowen, U. A. Boyden, C. H. Davis, G. B. Emerson, A. Gray, E. Hale, A. A. Hayes, O. W. Holmes, J. B. S. Jackson, B. Peirce, A. Pollock, J. Quincy, J. Roby, J. Savage, D. H. Storer, J. C. Warren.
{{Report on purchase of a Telescope}}
Prof. Treadwell, from the Committee appointed at the last meeting, to consider the expediency of devoting a portion of the income of the Rumford Fund to the purchase of a telescope, made a report in favor of such an appropriation, which report, on motion of Dr. Warren, was accepted, and the following vote was passed; viz,
{{Vote.}}
Voted, That the sum of six hundred dollars, per annum, be appropriated, for the period of five years, next ensuing, from the income of the Rumford donation, for the purpose of working experiments and investigations connected with, and to promote discoveries in, light and heat, and that said sum be expended in a contribution for the purchase of a telescope by Harvard College, and that the Treasurer be authorized to subscribe and pay the above sum, in behalf of the Academy, to the Treasurer of the College, to be expended for the purpose above named.
On motion of Dr. Hale, it was
{{Meteorological observations.}}
Voted, That the Committee on Meteorological observations, be authorized to expend a sum not exceeding one hundred dollars, for additional observations on the fall of rain.
Mr Boyden presented to the Academy a memoir entitled, Researches on Meteorology, First Series, which, on motion of Mr Treadwell, was referred to the Committee on Publications.
Adjourned.
Geo. B. Emerson.
Recg. Secrety.
[end page 169 | begin page 170]
{{170}}
{{Treasurer’s Report.}}
Rumford Fund
Dr. The American Academy of Arts & Sciences in a/c with Joseph Tilden, Treas. Cr.
[table]
Boston 24 May 1842. I certify that I have examined this account and that the same as rightly cast and duly vouched, and that the Treasurer has shown me the evidences of property therein mentioned as remaining in his hands. Sgd. James Hayward, Commtee.
Dr. The American Academy of Arts & Sciences in a/c with Joseph Tilden. Cr.
[table]
The property of the Academy appropriated to this a/c is as follows.
Policy No 1377 of Mass Hosp. Life Ins Co 2000.
do "1565 do 2000.
do "2015 do 2000.
Balance this a/c in Columbian Bank 230.53
6230.53
Boston 24 May 1842. I certify that I have examined this account and that the same is rightly cast and duly vouched and that the Treasurer has shown me the evidences of property therein mentioned as remaining in his hands.
(Signed James Hayward, Commtee.
[end page 170 | begin page 171]
{{171}}
Two hundred and fifty third meeting.
May 26.1843.
A special meeting of the Academy was held, at 11 o’clock, in their Hall on Tremont Street.
Mr Folsom, the Corresponding Secretary, in the chair.
Present Messrs Bowen, Baldwin, Emerson, Folsom, Gould, F. C. Gray, E. Hale, C. T. Jackson, B. Peirce, Quincy, Savage, Shattuck, Storer, Storrow.
After the reading of the Records of the preceding meeting.
{{Letter from Mass. Hist. Soc:}}
The Recording Secretary read a letter from the Rev. C. Lowell, D.D. Corresponding Secretary of the Massachusetts Historical Society inviting the American Academy to unite with them in the second Centennial Celebration of the confederation of the New England Colonies, on the 29th of May:
Whereupon, on motion of Mr Gray, it was
Voted, That the invitation of the Massachusetts Historical Society be accepted, and that the Corresponding Secretary be instructed to give notice to the Secretary of that Society accordingly.
Mr Gray presented, in behalf of Don Caldera de la Barca, the 2d, 3d, and 4th volumes of his translation of Mueller’s History.
The Recording Secretary laid before the Academy a communication upon the subject of light from John Speakman which was referred to a committee to which Mr Boyden was appointed.
Adjourned.
Geo. B. Emerson
Recording Secretary
[end page 171 | begin page 172]
{{172}}
Two hundred and fifty fourth meeting.
May 30th 1843.
The Academy met at its Hall on Tremont Street, at 11 A.M.
The President in the chair.
Present Messrs F. Alger, N. Appleton, J. Bigelow, J. I. Bowditch, F. Bowen, G. B. Emerson, C. Folsom, A. A. Gould, A. Gray, E. Hale, J. Hayward, B. D. Greene, J. B. S. Jackson, C. T. Jackson, A. Norton, Olmstead, R. T. Paine, B. Peirce, J. Quincy, J. L. Russell, J. Pickering, D. H. Storer, J. Wyman, D. A. White.
{{Letter from British Assn}}
After the reading of the record of the last meeting, the Recording Secretary read a letter from the secretaries of the British Association which was laid on the table.
The Treasurer made his annual report.
Voted, that J. Tilden Esq. be a committee to audit and examine the Treasurer’s Report, and that when examined and approved, the Report be entered on the Records of the Academy.
The Report was subsequently examined and is here recorded.
{{Treasurer’s Report}}
Rumford Fund
Dr. The American Academy of Arts & Sciences in account with J. Ingersoll Bowditch, Treasurer. Cr.
[table]
Boston May 26. 1843
Errors Excepted J. Ingersoll Bowditch Treas
Boston June 10. 1843. I certify that I have examined this account and that the same is rightly cast and duly vouched and that the Treasurer has shown me the evidences of property therein mentioned as remaining in his hands.
(Signed) Joseph Tilden
Committee
[end page 172 | begin page 173]
{{173}}
General Fund
Dr. The American Academy of Arts & Sciences in account with J. Ingersoll Bowditch, Treasurer, Cr.
[table]
Boston May 27.1843
Errors Excepted, J. Ingersoll Bowditch, Treas.
Boston June 16. 1843. I certify that I have examined this account. The same is rightly cast and duly vouched, and that the Treasurer has shown me the evidences of property therein mentioned as remaining in his hands.
(Signed) Joseph Tilden, Committee.
Voted to proceed to the choice of officers for the ensuing year, and that the ballot be kept open for half an hour.
Messrs. A. Gray and J. Wyman were appointed to collect, assort and count the votes.
The Recording Secretary asked leave to inform the Members of the Academy that he requested not to be considered a candidate for reelection to the office he had held.
On motion of Mr Folsom, seconded by Dr. Hale the following Vote was passed;
That the thanks of the Academy be presented to George B. Emerson, the late Recording Secretary, for the fidelity, and the zeal for the interests of the Academy, which have mark-
[end page 173 | begin page 174]
{{174}}
ed his discharge of the duties of his office.
Voted, in the interval before the closing the ballot for officers, to proceed to ballot for members.
{{Fellows chosen.}}
Mr. F. Bowen was appointed to collect the ballots. He subsequently reported that Thomas Cole, of Sale, recommended by Messrs Pickering and Emerson,
John H. Blake of Boston, recommended be Messrs A. A. Hayes, C. T. Jackson, and F. Alger,
Don Angel Calderon de la Barca, recommended by Messrs F. C. Gray and J. Bigelow,
Prof. Justus Liebig of Giessen, recommended by Messrs J. W. Webster and A. A. Hayes were chosen.
{{Officers}}
Dr. Wyman, from the Committee appointed to collect votes, reported that the following gentlemen were elected officers for the ensuing year:
John Pickering, President.
Jacob Bigelow, Vice President.
Charles Folsom, Corresponding Secretary.
Francis Bowen, Recording Secretary.
J. Ingersoll Bowditch, Treasurer.
Enoch Hale, Librarian.
John Ware}
J. I. Bowditch} Committee of
G. Hayward} publication
John Pickering}
Jacob Bigelow}
Daniel Treadwell} Committee on
John Ware} The Rumford Fund.
Benjamin Peirce}
Jeffries Wyman [crossed out]}
{{British Association}}
The communication from the British Association were referred to a Committee, which the President and the Corresponding Secretary were chosen.
Adjourned
Geo. B. Emerson.
Recording Secretary.
[end page 174 | begin page 175]
{{175}}
Two hundred and fifty fifth meeting.
August 9th, 1843.
The Academy met, the Vice President in the chair.
Present Messrs Emerson, C. T. Jackson, Treadwell, U. A. Boyden, A. H. Everett, Peirce, Paine, Bowditch, Worcester, A. Gray, Wyman, Greene, Quincy, Bigelow, Norton, Gould, and Bowen.
Voted, To proceed to ballot for members, and to pass over the names of the candidates recommended by Fellows who were not present.
{{Fellows chosen:}}
Dr. A. Gray, being appointed to collect and count the ballots, reported
That Dr. Morrill Wyman, of Cambridge, recommended by Professors Peirce and Gray, was chosen.
{{Committee on increase of Assessment.}}
On motion of Professor Peirce,
Voted, That a committee be appointed to consider the expediency of increasing the annual assessment; and that Hon. A. H. Everett, Dr. Gould, G. B. Emerson, C. T. Jackson, Dr. Hale, and the Treasurer be that committee.
Adjourned.
Francis Bowen,
Recording Secretary.
Two hundred and fifty sixth meeting.
November 8th 1843
The Academy met, the Vice President in the chair.
Present Dr. Bigelow and Mr. Boyden, Mr Boyden was appointed secretary pro tem.
In consequence of the Fellows not having been notified of this Statute meeting, and a quorum not being present, it was Voted, That the meeting be adjourned to November 15th at 11 o’clock A.M., and that the Recording Secretary be informed of this adjournment, so that the Fellows may be notified accordingly.
Adjourned,
Recording Secretary pro tem.
Two hundred and fifty seventh meeting.
November 15th, 1843.
The Academy met, the President in the chair.
Present Messrs. Pollock, Greene, Everett, Gray, C. T. Jackson, Hoar, Holmes, A. Gray, Pickering, M. Wyman, J. Wyman, Worchester, Norton, Gould, Storer, Quincy, Bigelow, Davis, Appleton, Swett, Cole, Bowen, Boyden.
[end page 175 | begin page 176]
{{176}}
{{Semi monthly meetings}}
Voted, That the semi monthly, ensuing meetings be reviewed, and that the Receiving Committee of the last year be reappointed.
{{Bust of Dr. Bowditch}}
Dr. Bigelow, from the Committee appointed to procure a bust of Dr. Bowditch, reported; That the Committee had attended to the duty assigned to them, and having procured the bust; had placed it upon the table of the Academy. The model in clay was made by Mr. Ball Hughes, and the bust was cut in marble by Mr. King, sculptor in this city.
{{Nomination List.}}
The nomination list coming up for consideration, it was Voted, to pass over the names of candidates recommended by Fellows who were not present; and a doubt being expressed whether the other name had remained upon the list as long a time as is required by the statutes; the whole subject was postponed to the next meeting.
Adjourned,
Francis Bowen,
Recording Secretary.
Two hundred and fifty eighth meeting.
February 7th, 1844
The Academy met, the President in the chair.
Present, the President, Messrs. Walker, Boyden, C. T. Jackson, Paine, Peirce, Gould, Cole, M. Wyman, Swett, Davis, Storer, Bowen.
{{Committees on the Treasury}}
Voted, That Dr. Bigelow, Mr. Bowditch, and Dr. Hale be a committee to inquire into the state of the treasury and the means of paying the debts of the Academy; that this committee be instructed to report as soon as practicable, and that special notice be given of the extraordinary meeting and the subject to be considered at it; and that the committee on the library be instructed to inform this special committee of the books that have been ordered.
{{Fellows chosen}}
The nomination list came up for consideration, and the following gentlemen were elected Fellows of the Academy:
Professor Cornelius C. Felton, nominated by [REDACTED].
Professor George R. Noyes, nominated by [REDACTED].
Dr. Henry C. Perkins, nominated by [REDACTED].
Adjourned.
Francis Bowen
Recording Secretary.
[end page 176 | begin page 177]
{{177}}
Two hundred and fifty ninth meeting.
April 10th. 1844
The Academy met, the President in the chair.
Present J. Pickering, E. Hale, Storrow, Bowditch, Peirce, Boyden, Hoar, A. Gray, Folsom, Savage, Pollock, Storer, M. Wyman, Bowen, C. T. Jackson, Hayward, Peirson, Shattuck, Quincy, Gould, Bigelow, Cole, Holmes, Shaw, Abbot, Sparks, Davis.
{{Report of the Committee on Finances.}}
Dr. Bigelow, from the committee on the finances appointed at the last meeting made the following report.
“The Committee of the Academy appointed at the last meeting to examine and report on the plate of the treasury have attended to that duty and beg leave respectfully to report:
“That by an estimate furnished by the Treasurer, it appears, that the amount of debt chargeable to the General Fund at the annual meeting in May next, and for the payment of which no provision is made will be $826.76 cents, as follows
Balance on the 1st of Feb. 1844, to debit of the account, $290.59
[simple table]
The state of the Rumford fund at the same period be nearly as follows:
Balance, Feb. 1st, to credit of the account
[simple table]
The probable income of the General Fund for next year, 1844-45, will be as follows”
[simple table]
[end page 177 | begin page 178]
{{178}}
Against which are to be offset the necessary expenses, provided the report of this committee should be accepted.
[simple table]
The probable increase of the Rumford fund for the year 1844-45 is as follows:
[simple table]
[simple table]
This report was accompanied with sundry resolutions, for lessening the expenses and increasing the income of the Academy, one of which, on motion of Professor Peirce, was amended and adopted in form following:
{{Assessment raised to five dollars.}}
Voted, That the annual assessment on the Fellows of the Academy in future be fixed at five dollars.
{{Report on Finance recommitted}}
It was then voted, on the motion of Professor Peirce, that the remainder of the report now be recommitted to the same committee, to consider and report at the next meeting.
{{Resolution on the death of Peter S. Duponceau.}}
The President communicated to the Academy intelligence of the death of Peter S. DuPonceau, Esq. L.L.D., and submitted the following resolutions, which, on motion of Judge Davis, were unanimously adopted.
Resolved, That the American Academy of Arts and Sciences has received with pain the intelligence of the death of the learned President of the American Philosophical Society at Philadelphia, Peter S. DuPonceau, Esq., L.L.D., and deeply sympathizes with that society on the loss of that eminent man, whose talents and patriotic services have shed lustre upon our country, and conferred honor upon the distinguished body over which he was selected to preside, as a worthy successor to the illustrious individuals who have, for a long series of years, been placed at its head.
Resolved, That the profound researches of Mr. DuPonceau in the
[end page 178 | begin page 179]
{{179}}
sciences of Jurisprudence and General Philology, and especially in the Aboriginal Language of America of whose remarkable structure and peculiar characteristics he was the first to communicate to the learned in Europe and America just and philosophical view, and, by their application to General Philology, to extend the boundaries of that science, are entitled to the gratitude of the jurists and scholars of our country and was duly appreciated and recognized by this Academy with which he has for many years have associated as one of its honorary members.
Voted, That a copy of the foregoing resolves, attested by the President and Recording Secretary, be communicated to the American Philosophical Society at Philadelphia by the Corresponding Secretary of the Academy, and that a copy be also published in the newspapers of the city, in which the proceedings of the Academy are usually printed.
Adjourned.
Francis Bowen
Recording Secretary
Two hundred and sixtieth meeting. May 27, 1844
Academy met, the President in the chair.
Present Messrs Bigelow, Folsom, Russell, Quincy, Gould, C. T. Jackson, J. Wyman, W. Wyman, Cole, Peirce, Worcester, Boyden, Hale, Abbot, Lovering, Holmes, Bowditch, Gray, Storrow, Binney, Storer.
{{Report of the Committee on Finances}}
Dr. Bigelow, from the committee on the Finances of the Academy, to whom was recommitted a portion of the report made at the last meeting, made a final report, containing eight propositions. The second of these, on motion of Professor Peirce, was amended, by striking out the clause appropriating $160. for meteorological observations. The remainder of the report was accepted, and the resolutions passed in the following form.
{{Charges to the General Fund}}
1. That the charges to the general fund hereafter shall not exceed the following:
[small table]
2. That the following charges shall be made to the Rumford Fund:
[small table]
(over)
[end page 179 | begin page 180]
{{180}}
{{Charges to the Rumford Fund}}
[small table]
{{Committee on Publications}}
3. That the Committee on Publications shall hereafter consist of but three persons, chosen at the annual meeting.
{{Committee on the Library}}
4. That the Committee on the Library shall consist of three persons, chosen at the annual meeting, of whom the Librarian shall be one.
{{Money to be paid by the Treasurer}}
5. That no moneys shall be paid by the Treasurer, an account of the library or of publications, until the bills have been approved by the respective committees on those deportments.
{{Treasurer appropriations repealed}}
6. That all votes for the expenditure of money, not included in the above specifications, he repealed, except so far as they respect debts already incurred.
{{Expense of Catalogues to Rumford fund}}
7. That the sum of three hundred dollars, already paid for preparing the catalogue, be charged to the Rumford fund.
(Signed) Jacob Bigelow Chairman.
{{Committee on monthly meetings and quarterly reports.}}
Professor Peirce subscribed certain resolutions, respecting monthly meetings and the preparation of quarterly and annual reports on the progress of science, and on the doings of the Academy, which, on motion of the Recording Secretary, were referred to a Committee of three, with instructions to consider them and report at a special meeting, to be called on the last Wednesday in June. Professor Peirce, Mr Bowen, and Dr Storer were appointed on this committee.
{{Magnetic and meteorological observations}}
Professor Peirce submitted to the Academy an account of the magnetic and meteorological observations, made at the observatory in Cambridge, by Mr. W. C. Bond; and at his motion, they were referred to the committee on Publications.
{{Observations on Longitude}}
Professor Peirce submitted, also, some observations by Mr. Bond on the longitude of the Cambridge observatory; and at his motion they were referred to a Committee of five, with instructions to report the probable longitude of the Cambridge observatory, the Boston state house, and other principal places in the state of Massachusetts, and to consider the expediency of adopting such longitudes as standard determinations in the publications of the Academy. Messrs. William Cranch Bond, Robert Treat Paine, Simeon Borden, William Mitchell, and Benjamin Peirce were appointed as members of this committee.
[end page 180 | begin page 181]
{{181}}
{{Choice of officers}}
Voted, to proceed to the choice of officers for the ensuing year, and that the poll be kept open for half an hour. Messrs. J. L. Russell and J. Wyman Were appointed to collect, assort and count the votes.
The Committee subsequently reported, that the following gentlemen were elected officers for the ensuing years”
John Pickering President.
Jacob Bigelow Vice President.
J. Ingersoll Bowditch Treasurer.
Prof. Isa Gray Corresponding Secretary.
Francis Bowen Recording Secretary.
Enoch Hale, Librarian and Cabinet Keeper.
The former Corresponding Secretary had informed the Fellows of the Academy, that he did not desire to be considered as a candidate for reelection
Committee on the Rumford premium.
John Pickering
Jacob Bigelow
Daniel Treadwell
John Ware
Benjamin Peirce.
Committee on Publications
George B. Emerson
A. Binney
Francis Bowen.
Committee on the Library
Enoch Hale
D. H. Storer
Benjamin Peirce.
{{Rumford committee on Boyden’s claim.}}
The Committee on the Rumford premium submitted the following report, which was accepted.
The Rumford Committee beg leave to report, that they have examined, so far as their other engagements would permit, Mr. Uriah A. Boyden’s claim for the Rumford medal on account of having demonstrated, that heat was developed by the passage of air through a small aperture. While the Committee fully appreciate the great importance of Mr Boyden’s experiment, they cannot admit the validity of his conclusion without a more thorough examination then they can possibly give to this subject. They would urge the immediate publication of his experiments, so that they may, as soon as possible, be submitted to the consideration of scientific men throughout the world;
[end page 181 | begin page 182]
{{182}}
and they also propose, that fifty dollars be given to Mr Boyden towards defraying the expenses which he may have already incurred in the course of his investigations.
All which is respectfully submitted for the Committee by
John Pickering
Benjamin Peirce.
{{Treasurer’s Report}}
The Treasurer made his annual report, and it was
Voted, That Professor Peirce and Dr. C. T. Jackson audit and examine the same, and that, when examined and approved, the report and the certificate of the auditing committee be entered on the records of the Academy.
The report and certificate are accordingly here entered.
Rumford Fund.
Dr The American Academy of Arts & Sciences in a/c with J. Ingersoll Bowditch Treasr Cr.
[table]
Boston May 9. 1844
Errors Excepted
J. Ingersoll Bowditch Treasr.
General Fund
Dr American Academy of Arts & Sciences in a/c with J. I. Bowditch Treas. Cr
[table]
[end page 182 | begin page 183]
{{183}}
[table cont.]
Boston May 1844
Errors Excepted
J. Ingersoll Bowditch Treasr.
The undersigned committee appointed by the Academy to audit the Treasurers accounts for the past year, have attended to the duty and beg leave to report that they find all the accounts correctly kept, properly vouched and truly vast
Benjamin Peirce}
Charles T. Jackson} Comm
Boston June 1 1844
Adjourned,
Francis Bowen
Recording Secretary
Two hundred and sixty first meeting.
June 26th 1844
The Academy met, the President in the chair.
Present, Messrs. Bigelow, Gray, Peirce, Felton, M. Wyman, Holmes, J. Wyman, Emerson, Boyden, Pickering, Gould, Bowen.
{{Report on monthly meetings and quarterly reports.}}
Professor Peirce, from the committee to whom were referred certain propositions of quarterly and annual reports on the progress of science, made a report, stating, as the unanimous opinion of the committee, that the adoption of the resolutions would tend greatly to promote the scientific activety [sic] of the Academy, provided the Fellows would take such an interest in the monthly meetings as might justly be demanded by them. The committee recommended, that the Fellows who were desirous of promoting the interests of the Academy should pledge themselves, for the present, to attend the monthly meetings. They proposed, also, that the first meeting under the new organization should not be held till the month of September.
The report was adopted, and the resolutions then coming up for consideration, after some debate and sundry modifications, they were passed in the following form, and made a part of the bylaws of the Academy
[end page 183 | begin page 184]
{{184}}
{{1. Committee on Reports}}
Resolved, 1., That at the meeting in May, as standing committee of three shall be annually chosen by ballot, to be called the Committee on Reports.
{{2. Quarterly report on Science}}
{{Rescinded, May 27 1845}}
Resolved, 2., That it shall be the duty of the committee on Reports be appoint, at least six months previously to each quarterly meeting as Fellow of the Academy to deliver a report at paid quarterly meeting upon the state of some department of science.
{{3. Announcement of said reports.}}
{{Rescinded, May 27 1845}}
Resolved, 3., That the name of the Fellow so appointed and his subject shall be announced at the quarterly meeting next preceding that on which his report is to be made, and shall be published by the Recording Secretary in the notice for the meeting.
{{4. Monthly meetings}}
Resolved, 4., That there shall be monthly meetings of the Academy, to be held on the last Wednesday of every month, except in those months in which there are quarterly meetings, and that all the stated meetings, except the one in the month of May, shall be held in the afternoon or the evening.
{{5. New works to be referred}}
Resolved, 5., That every new work received by the Academy shall be referred to some Fellow, whose duty it shall be to report upon it at the next monthly meeting; and if he is not prepared with his report at that meeting, the work shall be referred anew, either to the same person, or to some other Fellow.
{{6. Annual address.}}
Resolved, 6., That the President of the Academy be requested to deliver an address to the Fellows at the meeting in May.
{{7. Publication of proceedings}}
Resolved, 7., That the Corresponding and Recording Secretaries shall have authority to publish, in an octavo form, much of the proceedings of the Academy as may seem to them calculated to advance the interest of science.
{{Choice of Committee on Reports}}
It was then voted, to proceed immediately to the choices of three persons to be the Committee on Reports for the present Academical year; and Messrs. G. B. Emerson, C. C. Felton, and M. Wyman were appointed accordingly.
{{Committee on the Bylaws}}
Voted, That the President, Vice President, and Recording Secretary be a committee to revise the bylaws of the Academy.
{{Paper from Capt. Owen.}}
Professor Peirce submitted a paper from Capt. Owen of the British Navy, which was referred to the Committee on Publications.
Adjourned.
Francis Bowen,
Recording Secretary.
[end page 184 | begin page 185]
{{185}}
Two hundred and sixty second meeting.
August 14th, 1844.
The Academy met, the Vice President in the chair.
Present Messrs. Hoar, Emerson, Peirce, Storer, Gray, Cole, M. Wyman, Abbot, Russell, Hayward, Bowen.
{{New volumes of Transactions.}}
Mr. Emerson, from the Committee on Publications, reported, that there was matter enough on hand for a new volume of Transactions, and inquired if there were funds sufficient for printing it already appropriated. As it appeared, that $200 were devoted to this purpose at the last annual meeting, the subject dropped with the understanding, that the Committee might spend this sum, and then ask for a further appropriation, if necessary.
{{Report of the Committee on the Bylaws}}
The Recording Secretary, from the Committee appointed to revise the Bylaws, made a report in part, recommending sundry amendments, which was accepted, and the Committee obtained leave to sit again, and make a final report at the next quarterly meeting.
Of the amendments proposed by the committee the following were considered and adopted.
{{Office of Vice Treasurer abolished}}
1. That the office of Vice Treasurer be abolished, and that the name of this office be stricken out from the several sections of the Laws in which it now occurs.
{{Duties of Corresponding Secretary}}
2. That Chap 3. [Section] 1 be so amended, that the Corresponding Secretary shall be required only to record all letters written in behalf of the Academy, and to file those which are received.
{{Duties of Committee on the Library}}
3. That the last clause of Chap. 5 [Section] 1, defining the duties of the Committee on the Library, be so amended as to read thus: “and to provide for the delivery of books from the Library.”
{{Amendments recommitted}}
Amendments proposed by the Committee for referring the nomination of all committees to the chair, then to be approved by vote of the Academy, that no bylaws be altered, repealed, or enacted, except at the annual meeting, and that no Fellow be allowed to take more than six books at one time from the Library, or to retain them more than two months, were recommitted, and laid over for final consideration at the next quarterly meeting.
On motion of Prof. Gray it was Voted, That the Corresponding Secretary with the advice and consent of the President, be empowered to propose and make exchanges with such other scientific associations as he shall deem proper, and to give copies of the Transactions of this Academy for that purpose.
{{Committee for assigning books}}
On motion of Prof. Peirce, Voted, That a committee of three be appointed, to report immediately a list of books received by the Academy during the present year, and to assign them to the Fellows to be reported upon at the next monthly meeting. Prof Peirce, Prof. Gray, and Mr.
[end page 185 | begin page 186]
{{186}}
G. B. Emerson were appointed on this committee, and they subsequently made a report, which was accepted, assigning the books as follows.
{{Assignment of books}}
To Prof. Gray, Archives du Museum d’Histoire Naturelle, III.4., and several numbers of the Journal of Botany.
To Prof. Peirce, two numbers of the French, and two of the German Journal of Mathematics.
To Dr. Gould, three numbers of the French “Annales des Sciences Naturelles.”
To the President, two numbers of the Journal des Savans.
To Mr. Teschmacher, two Nos. Annalen der Physik und Chemie.
To Mr. Bowen, Historical account of the doings of a Royal (Italian) Academy.
To Mr. Nathan Hale, Bulletin of the French Geographical Society.
To Mr. R. T. Paine, German astronomical & meteorological Year-book.
To Prof. Lovering, German essay on the influence of the Moon on our atmosphere.
To Mr. Storrow, several numbers of the London Journal and Repertory of Arts, and of the Journal of the Franklin Institute, published at Philadelphia.
To Dr. Morrill Wyman, several numbers of the Edinburgh and Dublin Philosophical Magazine.
To Mr. W. C. Bond, Cambridge Astronomical Observations.
To Mr. Boyden, two numbers of the Annales des Mines.
To Dr. Jeffries Wyman, two numbers of the Annals of Natural History
To Mr. Y.L. Russell, Curtis’s Botanical Magazine.
To Mr. Hayes, two numbers of The Chemist.
To Mr. Cole, Silliman’s Journal of Science.
To Mr. J. H. Abbot, 3 numbers of the Mechanics’ Magazine, published in London.
Adjourned.
Francis Bowen,
Recording Secretary.
Two hundred and sixty third meeting.
September 25, 1844
The Academy met, the President in the chair.
Present Bowditch, Holmes, Gray, Teschemacher, Storer, Emerson, Bigelow, Bowen.
{{The Presidents report}}
The President read a report upon several numbers of the Journal des Savans.
{{Mr. Teschemacher’s report}}
Mr. Teschemacher read a report upon the three numbers last received of the Anallen der Physik und Chimie.
The reading of these interesting reports, and the conversation
[end page 186 | begin page 187]
{{187}}
which ensued in relation to them having occupied the whole evening, on motion of the Recording Secretary it was
{{Committee for assigning books}}
Voted, that the remaining reports be referred to the next meeting, and that the same committee which made the former distribution of books among the Fellows, be empowered to assign the other books which have been received by the Academy during the past month to the several members.
Adjourned.
Francis Bowen,
Recording Secretary
Two hundred and sixty fourth meeting.
October 30, 1844.
The Academy met, the Vice President in the chair.
Present Messrs. Bigelow, Gray, Greene, Teschemacher, Binney, Folsom, Boyden, Bowditch, Peirce, Holmes, Lovering, Gould, Hale, Swett, Bowen.
{{Reports on books.}}
Reports upon books assigned to them for examination were submitted by Dr. Gray, Prof. Peirce, and Mr. Bowen.
{{Barometrical observations on the storm of Oct. 4-5, 1844}}
Prof. Peirce submitted some barometrical observations made during the storm of Oct. 4-5, and exhibited a chart on which was delineated the fluctuation of the column of mercury at the several hours during which the storm raged.
{{Smith’s comet.}}
Prof. Peirce presented also a communication from Prof. Lewis R. Gibbes, of Charleston college, S.C., in relation to the comet last seen in this country, commonly called Smith’s comet, maintaining that it had been seen before, and that it has a period of 166 years.
{{Committee for assigning books.}}
Voted, That the committee for assigning books to the reported upon by the Fellows be continued in office as a standing committee.
{{Pamphlets from the Library.}}
x8. [in pencil] Voted, To allow the Fellows to take out from the Library pamphlets that may be assigned to them for examination.
Adjourned,
Francis Bowen
Recording Secretary
Two hundred and sixty fifth meeting.
November 13th, 1844
The Academy met, the Vice President in the chair.
Present Messrs Bigelow, Davis, Felton, Paine, Peirce, Holmes, Cole, Swett, Storer, Bowen, Emerson.
[end page 186 | begin page 187]
{{187}}
{{Fellows elected}}
The nomination list came up for consideration, and the following gentlemen were elected Fellows of the Academy.
Prof. Adams Sedgwick, Cambridge Univy, England.
Capt. F. J. W. Owen, of the British Navy.
Prof. Henry W. Longfellow.
Dr. Samuel Cabot, of Boston.
Mr. James B. Francis, of Lowell
Prof. Alpheus S. Packard, of Bowdoin College.
Prof. William Smythe, of Bowdoin College.
{{Meteorological journals}}
Dr. Hale laid upon the table several bound volumes of manuscript meteorological journals, belonging to the library of the Academy. They comprise the following journals
Prof. Winthrop’s from Dec. 11, 1742 to April 29, 1779 – 37 years 4 mos.
Prof. Wigglesworth’s from Aug. 1, 1780 to Dec. 31, 1789
and also for the year 1793 – 10 “ 5 “
Dr. Holyoke’s from Jan. 1, 1754 to Feb. 28, 1829 – 74 “ 2 “
Dr. Hales, from Jan. 1, 1818 to April 30, 1844 – 26 “ 4 “
These volumes contain a continuous series of observations for 101 years and 4 months, and duplicates for 47 years. 43 years of Dr. Holyoke’s and 22 years of Dr. Hale’s were reduced to extensive tables for ready practical use. The volumes contain also a series of observations made by Dr. Hale on the quantity of rain, &c., fallen at different elevations, from Jan. 1, 1839 to April 30, 1844 – 5 years, 4 mos.
{{Appropriation for meteorological observations.}}
Voted, That Dr. Hale be requested to continue the series of meteorological observations called the “Rumford Journal,” and that $50 a year be appropriated for the purpose.
{{Observations referred to the come of publication}}
Voted, That the volumes of meteorological observations be referred to the committee of publication to consider the propriety of inserting them in the Memoirs of the Academy.
{{Longitude of Cambridge}}
Prof. Peirce made an informal report in part from the committee appointed to determine the longitude of the Cambridge observatory.
{{Reports on books}}
Mr. Emerson submitted a report in part from Mr. J. L. Russell on Curtis’s Botanical Magazine; and Mr. Peirce handed in one from Mr. Sparks on the Anniversaire Historique, and Rich’s Bibliotheca Americana.
Adjourned.
Francis Bowen,
Recording Secretary.
[end page 187 | begin page 188]
{{188}}
Two hundred and sixty sixth meeting.
December 25th, 1844.
The Academy met, the Recording Secretary in the chair.
As it was Christmas evening, but few of the Fellows were present, and after some conversation it was Voted, to adjourn to Wednesday evening, January 8th, 1845
Francis Bowen,
Recording Secretary.
Two hundred and sixty seventh meeting.
January 8th, 1845.
The Academy met, the President in the chair.
Present Messrs. Bigelow, Hayes, Holmes, Boyden, Peirce, Bowditch, Cole, Felton, Gould, Shattuck, Cabot, Bowen, Gray, Swett, Mitchell.
{{Report on Journals of the Oriental Society and [Hoilwell’s] History.}}
Prof. Felton read a report on the Journals of the Oriental Society and the 8th volume of [Hoilwell’s] History of Greece.
{{Reports of the Registrar General}}
Dr. Holmes read a paper on the reports of the Registrar General in England, embodying some curious comparisons of the results shown in those reports with the statistics obtained in taking the last U.S. Census, and the vital statistics of the city of Boston.
{{Inhabitants of Lord North’s island.}}
The President read a memoir on the language and manners of the people of Lord North’s island; and this memoir, with an accompanying vocabulary of the language, was referred to the committee of publication.
{{Longitude of the Cambridge observatory}}
Prof. Peirce submitted a report on the latitude of the Cambridge observatory, which was also referred of the committee of publication.
{{Committee on observations of the solar eclipse.}}
On motion of Prof. Peirce, it was Voted, That Messrs. Paine, Mitchell, and Walker be a committee to collect observations of the recent solar eclipse.
Adjourned,
Francis Bowen,
Recording Secretary.
Two hundred and sixty eighth meeting.
January 29th 1845
The Academy met, the President in the chair.
Present, Messrs Bigelow, Paine, Peirce, Bowen, Borden, Holmes, Cabot, Storer, Gould.
{{Hour of adjournment.}}
Voted; That the regular hour for adjournment at these evening meetings be fixed at ¼ before 10 o’clock.
[end page 188 | begin page 189]
{{189}}
{{Latitude of the Cambridge observatory.}}
Prof. Peirce presented and read his final memoir on the latitude of the Cambridge observatory, which was referred to the Committee of publication.
{{Fellows chosen}}
The nomination list came up for consideration, and a committee being appointed to collect and count the ballots, reported that the following gentlemen were chosen Fellows of the Academy.
Professor Charles Beck, of Cambridge,
Dr. Elisha Bartlett, of Lowell,
Professor T. D. Woolsey, of New Haven
It was then Voted, That the remaining nominations be referred to the next evening meeting, which for this purpose shall be considered as an adjournment of the present meeting.
{{Dr. Bigelow on Architecture}}
Dr. Bigelow read a report on Pugin’s Lectures on Painted or Christian Architecture.
{{Letters from Dr. Lepsius}}
The President read an interesting letter, which he had just received from Dr. Lepsius, on the results of his journey into Ethiopia.
{{Committee on the Registration Act}}
On motion of the Recording Secretary, it was Voted, That Mr. Borden, Dr. Hale, and Dr. Holmes be a committee empowered to confer, if necessary, with a committee of the legislature, in order that the law passed at the last session, for the registration of births, deaths, and marriages, may be fully carried into effect.
{{Acceptance of membership}}
The Corresponding Secretary gave notice, that he had received letters from Prof. William Smythe and Prof. Alpheus S. Packard, accepting their seats in the Academy.
Adjourned,
Francis Bowen,
Recording Secretary.
Two hundred and sixty ninth meeting.
February 26th, 1845
The Academy met, the Corresponding Secretary in the chair.
Present, Gray, Emerson, Borden, Cole, M. Wyman, Cabot, Longfellow, Greene, Peirce, Lovering, Gould, N. Appleton, Swett, Bowen.
{{Fellows chosen.}}
The nomination list came up for consideration, and a committee being appointed to collect and count the ballots, reported that the following person were chosen Fellows of the Academy.
Theophilus Parsons, Esq., of Boston,
Dr. Henry Wheatland, of Salem,
[end page 189 | begin page 190]
{{190}}
William S. Sullivant, of Ohio
Prof. Stephen Endlicher, of Berlin,
Prof. Chas Fras Philip Von Martius.
{{Mr. Cole on the microscope}}
A report was read by Mr. Cole on a paper in a late member of Silliman’s Journals, embracing a history of improvements in the microscope, and an interesting notice of some recent investigations respecting the infusoria by Ehrenberg.
{{Dr. Wyman on Artesian wells}}
A report was made by Dr. Wyman on a paper respecting the theory of Artesian wells, communicating many curious facts respecting the digging of wells in Boston and its vicinity.
{{Nomination of Hon. Members}}
Prof. Peirce moved that a committee of five be chosen to nominate honorary members. The motion was accepted, and [REDACTED] were appointed to act as this committee.
{{Lovering’s report on Scoresby’s observations}}
Prof. Lovering made a report on Scoresby’s series of magnetical observations.
Adjourned,
Francis Bowen,
Recording Secretary.
Two hundred and seventieth meeting.
March 26th, 1845
The Academy met, the President in the chair.
Present Messrs. Gray, Peirce, Lovering, Bowen, Felton, Bowditch, Paine, Gould, Beck, Pickering, Borden, Folsom, M. Wyman, J. Wyman, Boden, Holmes, Cabot, & Cole.
{{Triangulation of Massachusetts.}}
On motion of Prof. Peirce, Voted, That Messrs Borden, Paine, and Bowditch be a committee to confer with the authorities of the State, and, if possible, to cause the report on the triangulation of Massachusetts to be published as a part of the Transactions of the Academy.
Dr. Holmes made a report from the committee appointed in January to confer with the Legislature on the subject of the present Registration Law. The Committee had held a conference with the Judiciary committee of the Senate, and reported their opinion that no change would probably be made in the law at the present session.
{{Dr. Gould on the propagation of plants.}}
Dr. Gould made a report on a late member of the Annales des Sciences Naturelles, embracing some observations on the mode of propagations of certain plants, and on the development of the human ovum. Dr. Gray made some remarks on the same subject, going to show the nature of the distinction between
[end page 190 | begin page 191]
{{191}}
the annual and vegetable kingdoms. Dr. Gould followed with some curious observation on the effect of sea plants in preserving sea water from putrescence.
{{Prof. Peirce on perpetual motion}}
Prof. Peirce made a partial report on some mathematical investigations by Chasles, and on perpetual motion.
{{Dr. Jenks on difference of climate.}}
The President read a communication from Dr. Jenks on the difference in the severity of the winters on the eastern and western sides of the Atlantic. On motion of the Recording Secretary, the paper was referred to Dr. Hale.
Adjourned.
Francis Bowen.
Recording Secretary.
Two hundred and seventy first meeting.
April 30th. 1845 [in pencil]
The Academy met, the President in the chair.
Present, Messrs. Pickering, Gray, Peirce, Holmes, Davis, Cole, Wheatland, Bowen, Boyden, and Emerson.
{{Time of annual meeting}}
Voted, That the annual meeting on the 27th of May next commence at 10 o’clock, A.M.
{{Prof. Peirce’s reports.}}
Prof. Peirce made a report on the Toronto observation, on the theory of parallel lines, and on some papers in the Petersburgh Transactions.
{{Dr. Gray on minute crystals in plants.}}
Dr. Gray reported on Prof. Bailey’s paper on minute crystals in the tissues of plants.
{{Delegate to meeting of Italian men of science.}}
Voted, That Prince Charles L. Bonaparte be requested to attend the meeting of the men of science in Italy in September next as the delegate of the American Academy.
Adjourned,
Francis Bowen
Recording Secretary.
Two hundred and seventy second meeting.
May 27th 1845 [in pencil]
The Academy met, the President in the chair.
Present Messrs. Pickering, J. Q. Adams, Gray, Bowditch, Bowen, Noyes, Wheatland, Gould, J. Wyman, M. Wyman, C. T. Jackson, Boyden, Russell, Worcester, F. C. Lowell, Shattuck, Emerson, White, Teschemacher, Quincy, Peirce, Bigelow, Storer, Beck, Appleton.
{{Treasurer’s Annual reports}}
The Treasurer made his annual reports, which were read, and referred to Messrs. F. C. Lowell and B. Peirce as a committee to examine and audit them. This committee subsequently attended to
[end page 191 | begin page 192]
{{192}}
to duty assigned to them, and the reports are hereinafter recorded.
{{Election of members.}}
The nomination list came up for consideration, and Prof. A. Gray being appointed to collect and count the ballots, subsequently reported that the following gentlemen were duly elected as Fellows of the Academy.
Horace Mann, Esq. of Boston
declined [in pencil] George S. Hillard, Esq. "
Edward Tuckerman, Esq. "
Samuel George Morton, M.D. of Philadelphia
Prof. Alexander D. Bache, "
Prof. Henry D. Rogers, "
Prof. William B. Rogers, of Charlottesville
Major James D. Graham of the U.S. army.
Col. J. J Abert, of the U.S. Topographical Engineers.
Lt. Col. George Talcott, of the U.S. Ordnance Department
Prof. J. W. Bailey, of West Point
Prof. W. H. C. Bartlett, of West Point
William C. Redfield, Esq. of New York
Prof. Elias Loomis, "
Prof. J. E. Holbrook, of Charleston, S.C.
Dr. J. Bachman, "
{{The President’s annual address.}}
The Academy then listened to a very able & interesting annual address from its President, Hon. John Pickering, L.L.D., giving a general view of the history and proceedings of the institution since its first establishment.
{{Choice of officers}}
It was then Voted, to proceed to the choice of officers for the year coming, and Drs. Gray and Wyman were appointed a committee to collect and count the ballots, after the polls had remained open for one hour.
{{Resignation of Librarian and Recg Secretary}}
The Librarian and the Recording Secretary gave notice, that they desired not to be considered as candidates for reelection to their respective offices for the coming year.
The Committee subsequently reported, that the following gentlemen were chosen officers of the Academy.
John Pickering, President
Jacob Bigelow, Vice President
Prof. Asa Gray, Corresponding Secretary
Olivier W. Holmes, Recording Secretary
J. Ingersoll Bowditch, Treasurer.
A. A. Gould, Librarian and Cabinet Keeper.
The following gentlemen were appointed members of the several standing committees.
[end page 192 | begin page 193]
{{193}}
{{Standing Committees}}
Rumford Committee
John Pickering
Jacob Bigelow
Daniel Treadwell
John Ware
Benjamin Peirce
Committee of Publication
George B. Emerson
Amos Binney
Francis Bowen
Committee on the Library.
A. A. Gould,
D. H. Storer,
Benj Peirce
Committee on Reports.
Benj. Peirce
C. C. Felton
M. Wyman
{{Quarterly reports abolished}}
On motion of Prof. Peirce, it was Voted, That the second and third resolutions, recorded on page 184, relative to quarterly reports on science, be hereby rescinded.
{{Monthly meetings suspended.}}
Voted, That the monthly evening meetings be suspended till after the next quarterly meeting.
{{Committee on semi monthly meetings.}}
Prof. Peirce moved, That semi monthly meetings be substituted for monthly meetings after August next. After some discussion, it was Voted, That this subject be referred to Messrs. Peirce, Gray, and Bowen, as a committee to report upon it at the next quarterly meeting.
{{Vote of thanks to Dr. Hale}}
Voted, That the thanks of the Academy be presented to Dr. Enoch Hale for his long and faithful services as Librarian and Keeper of the Cabinet.
{{Vote of thanks to Mr. F. Bowen}}
Voted, That the thanks of the Academy be presented to Mr. F. Bowen for his diligent and faithful services as Recording Secretary.
The reports of the Treasurer are subjoined.
Rumford Fund
Dr. The American Academy of Arts & Sciences in a/c/ current with J. I. Bowditch Treas. Cr.
[table]
Boston May 27. 1845
Errors Excepted,
J. Ingersoll Bowditch
Treasr
[end page 193 | begin page 194]
{{194}}
General Fund
Dr. The Amern. Academy of Arts & Sciences in a/c current with J. I. Bowditch Treasr. Cr.
[table]
Boston May 27th 1845
Errors Excepted
J Ingersoll Bowditch Treasurer
Boston June 3d 1845. We certify that we have examined this a/c, the same is rightly cast & duly vouched, & that the Treasurer has exhibited to us the evidences of property therein mentioned as remaining in his hands.
Francis C. Lowell Come
Adjourned
Francis Bowen
Recording Secy.
Two hundred and seventy third meeting.
August 13th 1845
The Academy met, the Corresponding Secretary in the Chair.
Present, Messrs. Gray, Folsom, Worcester, Felton, Boyden, M. Wyman, J. B. S. Jackson, Gay, Holmes.
{{Acceptance of Membership}}
The Corresponding Secretary announced that he had received letters of acceptance from the following gentlemen, recently elected members of the Academy: Messrs. E. Tuckerman, J. E. Holbrook, W. H. C. Bartlett, A. D. Bache, Samuel G. Morton, Prof. J. W. Bailey, Prof. Wm. B. Rogers, Prof. Henry D. Rogers, Prof. Loomis, Wm. C. Redfield Esq., Lieut Col. George Talbot, Col. J. J. Abert, Col. J. D. Graham.
{{Letter from Geo S. Hillard declining membership.}}
Also, a letter from George. S. Hillard Esq. respectfully declining the honor of membership.
[end page 194 | begin page 195]
{{195}}
{{1845}}
{{Drawings for Dr. Gray’s Essay on some Native Plants.}}
Prof. Gray laid upon the table a number of drawings of native plants interesting from their rarity or other circumstances. These drawings are intended as the illustrations of an Essay to be entitled.
“Chloris Americana; illustrations of new, rare, or otherwise interesting North American plants, chiefly those cultivated in the Cambridge Botanic Garden. Decade 1st by A. Gray.
Adjourned to the last Wednesday in September.
Oliver W. Holmes Rec. Secy..
Two hundred and seventy fourth meeting.
September 24th 1845
The Academy met at 7 ½ P.M
The Vice President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs Bigelow, Gray, Lovering, J. I. Bowditch, Cote, Paine, Hayward, M. Wyman, Gould, Green, Peirce Worcester, Folsom, Holmes.
{{Works presented}}
Dr Gray laid before the Academy the following works recently presented by Samuel G. Norton M.D. of Philadelphia, their author. Crania Americana
2. An Inquiry into the distinctive characteristics of the Aboriginal Race of America.
3. On a supposed new species of Hippopotamus.
Also a pamphlet entitled “Ancient Egypt, her Monuments, etc. by Geo. R. Glidden from the same gentleman.
The nomination list then came up for consideration and Dr M. Wyman being appointed a Committee to collect and count the ballots, the following gentlemen were duly elected members of the Academy.
{{Members elected.}}
John H. Temple Esq
Charles Pickering M.D.
{{Committee on Monthly Meetings excused from further action}}
On motion of Prof. Peirce it was Voted, That the Committee appointed at the Annual Meeting in May to consider the subject of monthly meetings and report upon it at the next quarterly meeting, be excused from further action.
{{New Committee appointed.}}
On motion of Prof. Peirce it was Voted, That a Committee of three be appointed by the chair to report at an adjournment of this meeting on the expediency of continuing in any form the meeting for the ensuing season.
[end page 195 | begin page 196]
{{196}}
{{1845}}
The following gentlemen were nominated by the Chair:
Dr George Hayward
Mr G. B. Emerson
Mr B. D. Green
On motion of Prof. Gray, it was Voted That when this meeting adjourns it adjourn to Wednesday, Oct. 8th 7 ½ Park.
Adjourned.
Oliver W. Holmes
Rec. Secy.
Two hundred and seventy fifth meeting.
Oct 8th 1845
The Academy met at 7 ½ Park.
Present Messrs. Bigelow, Lovering, Beck, Teschemacher, Felton, Cabot, M. Wyman, Peirce, Hayward, Appleton, Quincy, Greene, Gould, Bowen, Cole, Emerson, Holmes.
The Vice President in the Chair.
Dr. Hayward, in behalf of the Committee of which he was Chairman read the following Report:
{{Report of Committee on Monthly Meetings.}}
“The Committee appointed at the last meeting of the Academy to consider the expediency of holding monthly meetings in the evening during the ensuing season, ask leave to report, that though the result of the experiment of the last year was by no means satisfactory, they are yet unwilling to abandon the plan altogether without a further trial.
“They are satisfied that such meetings, if well attended, would be both pleasant and useful, by affording opportunities for a [new] interchange of opinions among individuals engaged in the various departments of science. They believe that a general attendance would be obtained, and the meetings rendered less formal, by a slight alteration in the manner of holding them. They therefore propose that a meeting shall be held in Boston at 7 o’clock P.M. on the second Tuesday of each month, from October to April, inclusive, at the house of such Fellow of the Academy as shall signify to the Secretary his readiness to receive the Fellows in this way. There will consequently be but seven meetings of this kind, and the Committee feel assured that there are many more than this number of gentlemen who would be pleased to have the
[end page 196 | begin page 197]
{{197}}
{{1845}}
“meetings held at their houses.
“If this report should be accepted, the Academy can decide upon the mode of notifying the Fellows as to the time and place of the meetings, or the details may be left to the Recording Secretary.
“Boston Oct. 8th 1845.
“Which is respectfully submitted by
“Geo. Hayward.”
On motion of Prof. Peirce, Voted that this report be accepted.
{{Committee appointed to consider the mode in which the monthly meetings shall be managed.}}
On motion of Prof. Peirce, Voted that a Committee be appointed to consider the mode in which the meetings shall be managed, and to report at the next meeting.
Voted that this Committee be nominated by the Chair.
The following gentlemen were nominated:
Messrs Emerson
Greene
Gould.
Voted that the Vice President be added to this Committee.
The Vice President gave notice that the next meeting would be hold at his house on Tuesday evening, Oct 14th
Adjourned.
O. W. Holmes, Rec. Secy.
{{Social meeting.}}
Two hundred and seventy sixth meeting.
October 14th 1845.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of the Vice President, at 7 o’clock P.M.
This meeting being of a social rather than a formal character the usual forms were not strictly observed.
{{Report on the course of proceedings to be followed at the monthly meetings.}}
The following Report was read and accepted:
“The Committee appointed at the last meeting of the Academy to suggest a course of proceedings for the proposed monthly meetings respectfully report,
“That the Academy shall meet at 7 o’clock P.M. at the houses of individuals.
“That the first hour shall be devoted to conversation and verbal communications;
“That at eight o’clock shall be heard, or verbal reports on books or subjects suggested by them; and that the plan of last winter shall be continued, of assigning scientific and other journals and other publications recently received, to individuals to report thereon whatever may seem of general interest.
[end page 197 | begin page 198]
{{198}}
{{1845}}
“That at nine o’clock the readings and other business shall give way to an entertainment of a different kind, but it is hoped of a simple character.
“That fellows of the Academy shall be at liberty to invite scientific strangers or other persons having matters to communicate which will be likely to give interest to the meetings, to be present at them.
“For the Committee
“Geo. B. Emerson
“Chairman”
Oct. 14th 1845.
{{Notice of monthly meetings-how to be given.}}
It was Voted that public notice of the next meeting be given to the Fellows of the Academy, and that the time and place of the subsequent meetings shall be announced successively at each monthly meeting, and by a written notice to be placed in the room of the Academy.
{{Committee appointed to engage gentlemen to read reports.}}
On motion of Mr. G. B. Emerson, it was Voted that a Committee of two be appointed to engage gentlemen to read reports on different subjects.
Messrs. Peirce and Gould were appointed a Committee for this purpose.
Adjourned
O. W. Holmes, Rec. Secy.
Two hundred and seventy seventh meeting.
Nov. 11th 1845.
{{Social Meeting}}
The Academy met by invitation at the house of Dr. F. C. Warren.
The Corresponding Secretary announced that he had received a letter from Charles Pickering M.D. signifying his acceptance of membership of the Academy.
Dr Warren then gave an account of the mastodon now exhibiting in this city, with some remarks upon various kinds of extinct animals found in this and other countries illustrated by several curious specimens.
Adjourned
OW Holmes Rec. Secy.
[crossed out is text on next page]
[end page 198 | begin page 199]
{{199}
{{1845}}
{{Quarterly Meeting}}
Two hundred and seventy eighth meeting.
Nov. 26th 1845.
The Academy met at 7 ½ P.M. The Corresponding Secretary in the Chair.
Present Messrs. Swett, Quincy, Bowditch, Felton, Peirce, Gray, Paine, Emerson, Teschemacher, Shaw, Gould, Holmes.
{{James D. Dana elected Fellow of the Academy}}
After the reading of the records of the three last meetings, the nomination list came up for consideration, and Mr. James D. Dana was elected a Fellow of the Academy.
{{Committee on the name of the Comet of 1845.}}
On motion of Professor Pierce, it was Voted that a Committee of three be appointed by the Chair to determine what name the great comet of 1845 shall be designated in the Transactions of the Academy.
The Chair nominated Messrs
Quincy
Bowditch
Gould.
Professor Pierce read a letter from Professor Loomis respecting a proposed series of meteorological observations suggesting the appointment of a Committee by the Academy, with the following instructions:
“1. To call the attention of the British Government to the importance of concerted action in Meteorology throughout their possessions contiguous to the United States.
“2. To enquire whether the observations made under the direction of the General Government are capable of further improvement or expansion.
“3. To enquire whether it may not be best to urge upon some of the State Governments the establishment of a system of observations within their respective limits
“4. To organize the observers throughout New England into a more official corps, and furnish instruments to such observers as are unable to supply themselves.
“5. To unite with other Scientific Societies in an appeal to Meteorologists throughout the United States for the purpose of simulating to a general concert of action.”
{{Committee on Prof. Loomis’s propositions}}
On motion of Professor Peirce it was Voted that a Committee be appointed to act in accordance with the above instructions.
Voted that this Committee consist of five persons to be nominated by the Chair. The following nominations were made and approved:
Messrs. Loomis, Swett, Davis, Pierce, Hale.
Adjourned
O.W. Holmes Rec. Sec.
[end page 199 | begin page 200]
{{200}}
{{1845-6}}
{{Social Meeting}}
Two hundred and seventy ninth meeting.
Dec 9th 1845
The Academy met by invitation at the house of Dr Hayward.
Mr. Henry D. Rogers gave an interesting account of a range of boulders scattered along a narrow hack of many miles in length in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, which had been braced to a mountain ledge bearing obvious marks of their violent separation from it. He added some remarks as to the probable nature of the agencies by which their displacement and distribution were effected.
Adjourned
O. W. Holmes Rec. Secy.
{{Social Meeting}}
Two hundred and eighth meeting.
Jan 13th 1846
The Academy met by invitation at the house of Dr Binney.
Prof. Lovering gave some account of the recent discovery of Mr. Faraday involving a supposed action of magnetism upon light.
Prof. Mitchell of Cincinnati gave a description of some peculiarities in the arrangement of the large telescope in the observatory of that city.
{{Letter of acceptance from James D. Dana}}
The Corresponding Secretary announced that he had received a letter from James D. Dana Esq. signifying his acceptance of membership of the Academy.
Adjourned
O. W. Holmes Rec. Secy.
{{Quarterly Meeting}}
Two hundred and eighty first meeting.
Jan. 28th 1846
The Academy met, the Vice President in the Chair.
Present Messrs. Bigelow, Everett, A. Gray, Paine, Cole, Russell, Binney, Gay, J. I. Bowditch, Swett, Felton, Quincy.
Prof. Gray introduced the subject of the manner in which the Reports of Messrs. Hale and Dana of the U.S. Exploring Expedition were to be published. Congress had ordered but a very limited number to be printed, a number wholly inadequate to the demands of the scientific world and to the public in general. Something should be done, if possible, to procure an extension of the proposed number of copies.
Mr. Everett believed that Congress might accede to a request of this kind, if applied to, He therefore moved,
That a Committee be appointed to correspond with the Library Committee of Congress, and with other Scientific
[end page 200 | begin page 201]
{{201}}
{{1846}}
Institutions with regard to effecting an enlargement of the editions of the scientific reports of the Exploring Expedition.
{{Committee on Reports of the Exploring Expedition.}}
It was voted that such a Committee be appointed, to consist of three members, and to be nominated by the Chair.
Messrs. Everett
A. Gray
Paine.
{{Report of the Committee for the furtherance of Meteorology.}}
Mr. Swett presented a Report in the name of Professor Pierce for the Committee appointed at the last Quarterly meeting to take measures for the furtherance of certain meteorological investigations.
{{Accepted.}}
It was voted that this Report be accepted, and the Committee requested to transmit a copy of it to the American Philosophical Society at Philadelphia.
There being no names upon the Nomination list, and no further business appearing, the Academy
Adjourned.
O. W. Holmes Rec. Secy.
{{Social meeting}}
Two hundred and eighty second meeting.
February 10th 1846.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of Mr. George B. Emerson.
Mr. Everett read a paper containing some account of the Royal Society, the mode in which it originated and the manner in which its meetings are conducted. He also introduced a brief notice of the life and career of Mr. Babbage, the invention of the famous calculating machine, with many interesting facts relating to this extraordinary piece of mechanism. Mr. Everett concluded by exhibiting a calculating machine upon a small scale, but capable of solving a great variety of arithmetical questions.
Dr Holmes gave some account of the episternal bones sometimes found in the human subject, and of which he had met with two specimens, which were shewn to the members present. He added some remarks upon the nature of these productions, the law of creation according to fixed types as manifested in the animal kingdom, and the doctrines of philosophical or transcendental anatomy.
Adjourned.
O.W. Holmes Rec. Secy.
[end page 201 | begin page 202]
{{202}}
{{1846}}
{{ill.}}
Two hundred and eighty third meeting.
March 10th 1846.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of Mr. John A. Lowell.
{{Committee on the case of the calculating boy of Royalton, Vermont}}
Professor Pierce called the attention of the Academy to the case of a boy being in Royalston, Vermont remarkable for his calculating faculty. After making some statements from which it appeared that the boy possessed not only the powers of computation, but other and higher intellectual endowments in an extraordinary degree, Professor Peirce moved the appointment of a Committee to investigate the case.
This motion was passed, and the following gentlemen were appointed on the Committee:
Messrs. Holmes
Peirce
M. Wyman
{{Remarks on the new comet.}}
Professor Peirce then made some remarks upon the comet recently discovered by Mr. Bond. He read a letter relating to it from Mr. Sears C. Walker of Philadelphia and exhibited a diagram illustrating its course, made by Mr. Bond.
{{Theory of the Spinning top}}
Professor Peirce then explained and illustrated the causes of the movements of the tops in spinning, especially that by which it records its perpendicular position after oscillating from side to side.
{{Account of the copper region of Lake Superior}}
Mr. Hayes exhibited some specimens of mineral from the copper region of Lake Superior. Dr. Charles T. Jackson then gave an account of his own observation in the same region, relating many facts of interest in a scientific and practical point of view.
{{Letter from Mr….referred to Mrss. Pierce and Wyman.}}
At this meeting a letter was presented by the Corresponding Secretary from a Mr. Speakman, laying claim to the Rumford premium, which [and] was referred to Mess. Peirce and Wyman.
Adjourned
O.W. Holmes Rec. Secy.
[end page 202 | begin page 203]
{{203}}
{{1846.}}
Two hundred and eighty third meeting.
April 14th 1846.
{{Social Meeting}}
The Academy bet by invitation at the house of Col. Swett.
{{Committee on Mr. Conants invention Mess. Borden, Bond}}
A letter from Mr. Marshall Conant of Framingham, giving an account of a new instrument for correcting the variation of the magnetic needle, was laid before the Academy and referred to a Committee consisting of Mess. Borden and Bond
{{Committee on appointing Laws - the Officers of the Academy and Mr. Brown.}}
Dr. Bigelow brought before the Academy the subject of reprinting the laws, which have been much modified since the publication of the last volume of Memoirs. Mr. Bowen moved that the subject be referred to the officers of the Academy. This motion was adopted, and Mr. Bowen was added to the Committee.
Mr. Swett then read a paper upon earthquakes.
{{Committee in printing proceedings, the Secretaries}}
Professor Pierce proposed that the proceedings of the Academy should be printed; including those of the Social as well as of the Quarterly Meetings. He moved that the Secretaries be requested to report on this subject at the next Quarterly meetings. This motion was adopted.
Mr. G. B. Emerson called the attention of the Academy to the subjects of Phonography and the affiliation of the Eastern languages with those of the North west portions of Europe.
{{Committee on Phonography etc Messrs Emerson, Bowen, Phillips, Warren, Swett, Holmes}}
After some discussion, the following Committee was appointed, on motion of Dr Warren to take the two subjects into consideration and report thereon to the Academy.
Mr. Emerson
Mr. Bowen
Mr. Phillips
Dr Warren
Mr. Swett
Dr Holmes.
Adjourned
O.W. Holmes Rec. Secy.
[end page 203 | begin page 204]
{{204}}
Two hundred and eighty fourth meeting.
May 26th 1846.
{{Annual meeting.}}
The Academy met, the Vice President in the Chair.
Present Messrs. Bigelow, Gray, Emerson, White, Pain, J. Treadwell, Bowditch, J. Jackson, Abbott, Hayward, Phillips, Cole, Prescott, Treadwell, J. Wyman, Swett, Tilden, Bowen, Worcester, Folsom, J. B. S. Jackson, Wheatland, Shaw, Everett, Hale, Pickering, C. Pickering, Gould.
{{Treasurer’s Report. Auditing Committee.}}
The Treasurer made his annual reports, which were referred to Mr. F. C. Lowell as a Committee to audit, and examine. This Committee subsequently attended to this duty, and presented the report subjoined to the record.
{{Committee to be appointed by the Chair.}}
The business of the election of Officers of the Academy for the ensuing year now coming up, upon motion of Mr. Bowen it was voted, that the Committees which have heretofore been shown by ballot be appointed by the Chair.
Chief Justice Shaw rose and remarked that in proceeding to fill the officers of the Academy, the Fellows must be reminded of the loss they had recently sustained in the decease of their late distinguished President. He then spoke at some length of the many talents, accomplishments and virtues belonging to the late President and expressed a strong hope that some proper public expression of its respect for his memory might proceed from the Academy.
{{Resolves relating to the death of the late President.}}
President Everett rose to read a series of resolves, which he remarked it was intention to have withheld to the last, in the hope that the duty might have been performed by others. Before reading the paper in which they were recorded, he made some eloquent and feeling remarks upon the character of the profound scholar whose varied excellencies had made him so widely known and so deeply requested. The following are the resolutions offered by President Everett:
“Whereas, it has pleased Almighty God to remove from this life the Hon. John Pickering, late President of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences,
“Resolved, that the Fellows of the Academy are deeply sensible of the loss they have sustained in the decease of their late honored President, whose eminent talent, various and exact learning and wide spread reputation affected the highest credit upon the literature of the United States, upon the numerous institutions of which he was a member, and especially upon the Academy over which he presided, with
[end page 204 | begin page 205]
{{205}}
such cred to himself and such advantage to his associates.
“Resolved, that as members of the community, we lament the loss of a citizen of unblemished integrity and primitive simplicity of manners; who by a long career of public service and private virtue gave new lustre to an honored name.
“Resolved, that the Fellows of the Academy sincerely sympathize with the bereaved family of their lamented President, and that a copy of the resolutions be transmitted to them in token of respectful condolence.
“Resolved, that a Eulogy on the late President be pronounced by a Fellow of the Academy to be appointed for that purpose.”
Voted that the above resolves be taken up as a whole.
Voted that the said resolves be accepted.
Voted that the nomination of the Fellow by whom the Eulogy shall be pronounced, be made by the Chair.
{{Hon. Daniel A. White chosen to deliver a Eulogy}}
The pursuance of the last vote the Hon. Daniel A. White was appointed by the Chair to deliver a Eulogy upon the late President, at such time and place as he shall see fit to select.
The Hon. Judge White expressed his reluctance to undertake the office assigned him, for reasons entitled to great consideration, but upon the urgent persuasion of different Fellows, was induced to accept the appointment.
It was then Voted that the Secretary be requested to convey a copy of the resolutions to the family of the late President, and to cause them to be published in two or more papers.
Professor Gray announced that he had received a letter from Konigsberg, mentioning the death of Fred William Bessel, the distinguished astronomer, one of the Honorary Members of this Academy.
The Academy then proceeded to the choice of officers for the ensuing year.
Voted that the polls remain open one hour.
{{Choice of Officers.}}
At a subsequent period of the meeting the Committee appointed to collect and count the ballots, announced that the following gentlemen were chosen officers of the Academy
Jacob Bigelow M.D., President.
Hon. Edward Everett, Vice President.
Prof. Asa Gray, Corresponding Secretary.
Oliver W. Holmes M.D., Recording Secretary.
J. Ingersoll Bowditch, Treasurer
[end page 205 | begin page 206]
{{206}}
A. A. Gould M.D., Librarian and Cabinet Keeper
The following gentlemen were appointed members of the several Standing Committees:
Rumford Committee.
Daniel Treadwell
John Ware
Benjamin Pierce
{{Lovering}}James Hayward
F. C. Lowell
Committee of Publications.
Amos Binney. {{Grey}}
Francis Bowen. {{Bowen}}
Asa Gray {{W.C. Bond}}
Committee on the Library.
A. A. Gould
D. H. Storer
Benjamin Pierce
The nomination list then came up for consideration, and the Committee appointed to collect and count the ballots respected that
H. J. Bigelow M.D.
was chosen a Fellow of the Academy.
{{Report of Committee on the version of the Statutes.}}
Mr. Bowen, from the Committee appointed at the last meeting to revise the By laws presented a Report containing a draught of the statues as modified by various resolutions passed since the year 1834, which report was accepted. The same Committee also recommended the passage of the following Resolves.
{{Resolves respecting Reports, meetings, etc.}}
(2) Resolved, “that the first, fourth, fifth and sixth resolves, passed on the 26th of June, 1844, respecting the appointment of a committee on reports, quarterly reports on branches of science, monthly meetings, new works to be reported on, annual address from the President etc., as they have ceased practically to be in force, to now rescinded; and that the matter of meetings to be held in addition to the quarterly meetings, and of business to be transacted at such additional meetings, be left to be determined for each year at the August meeting in that year.”
Voted that this resolve be accepted.
[end page 206 | begin page 207]
{{207}}
{{Academy’s Memoirs to whom to be sent}}
(1.) Resolved, That Chapt. II. Section 4, to be amended by leaving out the following words: “residing without the limits of Massachusetts,” so that the whole section shall read as follows: “Any Fellow of the Academy shall be entitled to receive one copy of each volume hereafter published, by applying personally or by written order for the same, within two years after such publication.”
{{Printing Catalogue.}}
Voted that this resolve be accepted.
(3.) Resolved, “that as a resolve is now in force requiring a catalogue of the Library to be printed, which catalogue has already been prepared in manuscript at considerable expense, the committee on publications be instructed to commit forthwith said catalogue to the press.”
{{Resolve to print rescinded}}
Prof. Gray remarked that as the library is at present small, and is constantly increasing, and as the Academy is unprovided with any disposable funds, it might be better to defer printing the catalogue for the present. He therefore moved that the former resolve, referred to be forthwith committed to the press, be rescinded, in place of adopting the third resolution.
This motion was adopted.
[REDACTED] brought up the nomination of the Marquis of Northampton, which had been passed over upon a former occasion. He spoke of his claims to the respect of the scientific world, not nearly from his position as President of the Royal Society, but from his general knowledge in matters of science and his wide hospitality to all foreigners who presented themselves with any claims to the attention of scientific men.
The Marquis of Northampton was unanimously elected a Fellow of the Academy.
{{Report of Committee on Statues referred to Publishing Committee}}
Voted That the Report of the Committee on the revision of the Statues, be referred to the Publishing Committee, to be used by them in drawing up a new edition of the Statues.
{{Auditors to act for the coming year. }}
Voted that the auditors appointed to examine the Treasurer’s account for the past year, be requested to examine that for the coming year also, so that the accounts may be presented at each annual meeting already examined by the auditing Committee.
Voted, that Mr. F. C. Lowell be requested to act as auditor for the coming year as well as the past.
{{Report of Committee on painting proceedings}}
Prof. Gray from the Committee on printing the proceedings of the Academy at their Quarterly and Social meetings, made a verbal report, to the effect that there were as yet no materials to
[end page 207 | begin page 208]
{{208}}
for the subject of publication.
{{Mr. Gannett’s letter with President Shaw’s Manuscript}}
A letter was read from the Rev. Dr Gannett, accompanying a voluminous letter written by the late President Stiles to Sir William Jones, then in India, relating to the language of that country. Mr. Everett was understood to remark that an answer had been received to the letter in question after the death of President Stiles.
{{Vote of thanks.}}
The thanks of the Academy were voted to the Rev. Dr Gannett for his agency in putting the Academy in possession of the Manuscript.
The committee on the revision of the Statues requested permission to incorporate the following votes, passed at this meeting, among the Statutes:
{{Votes to be incorporated in Revised Statutes.}}
1.”That the Committee which have heretofore been chosen by ballot, be appointed by the Chair.”
2. The voted extending the Auditor’s duties to the coming year.
Voted, that the Committee be permitted to incorporate these votes in the Revised Statutes of the Academy.
{{Report of Committee on Phonography.}}
Mr. Emerson, from the Committee on Phonography etc. reported that the Committee had had several meetings upon the subjects assigned to them, and requested leave to sit again, which leave was granted by a vote of the Academy.
Adjourned.
OW Holmes Rec. Secy.
Rumford Fund
Dr. The American Academy of Arts & Sciences in a/c with I. Ingersoll Bowditch, Treas. Cr.
[table]
Boston, Aug. 4, 1846. I have examined this account & found it correct.
Francis C. Lowell, Audr.
Boston, 29 May, 1846.
Errors Excepted
I. Ingersoll Bowditch
[end page 208 | begin page 209]
{{209}}
General Fund
Dr. The American Academy of Arts & Sciences in a/c/ with I. Ingersoll Bowditch, Treas. Cr.
[table]
Boston, Aug. 4, 1846. I have examined this account & found it correct.
Francis C. Lowell, Audr.
Boston, 27 May, 1846.
E. E.
I. Ingersoll Bowditch Treas.
[end page 209 | begin page 210]
{{210}}
{{Quarterly meeting}}
Two hundred and eighty fifth meeting.
August 12th 1846.
The Academy met at 7 ½ PM, the President in the Chair.
Present Messrs. Wigglesworth, Paine, Emerson, Pierce, Teschemacher, Mitchell, Gould, Bigelow, H. I. Bigelow, Cabot, Swett, Russell, Folsom, Gray, Felton, Holmes.
The Corresponding Secretary read a letter from the Marquis of Northampton accepting and acknowledging with much courtesy his election as a Fellow of the Academy.
The Corresponding Secretary also presented a letter from Mr. John B. C. Gazzo.
{{Report on Phonography}}
Mr. Emerson from the Committee appointed at the last meeting but one read an elaborate report upon the subject of Phonography, expressing opinions and adducing arguments highly favorable to its claims.
Voted that this report be referred to the Committee on Publications.
Prof. Pierce, from the Committee on Mr. Speakman’s letter and printed document, presented by him as a claimant of the Rumford premium, reported that both were considered by the Committee, after careful examinations, as unintelligible.
Voted that this report be laid on the table.
The President stated to the Academy that the Hon. Judge White, who was appointed at the last meeting to deliver a Eulogy upon the late President, had signified his willingness to deliver it before an audience, including others besides Fellows of the Academy, and had suggested the early part of September as the time that would be agreeable to him.
It was voted that a Committee of two, to be nominated by the Chair, be appointed to confer with Judge White respecting the necessary arrangements.
The Chair nominated the following gentlemen.
Dr. James Jackson.
Mr. Emerson.
{{Case of Truman H. Safford}}
It was voted that the President be added to this Committee.
Dr. Holmes, from the Committee appointed at the meeting in March, to report upon the case of the young Vermont mathematician stated that as the request of Prof. Pierce, the drawing up of a fall report had been deferred until the arrival of the boy in
[end page 210 | begin page 211]
{{211}}
this vicinity, where he is expected to reside. Some interesting statements were made by Prof. Peirce, from which it would appear that the more calculating faculty is not by any means as remarkable in this child as it was in Zerah Colbern, but that it is rather incidental, as a part of extraordinary reflective powers.
The following gentlemen were balloted for and elected as Fellows at this meeting:
S. P. Andrews Esq, nominated by [REDACTED].
M. Louis Agassiz, of Neufchatel, Switzerland, nominated by [REDACTED].
Dr George Engelmann of St. Louis, Missouri, nominated by [REDACTED].
M. Edouard de Verneuil of France, nominated by [REDACTED].
M. Joseph Decaisne, Naturalist at the Jardin des Plantes, Pris, nominated by [REDACTED].
Professor Pierce submitted a list of papers which was referred to the Committee on Publications.
Adjourned
O.W. Holmes Rec. Secy
Two hundred and eighty sixth meeting.
Oct. 28th 1846
The Academy met at their hall previous to adjourning to King’s Chapel, to hear the Eulogy of the Hon. Daniel A. White upon their late President.
{{Committee on Monthly meetings}}
The only business that came before the Academy was the appointment of a Committee to arrange the plan of the monthly meetings for the coming season.
Mssrs G. B. Emerson
A. A. Gould
B. D. Greene
and the President were reappointed from the last year.
Adjourned
O.W. Holmes Rec. Secy
[end page 211 | begin page 212]
{{212}}
Two hundred and eighty seventh meeting.
Nov. 3d 1846
The Academy met at the house of the President.
The following vote proposed by Mr. Emerson was unanimously passed.
{{Vote of thanks to Hon. D. A. White}}
Voted, that the thanks of the Academy be presented to the Hon. D. A. White for his able, discriminating and faithful delineation of the character of our late admired and much lament President, and that a copy of the Discourse be requested for the press.
{{Paper by Dr. H. J. Bigelow on inhalation of ether}}
Dr Henry J. Bigelow read a paper giving some account of the new process of inhalation employed by Dr Morton of this city to produce insensitivity to pain during the performance of operations by the dentist and the surgeon.
Adjourned.
O. W. Holmes Rec. Secy.
Two hundred and eighty eighth meeting.
Nov. 12th 1846.
The Academy met at 7 ½ P.M.; the President in the Chair.
Present Messrs. Everett, Gray, Appleton, Wyman, Swett, Reynolds, Storer, Peirce, Bigelow, H. J. Bigelow, C. T. Jackson, Lovering, J. B. S. Jackson, F. C. Lowell, Emerson, Gould, Holmes.
{{Mr. Everett’s communion on new cotton etc.}}
Mr. Everett read from some recent English papers the statements of Arago and others with reference to the new invention of explosive cotton. He also gave an account of a recently discovered manuscript of Galileo, from which it appears that he had observed the ring of Saturn. The detection of which has been generally referred to a later period.
{{M. Pierce’s calculation of the orbit of De Vico’s 4th comet}}
Professor Pierce communicated a calculation of the elliptic orbit of De Vico’s fourth comet, which he has computed by the method of least squares from all the observations made by Mr. Bond at the Cambridge Observatory combined with the Roman observations of the 2d, 5th and 6th of March, and the Hamburgh and Altona observations of the 12th and 15th of March.
{{Levernier’s planet}}
Professor Peirce also communicated some facts respecting Le Vernier’s planet and other celestial bodies the existence
[end page 212 | begin page 213]
{{213}}
of which has been ascertained by recent observers, particular by the opake [sic] or invisible stars which have been asserted by Bessel to accompany those which are visible.
The new Volume of the Academy’s Transactions was distributed to the Members.
{{Vote to reprint plates for Academys Memoirs}}
Upon motion of Mr. Emerson it was voted that the Committee of Publication be authorized to cause a sufficient number of plates to be re-drawn and reprinted, (the first engravings having been prematurely effaced from the Stone) to furnish all the members of the Academy.
The Corresponding Secretary announced that
M. Ed. De Verneuil of Paris
Dr George Engelmann, of St Louis, Missouri,
And Dr Elisha Bartlett of Lowell
Acknowledge and accept their election as Fellows of the Academy.
Adjourned.
OW Holmes, Rec. Secy.
Two hundred and eighty ninth meeting.
Dec. 1. 1846.
{{Monthly meeting}}
The Academy met at the house of Mr. F. C. Gray.
{{Gun cotton exhibited by C. T. Jackson}}
Dr C. T. Jackson exhibited specimens of gun cotton and of paper prepared in such a way as to be impermeable to water.
{{Agassiz on the Flora of N. America}}
Mr Agassiz made some remarks on the points of resemblance between the flora of the later Miocene period in Europe and the existing flora of North America, as shewing that Europe possessed a temperate and not a tropical climate at that period.
{{Meteorological observations.}}
Dr Webster communicated a table of meteorological observations made by Mr. Hunt, the British consul at St Michael, Azores.
{{Mr. S. P. Andrews on the Chinese Language}}
Mr. S. P. Andrews stated that he had in preparation a memoir on the Chinese language, according to the request of the committee of the Academy upon that subject, and promised further explanations and illustrations of the subject at a future meeting. For the present he confined himself to a general statement of the permits which he expected to be able to demonstrate. (See his note in the printed proceedings.
Professor Gray communicated the character of some new genera and species of Compositae from Texas, which may be found in the printed proceedings.
O.W. Holmes Rec. Sec.
[end page 213 | begin page 214]
{{214}}
Two hundred and nineteenth meeting
Jan. 5th 1847
{{Monthly meeting}}
The Academy met at the house of Mr. F. C. Lowell.
No special communications were made at this meeting.
O. W. Holmes Rec. Secy.
Two hundred and ninety first meeting
Jan. 27th 1847
{{Quarterly meeting.}}
The Academy met at 7 ½ P.M. the President in the Chair.
Present Messrs Bigelow, Agassiz, Swett, Greene, Bowen, Pain, Boyden, Storer, Bowditch, Quincy, Cole, Hale, Folsom, Everett, Abbott, Emerson, Andrews, Gray, H. I. Bigelow, Pierson.
{{Request for Copes of Memoirs}}
The Corresponding Secretary communicated the request of the Essex County Natural History Society, conveyed through Mr Wheatland, for a copy of the Academy’s Transactions.
Voted that this request be granted.
{{“ “ “ }}
Mr. Folsom moved that the leaf containing the list of Fellows in the memoirs for the Academy, from which the name of Mr. Bond was accidentally omitted, be reprinted with the proper correction. Voted that it be thus reprinted.
The Corresponding Secretary presented the following communications
{{Mr. Bond’s communications}}
From Mr. Bond, Cambridge meridian observations from 1840 to 1844 inclusive, also Observations on Levernier’s planet.
{{Dr. Dean’s letter}}
A letter from Dr Dean of Greenfield, expressing the wish to publish a paper in the Academy’s Memoirs upon the subject of fossil footmarks, accompanied with ten quarto plates.
Voted that this request be referred to the Committee on publications.
{{Committee appointed to confer with the Trustees of the Athenaeum}}
Mr. Paine moved that a Committee be appointed to confer with the Trustees of the Athenaeum in reference to obtaining a room in their building for the accommodation of the Academy. Voted that such a Committee be appointed and that it be nominated by the Chair. ‘
[end page 214 | begin page 215]
{{215}}
The Chair nominated
Messrs. Emerson
Hale, and
Bowen as this Committee.
The Corresponding Secretary stated that only the three Memoirs which were laid upon the table, and forty eight pages of Proceedings, had as yet been printed, but that the works of printing was still in progress.
Voted to proceed to ballot for members.
John Bacon Jr+ was elected a Fellow of the Academy .
Mr. Everett read a letter from Dr Holland with reference to the inhalation of ethereal vapor as a means of producing insensibility to pain, and the reception of the discovery in London, also a paper by Mr. Challis on the facts connected with the discovery of the new planet.
Dr Hale read a memorandum on the meteorology of the past season, as compared with the preceding ones.
+Nominated by [REDACTED]
Adjourned
O. W. Holmes Rec. Secy.
Two hundred and ninety second meeting.
Feb 2d 1847.
{{Social meeting}}
The Academy met at the house of Dr J. C. Warren.
Dr Warren exhibited some remarkable specimens of petrifaction and made some observations upon the mechanism by which this change is produced. These remarks were afterwards reduced to writing by Dr Warren and placed in the hands of the Committee on Publications.
Mr S. P. Andrews explained and illustrated some of the opinions he has been led to form with reference to the construction of the Chinese language, and the analogy between this and the languages of Europe. These remarks were also reduced to writing by Mr. Andrews and placed at the dispersal of the Committee of Publication.
Adjourned
O. W. Holmes Rec. Secy.
[end page 215 | begin page 216]
{{216}}
Two hundred and ninety third meeting.
March 2d 1847.
{{Social meeting}}
The Academy met at the house of Mr. Appleton.
A paper was read by Dr. C. T. Jackson relating to the recent discovery of sulphurim ether in producing insensibility to pain, which discovery Dr Jackson claims as having been made by himself.
Also, a note was read from Dr. W. T. Ge. Morton referring to the same subject, and requesting the Academy to suspend its opinion upon the matter until further evidence should be adduced. After some discussion.
Voted, that the above paper be placed on file.
Mr. S. P. Andrews presented a dissertation on the Siamese language, by J. Cawell. Referred to the Committee on Publication.
A pamphlet was also presented, sent by Mrs Anna M. Thornton and entitled “Cadmus: or a treatise on the elements of written language, illustrating by a philosophical division of speech, the power of each character, thereby mutually fixing the Orthography and othropy etc By William Thornton M. D. This is a Dissertation which received the Maqellanic gold medal of the American Philosophical Society in January 1793. It is an Essay towards introducing a new method of spelling, words being written as they are pronounced, and presents many prints of similarity with the recent system which has received the name of Phonography.
Adjourned.
O. W. Holmes Rec. Secy.
[end page 216 | begin page 217]
{{217}}
Two hundred and ninety fourth meeting
March 16th 1847.
{{Social meeting}}
The Academy met by special invitation at Dr James Jackson’s.
The time of meeting was mostly taken up by testimony to an abstract of an elaborate paper by Professor Pierce with reference to the planet of Levernier as the cause of the perturbations of Uranus do not correspond with those determined by observation to belong to planet detected by Galle.
After some remarks upon this paper by President Everett and Mr. F. C. Gray, it was Voted that the communication of Professor Pierce be referred to the Committee of Publication.
Some discussion then ensued as to the propriety of appointing a committee to investigate the claims of different individuals to the discovery of the new application of sulphuric ether to the prevention of pain in surgical operations. The subject was dismissed without formal action.
Adjourned.
O.W. Holmes Rec. Sec.
Two hundred and ninety fifth meeting
April 6th 1847
{{Social meeting.}}
The Academy met by invitation at the house of Mr. Swett.
The President read a letter of acknowledgment to the Hon. Daniel A. White, for his Eulogy upon the late President of the Academy.
Mr. S. P. Andrews laid upon the table a dictionary of the Chinese Language printed at Macao.
Professor Pierce made some further remarks in explanation of his views respecting Levernier’s planet.
Dr Gay stated that he was in possession of evidence with reference to the discovery of the new use of Sulphuric ether, but declined making any formal communication until some further statements succeeded from the parties having claims opposed to those of Dr Jackson.
Adjourned
O. W. Holmes Rec. Sec.
[end page 217 | begin page 218]
{{218}}
Two hundred and ninety sixth meeting
May 4th 1847
{{Social meeting.}}
The Academy met at the house of Mr. B. D. Greene
The Vice President in the Chair.
Dr Gould exhibited some radiated animals from Boston Harbor and illustrated their structure and development.
Dr Gay read affidavits and statements on the ether question.
The Corresponding Secretary presented a memoir from James D. Dana Esq. Corresponding Member of the Academy, entitled “Conspectus Crustaceorum in orbis terrarum circumnavigatione C. Wilkes e Classe ReIpublica Faederata duce collecterum, auctere J. D. Dana.” Referred to the Committee on Publications.
Adjourned
Sec. Pro. Tem.
{{Annual meeting}}
Two hundred and ninety seventh meeting
May 25th 1847.
The Academy met at 10 A. M.
The President in the Chair.
Present Messrs Sparks, Gould, Bigelow, Everett, Swett, Gray, Paine, Boyden, Treadwell, White, Quincy, Pierce, Cole, M. Wyman, Wheatland, Webster, Bowditch, Folsom, J. B. S. Jackson, Holmes.
The Vice President laid before the Academy are Essay on the Silurian rocks, by Sir Roderick Impey Murchison presented by the Author. Also a letter from Levernier making honorable mention of Mr. Bond’s observations, and a letter from Liebig giving an account of some of his recent observations. The last of these communications was referred to the Committee of publications.
Voted that the Academy proceed to ballot for members
{{Fellows chosen}}
The following gentlemen were elected Fellows of the Academy.
Professor Edward Robinson,
Nominated by [REDACTED].
[end page 218 | begin page 219]
{{219}}
Professor Charles C. Jewett
nominated by [REDACTED].
Horace Gray Esq
nominated by [REDACTED].
John C. Lee Esq
nominated by [REDACTED].
Professor Eben N. Horsford
nominated by [REDACTED].
Professor Webster read a communication from Professor [Daubeny] conveying an invitation to the meeting of the British Association to be held at Oxford on the 23d of June.
{{Treasurers Report. See page 223}}
The Treasurer’s Report accompanied with the Auditor’s certificate, was read and accepted.
Voted to proceed to ballot for officers for the ensuing year.
{{Discussion on reducing assessment}}
Voted that the polls remain open until 12 o’clock. Some discussion took place on the object of a reelection of the assessment, but no alteration was made in the amount.
A conversation then followed upon the uses to which the Rumford funds is and should be applied, at the close of which this resolution was passed:
Voted that a Committee be appointed to consider the proper mode of appropriating the income of the Rumford funds.
The following gentlemen were appointed to constitute this Committee;
{{Committee on the appropriation of the Rumford fun}}
Judge Shaw
Professor Gray
Professor Treadwell.
Professor Pierce laid before the Academy two papers from Professor [Shay], namely:
An attempt to prove that the sum of the three angles of any rectilineal [sic] triangle is equal to two right angles.
A meteorological register kept at [blank] in the Bay of Islands in New Zealand in 1843 and 1844. By John B. Williams, United States Consul.
Professor Pierce also presented some further observations on the perturbations of Uranus.
The above papers were referred to the Committee of publication.
[end page 219 | begin page 220]
{{220}}
On motion of Professor Pierce, Voted that a Committee be appointed to report nominations of Fellows at the next meeting.
{{Committee on Nominations.}}
Voted that this Committee consist of five members, to be nominated by the Chair.
The following gentlemen were nominated:
[REDACTED]
[REDACTED]
[REDACTED]
[REDACTED]
[REDACTED]
{{Invitation to the Am. Antiquarian Society.}}
On motion of the Vice President, Voted that the American Antiquarian Society be invited to make use of the Academy’s room for such of their meetings as are held in Boston.
The hour at which it was voted to close the polls not having arrived, it was resolved that the former vote be reconsidered and that the polls be now closed.
The Committee appointed to collect and report he votes announced that the following gentlemen had been elected officers of the Academy for the ensuing year.
{{Choices of Officers}}
Jacob Bigelow President
Edward Everett Vice President
Asa Gray Corresponding Secretary
Oliver W. Holmes Recording Secretary
J. Ingersoll Bowditch Treasurer
A. A. Gould Librarian and Cabinet Keepers
{{Standing Committees}}
The following gentlemen were appointed members of the several standing Committees:
Rumford Committee
Daniel Treadwell
John Ware
Benjamin Pierce
Joseph Lovering
Francis C. Lowell.
Committee on Publications
Asa Gray
Francis Bowen
W. C. Bond
[end page 220 | begin page 221]
{{221}}
Committee on the Library
A. A. Gould
D. H. Storer
Benjamin Pierce
Adjourned
Oliver W. Holmes Secy.
Two hundred and ninety eighth meeting
August 11th 1847.
{{Quarterly meeting.}}
The Academy met at 7 ½ P.M.
The President in the Chair.
Present Messrs Everett, Felton, Bigelow, Folsom, Paine, Walker, A. Gray, J. Wyman, Teschemacher, Peirce, Hayward, Gould, J. B. S. Jackson, Holmes.
Mr. Everett read a communication from the Recording Secretary of the Antiquarian Society, containing an acknowledgment of the Academy’s invitation to the Society to make use of their room as a place of meeting.
[REDACTED] from the Committee on Nominations submitted a Report which was accepted and placed on file.
{{Committee on Rumford fund.}}
Prof. Gray from the Committee appointed at the last meeting to consider the proper mode of appropriating the Rumford funds, reported that Judge Shaw had been unable to attend to the duty assigned him as its Chairman and requested the Academy to discharge the Committee.
Mr. Paine was very desirous to have the opinion of counsel, and hoped the Academy would take measures to that effect.
Voted, that the Committee be discharged.
The Corresponding Secretary acknowledged the receipt of a letter from Mr. Jewett, accepting membership.
The Corresponding Secretary also laid before the Academy a portrait of the elder [Decandolle] presented by his son with a request that some provision be made for its proper preservation.
On motion of Mr. Everett, Voted that the portrait be gratefully accepted and placed in a frame
Mr. Everett stated to the Academy that the great telescope at Cambridge is now in working order, and
[end page 221 | begin page 222]
{{222}}
invited the Fellows to visit the observatory He also read extracts from a letter of Mr. Bond, from which it appears that the instrument surpasses the high expectations which had been entertained respecting it. Dr Gould suggested to the Academy the expediency of purchasing the cases now in the Library of the Natural History Society, that Society being about to move into another building.
{{Committee on purchase of cases from the Nat. Hist. Soc.}}
After some remarks by different Fellows, it was Voted that the Librarian be a Committee to enquire at what rate the cases now in the Academy’s room can be purchased, and to secure the use of them.
On motion of Mr. Folsom, Voted to present a copy of the New Series of the Academy’s Transactions to the Franklin Library Society in Lawrence.
Voted to proceed to ballot for new members.
Messrs Teschemacher and J. Wyman were appointed a Committee to collect and count the ballots.
The following gentlemen were declared to be elected.
{{Members chosen}}
The Rev. Dr. Whewell of Cambridge, England, nominated by [REDACTED].
M. U. J. Leverrier [sic] of Paris, and Mr. J. C. Adams of Cambridge, England nominated by [REDACTED].
S. A. Eliot Esq. nominated by [REDACTED].
Mr. B.A . Gould Jr. of Boston, nominated by [REDACTED].
Mr. George P. Bond of Cambridge, nominated by [REDACTED].
{{Committee on informal meetings.}}
Mr. Everett moved that a Committee be appointed to make arrangements for the informal meetings of the ensuing year.
Voted that such a Committee be appointed to be nominated by the Chair.
[end page 222 | begin page 223]
{{223}}
The following gentlemen were nominated by the Chair, to constitute this Committee
Messrs Gould
Emerson
Greene.
On motion of Mr. Everett, Voted that the first informal meeting be held at the house of Mr. Everett in Cambridge, at 7 P.M. Tuesday Oct. 5th.
Adjourned
O. W. Holmes Rec. Sec.
{{Treasurer’s Acc. See Page 219.}}
Rumford Fund.
Dr. American Academy of Arts & Sciences in account with J. I. Bowditch Tr.
[table]
General Fund.
Dr. American Academy of A. & Sciences in a/c with J. I. Bowditch Treas.
[table]
[end page 223 | begin page 224]
{{224}}
Two hundred and ninety ninth meeting.
Oct. 5th 1847.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of the Vice President in Cambridge.
The Vice President read some interesting extracts from late foreign papers respecting a comet recently discovered at Moscou, and the [etherisation] of bees; also portions of a letter from Mr. Oeveu on embryology of the Didelphis Virginiana, and a paper of some length on the number of unobserved planets in our system.
{{Letters of acceptance}}
The Corresponding Secretary read notes signifying acceptance of membership from Messrs Bond and Eliot.
Also, a communication from Professor Henry with reference to the organization of the Smithsonian Institution.
On motion of the Vice President seconded by the President, Voted that this communication be referred to a Committee.
Voted that this Committee consist of five members to be nominated by the Chair. The following gentlemen were nominated:
{{Committee on Smithsonian}}
Mr. Everett
Prof. Gray
Prof. Agassiz
Prof. Peirce
Prof. Longfellow (Prof. Sparks afterwards added.)
Mr. Teschemacher mentioned some discoveries he had made in examining fosil [sic] coal, shewing that it contained matter of vessels, seeds and leaves. Some discussion followed on these appearances, the existence of which was fully corroborated by Prof. Agassiz, to whom Mr. Teschemacher had shewn them.
Professor Agassiz introduced the subject of the influence of external circumstances upon animals. He believed that important results might follow some minute and extended observations upon the blind fish of the mammoth cave.
{{Committee on the blind fish.}}
It was voted that a Committee of three be nominated by the Chair, to pursue this subject, and
Messrs Agassiz, Gould and Storer were appointed this Committee. [in pencil] The Recg. Secretary and one other added to the Committee.
[end page 224 | begin page 225]
{{225}}
On motion of Dr. Morrill Wyman, Voted that a committee be appointed to examine such ventilating apparatus as may seem to them worthy of examination, and report upon their value at the next meeting of the Academy.
{{Committee on Ventilating Apparatus}}
The following gentlemen were nominated as this Committee
Messrs Lovering
Horsford
Pierce,
To whom, upon motion of Professor Pierce, Dr Morrill Wyman was added.
Mr. Teschemacher gave some account of the rhizomorphs found in coal mines.
On motion of the Corresponding Secretary, Voted that Professor Sparks be added to the Committee on the Communication relating to the Smithsonian Institution.
Professor Pierce moved that the meeting of the Academy be held once a fortnight instead of monthly, but after some discussion this motion was withdrawn.
Voted that the Recording Secretary be authorized to employ some person to distribute the notices for the meetings of the Academy.
Adjourned.
O. W. Holmes Rec. Secy.
Three hundredth meeting.
Nov. 2d 1847.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of the President.
The President in the Chair.
{{Letters of acceptance.}}
Letters were read from the Rev Dr. Whewell and John C. Adams Esq. of Cambridge University, in acknowledgment of their election as Foreign Honorary Members of the Academy; also from Professor Edward Robinson, of New York as a Corresponding Member.
Mr Bond communicated his observations, made at the Observatory of Harvard University, on the comet discovered on the 1st of October last by Miss Mitchell of Nantucket.
[end page 225 | begin page 226]
{{226}}
Mr. Bond also presented some observation of Lassell’s Satelite of Neptune.
The President gave some account of the mountain ranges of North America, illustrated by Bauerkeller’s embossed map; also of the same through which a canal has been thought practicable from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean and of the difficulties attending such work.
The President also gave an account of the past and present nomenclature of Pharmacology in Great Britain and in this country, from which it appeared that the practice of using a single word for each substance derived from the vegetable kingdom was first introduced in the American Pharmacopeaia of 1820, and has since been adopted by the Royal College of Physicians of London and Edinburgh.
Three hundred and first meeting.
Nov. 10th 1847.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs. Bigelow, Everett, A. Gray, Lovering, Beck, Bacon, Quincy, Greene, A. A. Gould, Horsford, M. Wyman, J. B. S. Jackson, Tuckerman, H. J. Bigelow, Swett, S. C. Walker, Peirce, Parsons, Folsom, Bowditch, Hale, Reynolds, Cabot, Emerson, Holmes.
{{Letter of acceptance.}}
The Corresponding Secretary read a letter of acceptance from Mr. B. A. Gould Jr.
{{Exchanges with Ethnological Society of Paris}}
Also a letter from the Secretary of the Ethnological Society of Paris, proposing exchange of publications with the Academy.
On motion of Mr. Folsom, Voted that the Corresponding Secretary be authorized to make such exchanges.
Mr. Everett read extracts from letters of Mr. Brodie on the use of Ether, and from Mr. Airy on the Telescope in the Observatory at Cambridge.
Dr M. Wyman, from the Committee on ventilation stated that various experiments had been instituted by the Committee to determine the velocity of the currents produced in tubes [armed] in differed modes.
Dr. Wyman gave some account of a most ingenious contrivance by which the action of starch and iodine in
[end page 226 | begin page 227]
{{227}}
giving rise to sudden change of color was made to indicate the velocity of the current. The final results were not ready to be presented.
Professor Peirce read a paper on the Satellite of Neptune, and referred to one of Mr. Adams’s on the same subject.
{{Report of the Committee of Conference with Trustees of Athenaeum.}}
Mr. Emerson, from the Committee appointed at the meetings held on the 27th of January, 1847, to confer with the Trustees for the Athenaeum in reference to obtaining a room in their building for the accommodation of the Academy, reported that a conference had been held with a Committee of the Trustees of the Athenaeum, but no definite conclusion was arrived at. Mr. Emerson then read a paper by Mr. Charles Folsom the Librarian of the Athenaeum, which with the remarks accompanying be offered as the Report of the Committee.
After a somewhat protracted discussion, on motion of the Corresponding Secretary it was Voted that the subject of hiring a room for the Academy be recommitted to the same Committee with instruments to report if possible at an adjournment of this meeting.
Dr Hale requested to be excused from serving upon this Committee.
Voted that Dr Hale be not excused.
Voted that when this meeting is adjourned it be adjourned to the first Tuesday in December next.
Voted to proceed to ballot for members
{{Members chosen}}
The following gentlemen were elected:
Professor William H. Courtenay of Charlottesville, VA.
Professor O. M. Mitchell of Cincinnati, Ohio.
{{W.H. Smyth of London?}} Captain W. H. Swift of Washington.
Hon. Abbot Laurence
Rev. George Putnam
Charles G. Loring Esq.
All these gentlemen were nominated by the Committee appointed at the annual meeting to make nominations.
Voted to defer voting on the nominations of foreign members until the next quarterly meeting.
Adjourned.
O.W. Holmes
Rev. Secy.
[end page 227 | begin page 228]
{{228}}
{{Monthly meeting}}
Three hundred and second meeting.
Dec. 7th 1847.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of Mr. Swett.
Letters of acceptance read from W. H. Swift, C. G. Loring, O.M. Mitchell, George Putnam.
{{Report of Com. On Smithson. Instit.}}
The Corresponding Secretary read an elaborate report submitted by the Committee on the Smithsonian Institution.
Voted that this report be laid on the table until other members who participated in preparing it shall be present.
{{Report of Committee on providing accommodations for Academy}}
Mr. Emerson from the Committee on providing accommodations for the Academy read a report favorable to the plans of providing such accommodations in the new Athenaeum building.
On motion of Professor Gray, the final resolve of this report was amended by striking out the words “and authority,” and adding the words “and report the result to the Academy for its final action.”
The Report was thus amended.
{{New Committee appointed}}
The former Committee having declined further service the Chair nominated Messrs
Bowditch
Peirce
And Folsom as the Committee for carrying out the plan of the report just read.
{{Report on Smithsonian Institution}}
On motion of Professor Gray the Report of the Committee in relation to the communication of the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution was taken up for consideration.
{{accepted}}
After some discussion this report was accepted.
Voted that the Corresponding Secretary be authorized to communicate this report to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.
Mr. Swett then gave some curious detail, respecting the Lectures and experiments of David Mason on Electricity about the middle of the last century.
Adjourned
O.W. Holmes Rec. Secy.
[end page 228 | begin page 229]
{{229}}
Three hundred and third meeting.
Jan. 4th 1848
The Academy met by invitation at the house of Mr. Bowditch.
The President in the Chair.
Mr. Everett read a long and interesting letter from Levernier on some of the comets.
{{Petition from Lieutenant Gillis}}
Mr. Peirce presented a petition to the Academy some Lieutenant Gillis accompanied by a correspondence between that gentleman and Dr. Gerling of Marburg, and offered the following resolutions, which were adopted:
“Resolved, that in the opinion of this Academy, the enterprise for determining the solar parallax in the method proposed in the correspondence between Lieutenant Gillis and Dr Gerling is worthy to be promoted by the government of the United States by sending an expedition to Chilie [sic], both on account of the great uncertainty which attends the adopted value of this fundamental basis of astronomical measurement, and the probability that this attempt will prove successful, and will thus redound to the honor of the country by which it is undertaken.
“Resolved, that a copy of this resolution be transmitted by the Corresponding Secretary to Lieutenant Gillis, with a request that he will communicate it to the public authorities who may have this subject under their consideration.”
Mr. Pierce also reported some of Mr Bond’s observations on the nebula in Andromeda.
Mr. Paine stated some of the results of this meteorological observations, which gave rise to some conversation on the weather.
Adjourned
O.W. Holmes Rec. Secy.
[end page 229 | begin page 230]
{{230}}
{{Quarterly Meeting.}}
Three hundred and fourth meeting
Jan. 26th 1848.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs Gray, Gould, Bowditch, Cole, Peirce, Swett, Bates, Bacon, Paine, Everett, Bigelow, H. J. Bigelow, J. B. S. Jackson, Parsons, Emerson, Holmes.
The Corresponding Secretary read letters of acceptance from Mrs. Abbot Laurence and Edward H. Courtenay.
Mr. Everett read extracts from a letter of Professor Schumacher of Altona stating the conditions required to be observed by the candidates for the medals awarded by the discovery of comets.
{{Meteorology}}
Mr. Everett also submitted a communication from Dr Nichol calling the attention of the Academy to certain deficiencies in the printed meteorological record as they appear in the Academy’s Transactions; also to the common defects of the maps published in this country, and suggesting that these prints be recommended to the managers of the Smithsonian Institution as among the objects deserving their attention, in the hope that they may be induced to publish more meteorological records, and a more perfect map of the physical face of the country.
{{Committee on Dr. Nicholl’s communication}
On motion of Mr. Everett this communication was referred to a Committee subsequently appointed, consisting of Mess.
Hale
Paine
And Gould.
Mr. Everett laid before the Academy a number of the Moniteur containing a Report of the proceedings of the Academy of St. Petersburg, also a new number of the Comples Rendus containing a paper of Struve on Levernier’s planet.
{{Meteorology}}
On motion of Mr. Everett, Voted that the meteorological tables of Dr Holyoke be referred to a committee of three for examination (with reference to future republication)
{{Committee on Dr Holyoke’s tables}}
Voted that this committee be nominated by the Chair.
The Chair nominated the following gentlemen
Mess. Hale
Paine
And Gould
[end page 230 | begin page 231]
{{231}}
{{Change in engraving of Diploma}}
On motion of Dr. Everett, Voted that the Secretaries have full power to make such changes in the engraving of the Diploma of the Academy as they shall think expedient.
Dr Gould stated that he had procured the services of competent person, in the place of Mr. Dillaway who had left the Academy’s rooms, and that the new attendant would remain at the rooms through the day and evening.
Voted to proceed to ballot for new members. The following gentlemen were elected:
{{Members chosen.}}
Mr. E. Desor, nominated by [REDACTED].
Professor S. F. Baird, nominated by [REDACTED].
Charles Jackson Jr. nominated by [REDACTED].
Adjourned
OWHolmes Rec. Secy.
{{Monthly meeting.}}
Three hundred and fifth meeting.
Feb. 1st 1848
The Academy met by invitation at the house of President Quincy.
The President in the Chair.
Professor Horsford and a letter from Sticker, an assistant of Liebig, giving an account of two new aids of phosphorus and one in gall. Also a letter from Liebig on Endosmordis and some of the phenomena recurring when one surface of the fluid experimented on is an evaporating one, with the application of these phenomena to the explanation of hausperation in animals.
Professor Horsford also exhibited the chemical formulae of sweet substances, vegetable and animal sugars, sugar of lead, chloroform etc, and shewed that by doubling the formulae of the latter the composition of all sweet [substances] represented by expression which are nearly identical in form.
Professor Pierce communicated the calculation of a new orbit of the Planet Flora, from Mr. B. A. Gould Jr and made some remarks upon it.
[end page 231 | begin page 232]
{{President Hitchcock’s paper}}
President Hitchcock laid before the Academy a paper on fossil footmarks with large drawings of many curious specimens.
{{Referred to Publishing Committee}}
Voted that this paper be referred to the Publishing Committee.
Professor Agassiz exhibited some ova of the Polynae covered with vibrating cilia, the action of which he had found to be totally independent of that the of the contained embryo, which had a slower rotating motion of its own. This he considered as an important fact in relation to the nature and significance of ciliary motion which some have considered one of the distinguishing marks between vegetable and animal life.
{{Dr D[illegible]] I appointed that you have not given the meaning of A. [Agassiz]. He by no means supposes ciliary motion to be peculiar to animal life. Nor is it so at all. A.G.}}
Professor Agassiz also made some remarks on the seat of the luminous [cylum] in phosphorescent animals. He had been led by his remarks to place it in the nervous system, this being in the animals he had been recently examining the luminous part of the body.
Adjourned
O. W. Holmes Rec. Secy.
{{Monthly meeting}}
Three hundred and sixth meeting.
March 7th 1848
The Academy met by invitation at the house of Dr. Warren.
The President in the Chair.
The Vice President read to the Academy an extract from a letter which he had received from Captain W. H. Smyth, President of the Royal Astronomical Society, accompanying a manuscript by an unknown author arguing in favor of the restoration of special Committees in the English Government, with a view as Captain Smyth observes in his letter, to the United States. This manuscript is presented to the Library of the Academy.
The Vice President also communicated a letter from Mr. Bond of the Cambridge Observatory, containing some interesting observations on the belts of Japan;
Also a statement of the regulations established with regard to the medals offered by the Ring of Denmark for the discovery of new comet, both which communications were referred to the Publishing Committee.
[end page 232 | begin page 233]
{{233}}
{Letters of acceptance from Mers. Smyth and Biards.}}
The Corresponding Secretary read letters of acceptance from Captain W. H. Smyth and Prof. Baird.
{{Commun. Of Dr. Dean and Rev. Hitchcock.}}
The Corresponding Secretary made some statements with reference to the communication of Dr Dean of President Hitchcock on the fossil bird-tracks of Massachusetts.
Dr. Warren enquired if these papers were similar in character; to which Dr Gray answered that the illustrations of Dr Hitchcock consisted of outlines of the exact size of nature, while those of Dr Deane were pictures or printed drawings both of the tracks and the rocks which formed their matrix.
On motion of Mr. Everett the communications were referred back to the Committee of Publications.
Mr Everett announced that the Rev Dr Whewell had sent a copy of the second edition of his History of the Inductive Sciences to the Library of the Academy.
Mr. Gray offered a memoir by Mr. Geo P. Bond on the nebula in Andromeda, which is to be followed by another astronomical paper.
{{Report of Comm. on Ventilation}}
Dr Morrill Wyman, from the Committee on Ventilation made a partial report, stating the results at which the Committee had arrived in the present stage of its investigation.
Prof Rodgers read a paper submitted by Professors W. B. and R. E. Rodgers on the solutions of rocks by water and carbonated water.
Mr. Cole mentioned that he had received some letters containing an account of the microscopes recently made by Mr. Spencer of New York, but owing to the lateness of the hour deferred reading them until the next meeting.
Adjourned
O.W. Holmes Rec. Secy
{{Monthly meeting.}}
Three hundred and seventh meeting
April 4th 1848
The Academy met by invitation at the house of Mr. Eliot.
The President in the Chair.
{{Letters from Lieut. Maury}}
The Corresponding Secretary laid before the Academy a letter from Lieutenant Maury, containing a translation of a communication from Mr. Levernier, and a request that the letter be published by the Academy
[end page 233 | begin page 234]
On motion of Mr. Lovering, Voted that this request be not complied with, on the ground that the paper transmitted is a translation, and not the original document, and that it had been already published when received by the Corresponding Secretary.
The Corresponding Secretary also mentioned to the Academy a paper on the Anatomy of some of the eutozoa by Mr. Joseph Leidy, which would be offered for publication in the Academy’s Memoirs.
Wm. Mitchell of Nantucket read a description of a very remarkable meteor seen in the last month, with a conjectural estimate of its size, velocity and place of descent, founded on a comparison of the accounts of the two principal witnesses.
Mr. Pierce made some remarks on the subject of meteors. Mr. Bowditch had found the velocity equal to that of the earth in its orbit. Mr. Bond’s observations shewed that the meteor observed could not have come from the moon, and went to prove that if these bodies have not a chemical origin, they come from planets revolving about the sun or from the sun itself.
Mr. Abbot described a meteor which he saw at Martha’s Vineyard, similar to the one described by Mr. Mitchell It appeared from half to two thirds of the size of the moon, was seen at 50˚ or 20˚ of horizon. Its light was much brighter than that of the moon.
Mr. Pierce submitted a communication from Mr. Sears C. Walker, and another from Mr. Geo. P. Bond, containing a computation of the orbits of the comets; also a paper on the planet Neptune, in which he defended the ground formerly taken by him with reference to the contradiction between the results of observation applied to the real planet and the elements belonging to the “planet of geometry.”
The Corresponding Secretary presented a communication from Mr. Bond on the third satellite of Jupiter; and another upon the great nebula in Orion
Mr. Agassiz pointed out some new distinctions in the family of the cypinoids or suckers, founded upon differences in the nervous ceatus, the existence of large natural tubescles and an addition median lobe in the cypinoids (without teeth) as distinguished from the cyprinodons (with teeth.)
[end page 234 | begin page 235]
{{235}}
Mr. Agassiz was disposed to admit even minute differences as the basis of generic distinctions in certain uniform families. The difference of sexes is often so great that in numerous instances the male and female have been described as belonging to different species.
Mr. Agassiz remarked in reference to the ground taken by Professor Pierce that the planet of observation is not the planet of calculation, that two parallel instances had occurred in the history of science where a new result had been based upon data afterwards shown to be defective. Both of these, which were [briefly] related, belonged to the history of geology.
Adjourned
O.W. Holmes Rec. Secy.
{{Annual meeting}}
Three hundred and eighth meeting.
May 30th 1848
The Academy met at 10 o’clock A.M. Present, Mess. Everett, Gray Felton, Agassiz, Pierce, Cole, Putnam, Horsford, C. T. Jackson, Holbrook, Emerson, Wheatland, Bacon, Wyman, Abbot, Paine, Mitchell, Lovering, G. Hayward, Folsom, J. B. S. Jackson, Gould, H. J. Bigelow, Sherwin, Hall (of N.Y.) and Markou [sic] (of Paris) and Mr. Lecomte.
The Vice President in the Chair.
{{Treasurer’s Report}}
The Treasurer’s Report, and the Report of the Auditing Committee were read by Mr. Peirce, the Treasurer not being present.
The Report as approved by the Committee was accepted and ordered to be placed on file.
The Corresponding Secretary stated that there were various interesting papers ready for publication, and that the materials at the disposal of the Publishing Committee would be enough to furnish a volume annually.
Mr. Everett presented a paper from the Marquis of Northampton containing the description of a recently discovered vase.
The Corresponding Secretary presented a paper by Mr. Lecomte giving an account of a new fossil pachyderm.
On motion of Mr. Agassiz, Voted that this paper be referred to the Committee of Publication.
Mr. Everett read a letter from Mr. Bond, which was also referred to the Committee of Publication.
[end page 235 | begin page 236]
{{236}}
{{Members chosen}}
Voted to proceed to ballot for new members
Dr Joseph Leidy of Philadelphia was elected a corresponding member of the Academy, having been recommended by O.W. Holmes.
{{Miss Mitchell}}
Miss Maria Mitchell of Nantucket was by a unanimous vote elected an honorary member of the Academy, having been recommended by….
Mr. Everett gave some account of the efforts he had made in behalf of the claims of Miss Mitchell to the medal offered by the King of Denmark to the discoverer of a new comet
Voted, that the Academy do now proceed to ballot for Officers for the ensuing year, and that the poles remain open for one hour.
Mr. Agassi related some of his acute observations on the form of the experiments in the embryonic state of birds, as seen in the egg of the robin; also upon some of the impusonia.
Dr C. T. Jackson stated that he had obtained a considerable quantity of foliated tellurium from specimens of gold ore obtained near Frederick, Virginia.
{{Alterations of Diploma}}
The Corresponding Secretary presented a copy of the diploma with the recent alterations and improvements which have been made in it, at the same time recommending that a written diploma be furnished to foreign members.
{{Mr. Spencer’s Microscope}}
Mr. Cole read a letter from Mr. Spencer of New York on the subject of the microscopes he has constructed, which upon motion of Professor Peirce was referred to the Rumford Committee with instructions to report if Mr. Spencer is entitled to a premium from the Rumford fund.
{{Committee on Library instructed to report on its state etc.}}
On motion of the Corresponding Secretary, Voted that the Library Committee be instructed to make a Report at the next Quarterly meeting on the present state of the Library, and a statement of the amount requisite for its care and increase.
{{Officers chosen}}
The hour for closing the balloting having arrived the Committee appointed to collect and count the votes reported that the following gentlemen had been chosen Officers of the Society for the ensuing year:
Jacob Bigelow President
Edward Everett Vice President
Asa Gray Corresponding Secretary
Augustus A. Gould Recording Secretary
[end page 236 | begin page 237]
{{237}}
{{1848}}
{{May 30.}}
J. Ingersoll Bowditch Treasurer
John Bacon for Librarian and Cabinet Keeper.
The following gentlemen were appointed Members of the different Standing Committees:
Rumford Committees.
Eben Horsford
John Ware
Benjamin Peirce
Joseph Lovering
Francis C Lowell.
Committee on Publications.
Asa Gray
Louis Agassiz
W. C. Bond
Committee on the Library.
A. A. Gould.
D. H. Storer.
Benjamin Peirce.
Adjourned.
O.W. Holmes, Rec. Secy.
Rumford Fund
Dr. American Academy of Arts & Sciences in account with J. Ingersoll Bowditch Treas. Cr.
[table]
[end page 237 | begin page 238]
{{238}}
Dr. American Academy (General Fund) in a/c/ with J. I. Bowditch Treas. Cr.
[table]
Boston, May 17. 1848
Errors Excepted
(sgd.) J. Ingersoll Bowditch. Treasurer.
Boston May 20. 1848 I have examined this a/c & find it correct & duly vouched. The Treasurer also exhibited to me the evidences of property now remaining in his hand
(sgd) Francis C. Lowell
{{Aug. 10.}}
Three hundred and ninth Meeting.
August 10th 1848
The Academy met at 11 o’clock; present Messrs. Everett, Asa Gray, Felton, Bowditch, Pickering, Paine, Boyden, Horsford, J. Wyman, Folsom, Pollack, Emerson, J.B.S. Jackson, Hayward, Peirson, Bacon, Gould.
The Vice President took the Chair.
{{Report of the Library Committee}}
The Library Committee, agreeably to instruction at the last meeting, made a Report on the condition of the Library, and on the means requisite for is future care and increase. The following resolutions were presented and adopted, in reference to the same, viz;
[end page 238 | begin page 239]
{{239}}
{{1848}}
{{Aug. 10}}
{Votes respecting the Library}}
1. That the Librarian be authorized to complete the volumes of Periodicals now deficient, and to have them bound immediately.
2. That the Librarian be requested to arrange the Books in this and the adjoining room, as much as may be according to subjects.
2. That in view of the favorable opportunity for the purchase of scientific Books in Europe, a Committee be chosen to confer with other Institutions in Boston and Cambridge with a view to the procuring of means, and the employment of a suitable Agent for the purchase of books abroad.
4. That in view of the past neglect of the Library, and its actual necessities, a sum of not less than $750. be appropriated to its preservation and increase for our current year.
5. That the Librarian be requested to give notice to all persons having books from the Library of the Regulations on the subject of their return, and to report the delinquents at the next meeting, with a list of the books detained, and of all the time when they were borrowed.
The two Secretaries and the Treasurer were appointed a committee in conformity to the third resolution.
Mr. Folsom offered the following resolution, which was adopted, viz;
That the Library Committee be instructed to report at the Annual Meeting, on the condition of the Library, with the titles of the books which may be missing, as ascertained by an examination made within one month before the day of the meeting.
{{Report of the Publishing Com. and Votes thereon}}
Prof. Gray in behalf of the Publishing Committee made a statement of their doings, and of the amount which would be requisite to meet the demands incurred and to be incurred during the year. He offered the following propositions, which were voted, viz.
Voted, that the Committee on Publications be authorized to expend the sum of $1750 for printing, engraving and publishing Memoirs and Proceedings of the Academy, and for paying Bills already due for these objects, together with whatever sum may be obtained by donation.
Voted, that a Committee of three be raised for the purpose of procuring donations to defray the expense of engravings for the Memoirs of the Academy.
Messrs. J. I. Bowditch, G. B. Emerson and N. Appleton were appointed this Committee.
[end page 239 | begin page 240]
{{240}}
{{Dr. H. I. Bowditch’s Paper on Linnae}}
The Corresponding Secretary presented a Paper on the Development of the Ova, and on the Diseases of Linnea
by Henry I. Bowditch, which was referred to the Pub. Committee.
The following gentlemen were duly elected Fellows of the Academy, viz.
Henry I. Bowditch, M.D. nominated by [REDACTED].
Epes Sargent Dixwell Esq., nominated by [REDACTED].
Edward C. Cabot, nominated by [REDACTED].
John S. Leconte, MD. (of New York) nominated by [REDACTED].
James Hall (of Albany) nominated by [REDACTED].
The Academy then adjoined.
Augustus A. Gould, Secy.
{{October 3, 1848}}
Three hundred and tenth Meeting
October 3. 1848.
The Academy met by invitation, at Cambridge, at the house of President Everett.
{{Members present}}
Present Messrs Everett, Bigelow, Sparks, Walker, Felton, Beck, Lovering, Agassiz, Horsford, Pierce, Folsom, Pickering, J. Wyman, M. Wyman, Bacon, H. I. Bowditch, A. A. Gould,
Mr Hunt of Canada and Mr Peel of England by invitation
{{Miss Mitchell’s comet}}
Mr Everett stated that he had received information through the Danish Charge d’Affaires, that the conditions of the award of the King of Denmark’s medal for the discovery of a new Comet would probably be so relaxed in favor of Miss Mitchell that she would receive the Medal.
{{Mr. Bond’s satellite of Saturn}}
Mr Everett read a Letter addressed to him, the President of Harvard University, to Mr Bond, directory of the Observatory, announcing the discovery, on the 16th of September, of an eighth Satellite of Saturn. Mr Bond’s Letter is as follows; viz.
[end page 240 | begin page 241]
{{241}
{{October 3, 1848}}
{{Mr Bond’s Satellite of Saturn}}
Observatory, Cambridge, Sep. 25. 1848.
Dear Sir, On the evening of the 16th of this month, a small star was noticed, situate nearly in the plane of Saturn’s ring and between the satellites Titan and Iapetus. It was regarded at the time as accidental. It was however, recorded, with an estimated position in regard to Saturn. The next night favorable for observation was the 18th; and while comparing the relative brightness of the Satellite, the same object, similarly situate in regard to the planet, was again noticed, and its position more carefully laid down. But still, at the time, we scarcely suspected its real nature. From accurate measurements on the evening of the 19th, the star being found to partake of the retrograde movements of Saturn, that portion of the Heavens toward which the planet was approaching was carefully examined, and every star near its path for the two following nights laid down on a diagram, and micrometric measures, of position and distance with objects in the neighborhood were taken.
The evening of the 20th was cloudy. On the 21st the new Satellite was found to have approached the primary, and it moved sensibly among the stars while under observation. Similar observations were repeated on the night of the 22d and 23d. Its orbit is exterior to that of Titan. It is less bright than either of the two inner satellites observed by Sir William Herschel.
Respectfully, W.C. Bond.
{{Name of the Satellite}}
Mr Everett then read a short paper on the discovery of the other satellites by Huyghens, Cassini & Sir Wm Herschel, and on the other name proper to be given to the satellite discovered by the Messrs Bond. Adopting the nomenclature proposed by Sir John Herschel in his late work on the Cape Observations, Mr E. suggested that the new satellite which comes next to Iapetus, might be called either “Prometheus” or “Hesper”, son of Iapetus; or if a brother of Saturn were preferred, it might be called “Hyperion”.
Some discussion arose on this point; and a Committee was appointed on the subject of the discovery of an eighth satellite of Saturn, by the Messrs Bond, and of a name proper to be given to it. The Committee consisted of the President Everett, Profs Felton, Sparks, Peirce and Mr Bond.
Mr Everett also presented a copy of “Guide to Northern Archaeology, by the Society of Northern Antiquaries of Copenhagen, edited by the Earl of Eugmere.” Which had been sent him for the purpose.
[end page 241 | begin page 242]
{{242}}
{{October 3, 1848}}
The Corresponding Secretary read Letters from Messrs E. S. Dixwell, H. I. Bowditch, and E. C. Cabot, accepting the fellowship of the Society.
{{Lieut. Gillis Expedition}}
Also a Letter from the Secretary of the Navy in relation to the Expedition of Lieut Gillis to the vicinity of Cape Horn, for the purpose of observing the approaching Transit of Venus, requesting any suggestion the Academy might make respecting it. The Communication was referred to Prof. Peirce and Mr Bond.
{{Horsford, Analysis of Cochituate Water}}
Prof. Horsford, Exhibited the apparatus and stated some of the processes by which he had examined the Cochituate Water, especially in reference to its action on Lead pipes, and also some of the results.
{{Agassiz, Fossil cetaceous}}
Prof. Agassiz, exhibited fossil remains of Cetaceans collected in South Carolina by Mr Holmes, and in Virginia by Mr Markoe, consisting of skulls of 5 species, nearly entire, and part of a sixth. These remains are more perfect than any the Professor had ever seen, only a very few fragmentary remains existing in the Cabinets of Europe. These important additions to the fossil fauna of this order of mammal, he proposes fully to describe and illustrate in the Memoirs of the Academy.
{{new volume of memoirs completed}}
Prof. Gray announced that a new volume of the Memoirs was not ready for distribution, and proposed that a committee be appointed to determine how they should be disposed of, and to fix some general rules for the distribution of the Academys publications in future.
President Everett, Profs. Felton, Gray, Sparks, Agassiz, Walker and Dr Gould were appointed this Committee.
On motion, the Academy then adjourned,
Augustus A. Gould
Recording Secretary
[end page 242 | begin page 243]
{{241x}}
{{November 8, 1848}}
Three hundred and eleventh Meeting
November 8, 1848
The Academy held the regular Quarterly Meeting. The President in the chair.
{{Members present}}
Members present, The President, Vice President, Hon. Josiah Quincy, N. Appleton, Profs. Peirce, Lovering, Gray, Beck, Horsford, Drs Pickering, J. B. S. Jackson, H. J. Bigelow, Bacon, M. Wyman, Gould & Messrs Boyden, Dixwell, Cole, C. H. Davis, J. I. Bowditch, E. C. Cabot, Treadwell, B. A. Gould, G. Hayward, Emerson, Paine, Folsom, Décor and Guyot-Perion=30.
The Corresponding Secretary communicated a Letter from Mr Conant respecting a Report of the Academy on a “Solar Index”.
He also communicated a paper from James D. Dana Esq. of New Haven entitled [“Conspectus Crustaceorum quce in Orbis terrarium circumnavigation Carols Wilkes e Clarre Republica Faederatae Duce, lexit et descrepsit Jacobus D. Dana; Pours II.”] Which was referred to the publishing Committee.
Prof. Gray, also presented a paper entitled “Plantae Fendleriance” containing descriptions of Plants collected in the region of Santa Fe; which was referred to the Pub. Committee.
{{Saturn’s Satellite}}
President Everett, in behalf of the Committee appointed at the last meeting on the discovery of an eight satellite of Saturn, and on a name suitable to be given it, read a Report, which was referred to the Publishing Committee for the purpose of having it appended to the volume of Memoirs about to be issued.
Dr Bacon, Librarian, read a list of deficiencies in the Periodicals, with a request that if any were in the hands of Members they might be returned.
Lieut. C. H. Davis, presented a paper on the “Geological Action of the Tides” which was referred to the Com. on Publications.
D Peirson, read a communication from Dr Archer Parsons of Providence, giving an account of a Tornado that passed near Providence in August 1838, at 3 PM.
[end page 243 | begin page 244]
{{242x}}
{{November 8, 1848}}
A Communication was presented from Frederick Emerson Esq, in relation to the published Report of the Committee on Ventilators; after some explanations by Dr Wyman, one of that Committee, in regard to the pointes which had called forth, the Communication, it was Voted, That it be laid on the table.
{{Comm. on nomination of Foreign Members}}
Prof. Agassiz, proposed that a Committee be appointed to revise the list of Foreign Members, and to prepare a new one in reference to the distribution of the new volume of Memoirs. [REDACTED] was appointed.
The following candidates were then elected Fellows; viz.
Prof Salisbury of New Haven, proposed by [REDACTED].
Dr J. Mason Warren, nominated by [REDACTED].
The meeting was then adjourned.
Augustus A. Gould
Recd Secretary
{{November 14, 1848}}
Three hundred and twelfth Meeting.
November 14, 1848
The Academy met by invitation at the house of the President, Dr Bigelow.
{{Members present}}
Members present, President Everett, Ex. Prest Quincy, Profr Gray, Lovering, Webster, Felton, Wyman, Horsford, Judge Shaw, Judge White, Doctors Peirson, Hayward, Storer, Pickering, Gay, JBS. Jackson, Bacon, H. I. Bowditch, J. Bigelow, H. J. Bigelow, Gould, Messrs Appleton, Swett, Treadwell, Desor, Emerson, Paine, E. C. Cabot, B. A. Gould, Dixwell, and by invitation, Profs. Guyot and Day = 33.
{{Decease of Dr Enoch Hale.}}
Dr Peirson, announced the death of Dr Enoch Hale of Boston, one of the most active Fellows of the Academy, and after a brief sketch of his private worth, his professional career, and his scientific labors, offered the following Resolutions; viz.
Resolved, That the Academy have learned the death of their colleague, Dr Enoch Hale, with great grief, and that they will cherish his memory as that of a pure, upright, and estimable man, engaged sincerely and industriously in the cultivation of Science & pursuit of truth.
[end page 244 | begin page 245]
{{243}}
{{November 14,1848}}
Resolved, That the foregoing Resolution be forwarded to Mrs Hale, with an expression of the sympathy of the Fellows of the Academy in her bereavement.
The Resolutions were unanimously adopted.
The Committee on the distribution of the Academy’s publications made a partial Report, and, asked further time.
Prof. Lovering, read a paper entitled “Cause of the remarkable difference that exists in the energy of an Electro-Magnet, and an ordinary Magnet of the same size.” Referred to the Com. on Publications.
{{Rev. C. Brooks on electric alarm bells}}
The President communicated a Letter from Rev. Charles Brooks stating certain projects entertained by him for the simultaneous striking of Clocks and Fire Alarms, and the lighting of City Lamps by means of Electricity.
President Everett stated that Prof. Wheatstone, several years since, had proposed to strike the Clocks of London in this manner: and Mr Desor had seen the plan in operation in the apartments of extensive manufacturing establishments in Paris.
{{Major Graham on the Survey of the N. E. Boundary}}
Maj. Graham, of the U.S. Topog-Engineers, gave an interesting account of the labors of the Commissioners for running the Boundary as established by the Treaty of Washington, between the U. States and Canada stating some of the objects kept in view, and to be exhibited on the Maps, and also the importance of the requirement of Government that duplicate copes of Field Notes should be made and deposited in different places, since it happened, that when the Maps had been nearly completed from one set of Notes they were all destroyed by fire. The means for reconstructing them are now in hand by this wholesome engagement.
Prof. Webster, exhibited splendid specimens of Beryl from Royalston, and of Indocraso from Sanford, near Wells, Me.
Drs Geo. Hayward, Messrs J. I. Bowditch and J. B. S. Jackson, were appointed a Committee to procure places of Meeting for the Academy, during the winter.
Adjourned.
Augustus A Gould, Recg Secy.
[end page 245 | begin page 246]
{{244.}}
{{December 6, 1848.}}
Three hundred and thirteenth Meeting
December 6, 1848.
{{Meeting at Judge Shaw’s}}
The Academy met by invitation at the house of Judge Shaw.
Present Messrs Quincy, Shaw, J. Bigelow, Appleton, W. Channing, C. Pickering, Gray, Pierce, Horsford, Lovering, Everett, S. Cabot, E. C. Cabot, M. Wyman, Beck, Lowell (Ja.), Peirson, J. Wyman, Swett, Storer, B. A. Gould, Tuckerman, H. I. Bowditch, Bacon, Gay, J. I. Bowditch, Desor, Guyot, Cole, Paine, Felton, A. A. Gould, 32.
{{Prof. Salisbury accepts Fellowships}}
The Corresponding Secretary read a letter from Prof Salisbury accepting the fellowship of the Society recently conferred on him.
{{Donation of the Smithsonian Contributions}}
He also announced the donation of the first volume of the “Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge,” accompanied by several documents stating the purpose of the Smithsonian Institution, and inquiring into the condition and objects of the Academy. These were referred to the Corresponding Secretary.
{{Resolutions on Gillis’ Expedition}}
Prof. Gray, in reference to the anticipated Expedition to the Southern Continent for astronomical purposes, offered the following Resolutions.
Resolved, that a Committee be appointed with full power to memorialize the proper national authorities forthwith, and urge the appointment of competent Naturalists to accompany the party about to proceed to the Southern extremity of the American Continent for Astronomical purposes and all other Expeditions which may be in future projected by Government, who may, at the same time, be engaged in investigating the Natural History of the regions which may be visited.
Resolved, That the Committee communicate this Resolution to such other scientific bodies as they may deem expedient, with the request that they would cooperate, by presenting similar Memorials.
These Resolutions, were adopted, and as Committee was appointed accordingly, consisting of Professor Gray, Agassiz & Wyman, with Drs Pickering and Gould.
{{Hon. N. Hale appointed on Com. on Meteorology}}
Mr Paine, of the Committee on Meteorology stated that by the death of Dr Hale, a vacancy existed in the Committee, which he proposed should be filled. This was accordingly done by the appointment of Hon. Nathan Hale.
{{Dr Channing presents his work on Etherization}}
Dr Walter Channing presented a volume recently published by him entitled “Etherization in Labor”, and accompanied the donation with many interesting remarks on the subject of etherization.
[end page 246 | begin page 247]
{{245.}}
{{December 6. 1848}}
{{Prof. Horsford on new chemical discoveries}}
Prof. Horsford read interesting extracts from a Letter of Prof. Liebig relating to the discovery of new phosphonic acids, the mineral ingredients of the blood, the office of organic matters in the sail, on lactic acids.
He also made remarks on the Sulphurous Acid Springs near Niagara, and the analysis of them by Chilson; and exhibited specimens of Iron Pyrites from Oyster Bay, L.I. illustration of their mode of formation.
{{Mr Cole on Spencer’s Microscope}}
Mr Cole, read several Letters narrating the experiments of the English microscopists upon the new test object, Naricuda Spencerii made with reference to the powers of English microscopes when compared with the alleged powers of Mr Spencer’s lenses.
Dr Bacon added an extract from a recent letter of Mr Spencer, in which he announces the discovery of a far more difficult test object which he had also been able to resolve.
{{Mr Bond’s recent discovery of a new Comet}}
President Everett announced that on the 25th of November Mr Geo. P. Bond discovered a new Comet, which is the seventh Comet he has discovered independently of the observations. He proposed that this comet should bear the name of Mr. Bond. In this instance the position was such in relation to a star in its velocity such that Mr B was enabled to see it actually move. Had it made its appearance two months earlier it would probably have struck the Earth.
Prest. E. also announced the transmission of the King of Denmarks Comet Medal to Miss Mitchell.
The Publishing Committee announced the completion of the third volume, new series, of the Academy’s Memoirs. [See page 250]
{{Prof. Peirce Remarks on Levernier’s Discovery}}
Prof. Pierce made some Remarks upon the recent discussion of the Committee of the French Academy of Sciences in relation to the merits of M. Levernier in the discovery of the planet Neptune.
The Academy then adjourned
Attest, Augustus A. Gould, Recg Secy.
{{1849}}
{{January 2.}}
Three hundred and fourteenth Meeting.
The Academy held a social meeting, by invitation at the house of the Hon. Nathan Appleton. January 2. 1849.
The President in the chair.
[end page 247 | begin page 248]
{{246}}
{{January 2, 1849}}
{{Members present}}
Members present, J. Bigelow, Appleton, J. C. Warren, F. C. Gray, Pickering, W. Channing, Agassiz, Felton, Pierce, Gray, Lovering, Bowen, Treadwell, Swett, J. A. Lowell, F. C. Lowell, C. T. Jackson, C. Jackson Jr., JM Warren. J. I. Bowditch, H. I. Bowditch, JM Warren, Phillips, Abbot, Horsford, A. A. Gould, B. A. Gould, E. C. Cabot, Bacon, E. S. Dixwell, Gay, S. Cabot, Desor, Guyot. 34.
{{Donations}}
The Corresponding Secretary presented the second number of the Papers of the Topographical Bureau of the War Department.
Also a number of the Almach “Uranus: of Breslau.
Mr Desor presented the following pamphlets, viz.,
Prospectus of Annuaire Meteorologique de la France pour 1849.
Instrucions pour l’Observation des Trombes terresstres, par Ch. Martins.
Embryology of Nemertes, by E. Desor
New Theory of the Geological Effects of the Ties, by Cs N. Davis Esq.
{{Dr C. T. Jackson Dissertation of Manganese in Water}}
Dr. Charles T. Jackson, stated that he had discovered the presence of Manganese in water, almost universally. With his assistant Mr. R. C. Crossley, he had detected it in every instance in waters taken from the earth, in water from the middle of Lake Superior, in Cochituate waters, etc. It has been usually regarded as Iron, in previous analyses. He regards the observation as having an important bearing in accounting for the deposits of bog manganese at the outlet of lakes and bogs, and also for the source of the oxide of Manganese in the Blood.
These and other remarks led to a desultory conversation on the phenomenon of the rise and fall of water in certain wells in connection with the tides; and also of the presence of fresh water at slight depths in the sand even at short distances from the sea, as on the sandy dunes of Cape Cod and Long Island
{{On permanent Tide Marks}}
Dr Jackson, also referred to the importance of having permanent marks affixed along the coast, at mean low water, in reference to the demonstration, at some future time, of the elevation or subsidence of the Continent, as might early be done by connection with the Coast Survey. He moved that a Committee be appointed to memorialize the proper authorities on the subject.
A Committee was accordingly appointed consisting of Dr Jackson, Mr Desor, and Dr Gay.
Prof. Lovering, read a paper on the “Law of Continuity”, and illustrated it by interesting magnetical experiments,
[end page 248 | begin page 249]
{{247}}
{{January 2, 1849.}}
Prof Pierce read by title a paper entitled “Researches in Analytical Mechanics” No 1. Fundamental Principles of Mechanics”.
The Academy then adjourned.
Attest, Augustus A. Gould, Recg. Secy.
{{January 31, 1849.}}
Three hundred and fifteenth meeting.
January 31, 1849.
The regular quarterly meeting was held at the Academy’s Room, the President in the Chair.
{{Members present}}
Members present, J. Bigelow, Everett, Quincy, Agassiz, Treadwell, Paine, Boyden, Lovering, Peirce, Mitchell, Desor, Abbot, J. I. Bowditch, Bacon, Dixwell, Parsons, Tuckerman, B. A. Gould, E. C. Cabot, Holmes, Storer, Horsford, H. J. Bigelow, Greene, A. A. Gould, Col. Jackson, Maj. Emory. 27
{{Donation of Hall’s Paleontology of NYork}}
The Corresponding Secretary read a Letter from James Hall Esq accepting the fellowship of the Academy, and presenting to the Library the first volume of his work on the Paleontology of New York.
{{Report on nomination of Foreign Members}}
[REDACTED] of the Committee for nominating a List of Foreign Members made a Report in which 40 names were proposed, to be acted upon at the next Quarterly meeting, and asking further time for a more extended list. This Report was accepted.
{{Donations by Dr E. Bartlett}}
Dr Holmes announced the presentation, from Dr Elisha Bartlett, of his volume on the Philosophy of Medical Science.
{{Dr Wayland}}
President Wayland, through the Recording Secretary, presented his works in four volumes.
{{Prof. Bache, Report on the Coast Survey}}
The Correspg Secretary also presented from Dr Bache his Report on the Results of the Coast Survey, with the request that a Committee might be appointed to examine it, and if they thought proper to make such representations respecting the results, and make such suggestions as would tend to the more extended and satisfactory accomplishment of the object of the Survey.
{{Committee on the same}}
A Committee was accordingly appointed, consisting of Profs Peirce, Lovering, Treadwell, and J. I. Bowditch Esq.
{{Dr Ware retires from Rumford Comm.}}
The President read a Note from Dr John Ware resigning his place on the Rumford Committee, and Prof. Treadwell was appointed to the vacancy.
[end page 249 | begin page 250]
{{248}}
{{January 31. 1849}}
{{List of Mr Bonds Papers for 1848.}}
President Everett read a Communication from Mr Bond announcing by their titles the following Papers for publication, being the results of observations during the last year, viz:
I. Observation on the Satellite of Neptune, with Elements of its orbit and the Mass of the Primary.
II. Observations on Encke’s Comet in the months of Aug. Sep. Oct. & Nov. 1848.
III. Observations on Hyperion, with Elements of its Orbit.
IV. Observations on Hinds’ new star.
V. Observations on twenty three Double and Binary Stars.
VI. Observations on Petersen’s second Comet, with Elements of its Orbit.
VII. Moon Culminations from Sept. 1847 to Sept. 1848.
{{B.A. Gould, Paper on planet Metis}}
B. A. Gould Esq. communicated a paper entitled, “A New Determination of the Planet Metis, referred to the Publishing Committee.
Mr Desor exhibited the drawing of a minute Crustacean found in Cochituate water, which he pronounced to be a species of Catamus.
{{Comm. on Coast marks}}
He also stated that the Committee on the establishment of permanent tidal marks on our coast had met, and requested that Lieut. C. N. Davis and E. C. Cabot Esq might be added to the Committee; which addition was voted.
{{Prof. Guyot elected}}
Prof. Arnold Guyot, late of Neuchatel, was elected a Fellow of the Academy.
The Academy then adjourned.
Attest, Augustus A. Gould, Recg. Secy.
{{February 63 1848}}
Three hundred and sixteenth Meeting.
February 6. 1849.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of the Hon. John A. Lowell, the Vice President, Hon. Edw. Everett in the chair.
{{Members present}}
Members present, Messrs Everett, Appleton, Walker, C. Pickering, Agassiz, Peirce, Folsom, Quincy, Guyot, A. Gray, J. A. Lowell, B. A. Gould Jr, Cole, Phillips, Longfellow, Dixwell, J. I. Bowditch, H. I. Bowditch, Hayward (G.) Treadwell, Tuckerman, Felton, Desor, Shaw, H. D. Rogers, Greene, Lawrence, Bowen, C. Jackson, Jr, F. C. Lowell, Peirson, S. Cabot, J. Wyman, Hitchcock, Lovering, Sparks, W. Channing, Gay, Bacon, Swett, Storer, A. A. Gould, Col. Graham. Mr Foster & Mr [blank] by invitation, 45.
[end page 250 | begin page 251]
{{249}}
{{February 6. 1849}}
{{Prof Guyot accepts fellowship}}
The Corresponding Secretary read a Letter from Prof. A. Guyot signifying his acceptance of the fellowship of the Academy, and presenting a Copy of his “Notice sur la Carte du Fond des Lacs de Neuchatel et Morat.”
{{On the Publication of the U.S. Exploring Expedition}}
Also, A Communication from James D. Dana Esq respecting the desireableness of urging upon Congress to enlarge the edition of the Work on the U. States Exploring Expedition.
Whereupon, the President was requested to write to the Library Committee of Congress, and call their attention to a Memorial already presented by the Academy on that subject.
{{Comm. on Coast Survey Report}}
Prof. Pierce, from the Committee appointed at the last meeting on the Results of the Coast Survey, read a full and interesting Report.
Voted, That the Report be accepted, and that copies of it be forwarded to Dr Bache and to the Hon. R. c. Winthrop to make such use of it as may best promote the interests of the Survey.
{{Communication by Prof. Agassiz}}
Prof. Agassiz, addressed the Academy with a view to suggest a primitive type of the Animal corresponding to the Leaf as a primitive type of the Vegetable.
{{By J. W. Foster}}
Mr J. W. Foster, of Ohio, present by invitation, rad an interesting paper, on the sudden Oscillations of the Waters of the Great Lakes, giving a historical sketch of the most remarkable ones which have been recorded, and others observed by himself, and suggesting the causes which probably give rise to them.
Prof. Rogers and Mr Desor alluded to similar oscillations which have been observed in other countries, and also discussed the causes which might have given rise to them.
{{Report on Frost’s paper on Steam boilers}}
Prof. Lovering, in behalf of the Rumford Committee, read a Report on a Paper on the Bursting of Steam Boilers, by James Frost, of Brooklyn. Believing him to have arrived at erroneous conclusions the Committee had not reported in favor of a premium.
The Report was accepted and ordered to be placed on file.
The Academy then adjourned.
Attest
Augustus A Gould, Recg Secy.
[end page 251 | begin page 252]
{{December 6.1848.}}
Supplementary Report of the 313th Meeting, Dec. 6.1848.
{{Report on distribution of Publications}}
The Committee on the distribution of the Academy’s Publications made a final Report, and the following Resolutions were adopted;
{{Copies for authors}}
Resolved, that 500 copies of the fourth volume of Memoirs be printed, of which 100 shall be furnished to the Authors of the Memoirs for immediate distribution.
{{Price of volumes}}
Resolved, that the forth coming volume of the Memoirs [vol. III, New Series] be furnished to the non-paying M embers of the Academy residing in the United States, at three dollars per copy, and the preceding volumes at two dollars per copy.
{{Copies for Foreign members}}
Resolved, that the 4th Article of the third Chapter of the Statutes be so amended as that it shall read as follows;
X It shall be the duty of the Corresponding Secretary, with the advice and consent of the President, to distribute copies of Memoirs to Fellows of the Academy residing in foreign countries as they shall deem expedient.
Attest, A. A. G. Recg Secy
{{March 6. 1849}}
Three hundred and seventeenth Meeting
March 6. 1849.
A social Meeting was held at the house of Francis C. Lowell Esq. at 7 ½ o’clock, P.M., the President in the Chair.
{{Members present}}
Members present: J. Bigelow, Everett, J. C. Warren, J. M. Warren, Sparks, Shaw, Phillips, Quincy, Appleton, Swett, J. A. Lowell, F. C. Lowell, Folsom, Mitchell, J. I. Bowditch, H. I. Bowditch, Teschemacher, Channing (W.) Paine, Treadwell, Gay, F. C. Gray, A. Gray, Lovering, Pierce, Horsford, Dixwell, A. A. Gould, B. A. Gould Jr, C. T. Jackson, J. B. S. Jackson, C. Jackson Jr, C. Pickering, Holmes, Abbot, Bacon, S. Cabot, E. C. Cabot, H. J. Bigelow, & Mr Foster 40.
{{Report of Publishing Committee}}
The Corresponding Secretary announced the donation of several Books, and laid upon the table the first Memoir of the fourth volume, with the encouragement that the volume would probably be completed by the end of the year. He also stated that the funds appropriated for the purpose would not meet the expenses incurred
[end page 252 | begin page 253]
{{251.}}
{{March 6. 1849.}}
in publication; whereupon it was voted that the attention of the Committee appointed at a former meeting for obtaining subscriptions to meet the deficiency, be called to that subject.
{{Resolves respecting Schumacher’s Astronomische Nachrichten}}
The Vice President (Mr Everett) laid before the Academy a letter from Prof. Schumacher, accompanied with printed copies of a Letter from the Secretary of the Royal Astronomical Society at London to Lord Palmerston, from Mr Arago; and from Baron Alex. Von Humboldt. These Letters refer to the position of Prof. Schumacher in connection with the Observatory at Altona, and the publication of the “Astronomische Nachrichten”; and to the dangers which threaten these establishments in consequence of the disturbed state of the relations of Denmark and the Duchies of Schleswig and Holstein.
These Letters were read and considered; whereupon it was unanimously
Resolved, that the American Academy of Arts and Sciences entertain a high opinion of the importance of an Observatory at Altona, as a convenient point of communication between countries distant from each other, and of the value of the Astronomische Nachrichten as a medium of intelligence for the whole scientific world; that they recognize the great importance of Prof. Schumacher’s services in connection with the Altona Observatory and the publication of the Nachrichten; and that they would regard as a public misfortune any event which should interrupt his labors, or occasion any discouragement of the generous zeal, with which, during a long and honorable career, he has successfully exerted himself for the promotion of Astronomical Sciences.
Resolved, that a Committee of three be appointed to address a Letter to Professor Schumacher, transmitting a certified copy of these proceedings, and that a copy of the Letters submitted to the Academy this evening be sent by the same Committee to the other learned Societies and Observatories in the United States.
In accordance with the last Resolution the following Fellows were appointed a Committee, viz, President Everett, Prof. Peirce & J. I. Bowditch.
{{Donations}}
Mr Everett presented to the Library the 17th Report of the British Association, and also a Pamphlet containing the Correspondence in relation to the award of the King of Denmark’s Comet Medal to Miss Mitchell of Nantucket.
[end page 253 | begin page 254]
{{252}}
{{March 6. 1849.}}
{{Communications by Prof. Horsford}}
Prof. Horsford communicated a new method devised by Mr Fleitman of Berlin, for obtaining the inorganic constituents of Plants, which is apparently destined to take precedence of the methods hitherto pursued.
{{on Lead pipes}}
He also briefly stated the results he had arrived at in his experiments upon service pipes for the distribution of Aqueduct water, and more particularly the effect of the water on Lead pipes.
{{Dr. C. T. Jackson}}
Dr C. T. Jackson made some remarks on Prof. Horsford’s paper, and communicated the results of an analysis of water from Waltham received through lead pipe a [sic] which was found to be strongly impregnated with Lead.
Dr Jackson also presented in behalf of Elio de Beaument a pamphlet, entitled “Les Systems des Montagnes les plans anciens de l’Europe”
{{Nichols’ instruments for the section of angles}}
Prof. Pierce exhibited an ingenious instrument devised many years since by B. R. Nichols Esq. for trisection of angles; also the model of another instrument, on which the same gentleman was engaged at the time of his death, for the division of an angle into any number of equal parts.
{{Safford’s computation of the Orbit of Petersen’s Comet}}
He also laid upon the table the computation of the orbit (elliptical) of Petersen’s Comet by young Safford, now 13 years of age, showing its periodical time to be 382,000 years. He stated that Safford had been employed about 15 hours in the computation.
{{by Prof Peirce}}
Prof. Peirce also made a communication in which he gave reasons for his belief that the Comets seen by us are component parts of our Solar System.
Dr Walter Channing, presented a Memoir, by himself, of Dr Enoch Hale, a Fellow of the Academy.
{{Dr. Warren, on deaths from Ether and Chloroform}}
Dr. J. C. Warren stated the number of deaths from the use of Chloroform and Sulphur Ether which had come to his knowledge; he gave his views of the comparative safety of the two agents; he also stated that the had recently adopted the use of Chloric Ether as in some respects preferable to either of the other articles.
Dr Channing did not altogether accord with Dr W. as to the danger from Chloroform, and by reference to cases showed that the reported deaths had arisen from gross carelessness and abuse of it
The meeting was then adjourned.
Attest, Augustus A. Gould, R. Sy.
[end page 254 | begin page 255]
{{253.}}
{{April 4. 1849.}}
Three hundred and eighteenth Meeting.
April 4. 1849.
The Academy met, by invitation, at the house of the Hon Charles G. Loring, the President in the Chair.
{{Members present}}
Present, Messrs, Bigelow, Everett, Shaw, J. C. Warren, Appleton, Phillips, Quincy, Loring, Swett, Peirson, Treadwell, Greene, Folsom, Paine, Pierce, Guyot, Horsford, Lovering, J. A. Lowell, Bowen, J. W. Webster, C. T. Jackson, J. B. S. Jackson, Cole, A. Gray, B. A. Gould, A. A. Gould, S. Cabot, Dixwell, Bacon, J. M. Warren, J. Wyman, M. Wyman, C. Pickering, J. I. Bowditch, H. I. Bowditch, Felton, H. J. Bigelow, Abbot, W. Channing, Holmes, Gay, 42.
The Records of the last meeting were read and approved.
{{Donations for Engraving}} The Treasurer, Chairman of the Committee for procuring donations to defray the expense of Engravings for the Memoirs reported that about $1400. Had been already subscribed.
{{Communications}}
Mr Everett, in behalf of the Committee appointed at the last meeting to address a Letter to Prof. Schumacher of Alton, read the Letter which had been prepared.
{{LeNerrier}}
He also read a Letter from Mons. LeNerrier, dated Dec. 26, in relation the discovery of the 8th Satellite of Saturn.
{{Miss Mitchell’s Comet Medal}}
He likewise exhibited the Comet Medal which had been awarded to Miss Mitchell, and which had just been received; and presented a Copy of the Correspondence which had been held in relation thereto.
{S. C. Walker’s Ephemeris of Neptune}}
Prof Pierce, read a Letter from S. C. Walker, containing a comparison of his Ephemeris of Neptune with the latest observations on that planet, showing a variation from his calculations of only the fraction of a second.
He also adduced further proofs of the relation of the Comets to the Solar System, and especially from their tendency of their orbits in regard to the plane of the ecliptic.
{{Dr C. Pickering on the length of the year according to the Egyptian Cycle}}
Dr. Pickering, made some remarks in regard to the true length of the year. He believed that the Egyptians knew in its exact length, and that if we make certain allowances for the time consumed in the transmission of light, the true period would be found as stated in a paper handed to the Secretary for record, which is a follows,
“Length of the Year, according to the Egyptian Cycle, as determined by C. Pickering, 365d.5h.40m.37.7”.
[end page 255 | begin page 256]
{{254.}}
{{April 4. 1849}}
Drs, H, C, Warren & W. Channing entered into an interesting discussion of the comparative eligibility of Ether and Chloroform as anesthetic agent, in continuation of their remarks at the last meeting.
Drs C. T. Jackson, M. Wyman, and H. J. Bigelow, also entered into the discussion, adducing the results of their experiments.
The Academy then adjourned.
Attest
Augustus A. Gould, R.S.
{{May 8. 1849}}
Three hundred and nineteenth Meeting.
May 8. 1849.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of the Hon. Abbot Lawrence the President in the Chair.
{{Members present}}
Present, Messrs J. Bigelow, Everett, Lawrence, Swett, Phillips, C. G. Loring, Sparks, Walker, F. C. Gray, Felton, Gay, Asa Gray, Horsford, Lovering, Peirce, Bowen, J. Wyman, M. Wyman, S. Cabot, H. J. Bigelow, Cole, J. B. S. Jackson, Abbot, Bacon, H. I. Bowditch, B. A. Gould, Peirce, M. Warren, Alger, A. A. Gould and Prof Gibbes of NYork = 30.
{{Communication from Mr Sullivant}}
Prof. Gray presented a Paper from Mr Sullivant, entitled, Muscology and Bryology of the U. States, part II. being a continuation of the paper already published in the Memoirs.
{{Prof. Agassiz on Medusae}}
Prof. Gray also gave an abstract of some Observations recently made by Prof. Agassiz, on the development and structure of Medusae, which the Professor intended to give more in detail when he himself could be present.
{{Mr Abbot’s Hydraulic Experiment}}
Mr. J. Hale Abbot exhibited an hydraulic Experiment similar in its arrangement and results to the pneumatic paradox. A stream of water, forced from a cloud vessel by compressed air, was substituted for the blast of air, and the disks were immersed in water in a glass bowl. Two phials containing colored liquid were also arranged above the fixed disk, at different distances from the centre and communicating by means of bent glass tubes with the space between the disks; during the experiment the inner one discharged its fluid into the space between the disks, while the outer one became filled from the same space, showing a difference of pressure at those two points analogous
[end page 256 | begin page 257]
{{255}}
{{May 8. 1849.}}
to what he described to exist in the pneumatic paradox, in experiments described in Silliman’s Journal for 1849.
Profs. Pierce, Lovering and Dr. H. J. Bigelow made additional remarks in regard to the Experiment.
{{Prof. Pierce on the length of the year}}
Prof. Pierce, attended to the entry made at the last meeting by Dr Pickering, as to the time length of the yard, and remarked that had not been able to see the validity of his reasoning on the subject, and indeed, that he regarded so great a variation from the usual reckoning as quite impossible.
{{Mr Gould on Mr Bond’s Comet}}
Mr B. A. Gould Jr made some remarks upon the Comet discovered Mr Bond, April 11th tending to show that it is not the Comet of 1748.
Mr Everett announced that Mr Richard Bond was about to visit England, at the Expense of the Coast Survey for the purpose of ascertaining more accurately the difference of longitude between the two Observations at Greenwich and Cambridge by mean of Chronometers.
The Academy then adjourned.
Attest, Augustus A. Gould, Recg. Secretary.
{{May 29. 1849.}}
Three hundred and twentieth Meeting.
May 29. 1849.
A statute meeting was held at the Hall of the Academy, the President in the Chair.
{{Members present}}
Present, Messrs J. Bigelow, Everett, Treadwell, Hayward, Pollock, F. C. Gray, Asa Gray, Agassiz, Felton, Pierce, Lovering, F. C. Lowell, J. Wyman, M. Wyman, J. B. S. Jackson, C. T. Jackson, Russell, Tuckerman, J. I. Bowditch, H. I. Bowditch, Boyden, Bacon, Abbot, Cole, H. J. Bigelow, A. A. Gould, B. A. Gould, Beck, E. C. Cabot, Gay.
The Records of the last Quarterly meeting were read and approved.
{{Mr Dexter’s Bust of Pickering}}
A Letter was read from Mr Henry Dexter, the sculptor, enclosing the List of subscribes to the marble Bust of our former President, the late John Pickering LLD, recently placed in the Hall of the Academy.
Voted, that it be placed on file.
[end page 257 | begin page 258]
{{256.}}
{{May 29. 1849}}
{{Treasurer’s Report}}
The Treasurer’s Annual Report, together with the Report of the Auditing Committee was read and accepted, to be placed on file.
In view of the income of the current year the Treasurer proposed that it be appropriated as follows, viz. for Printing $900.00 for the Library $600.00 together with the unexpended balance of last year’s appropriation, for the general expenses not exceeding $600.00 which disposition was approved.
{{Library Report}}
The Library Committee made a verbal Report on the addition to the Library, and the condition of the same. “On Account of the frequent noncompliance of Fellows with the rule for returning books it was moved by Prof. Gray.
That the Librarian be directed to make out a Bill for Books detained more than one year, and to request payment of the same. The motion was adopted.
{{Pub. Committee’s Report}}
The Publishing Committee made a verbal Report, giving reasons for a want of promptness in the regular appearance of the Proceedings and announcing the probable completion of another volume of Memoirs in the autumn.
{{Prof. Agassiz on Medusa}}
Prof. Agassiz made a more full exposition of his observations on the development and structure of Medusae as presented in the abstract by Prof. Gray at the last meeting; and more specially as to his having traced, by a series of specimens the development of Compenularia from the eggs of a jelly-fish, and as the future stock of the jelly-fish itself.
{{Mr Bond’s Communication}}
Prof. Peirce communicated a paper by Mr Bond Jr on the Applications of the Method of Mechanical Quadratures, which was referred to the Publishing Committee.
{{Mr Everett, on Mr Bond’s Comet of April 11.}}
Mr Everett stated that he had examined the recent foreign journals with reference to the identity of the comets observed in England and France with that observed by Mr Bond on the 11th of April; and had found that the Paris comet was different, while that observed by Mr Graham on the 14th of April was identical; also that the comet seen by Mr Bond at 9 o’clock was observed at Moscow on the same evening at 9 ½ o’clock.
{{Prof. Guyot’s Donation}}
Prof. Guyot presented a work recently published by him on Comparative Physical Geography.
[end page 258 | begin page 259]
{{257}}
{{May 29.1849.}}
{{Choice of Officers}}
The Academy then proceeded to ballot for Officers for the ensuing year and the following persons were duly elected: viz.
President, Jacob Bigelow.
Vice President, Edward Everett.
Corresponding Secretary, Asa Gray.
Recording Secretary, Augustus A. Gould.
Treasurer, J. Ingersoll Bowditch.
Librarian, Henry I. Bowditch.
The following gentlemen were appointed on the several Standing Committees for the year, viz.
Rumford Committee.
Eben. B. N. Horsford
Daniel Treadwell
Joseph Lovering
Francis C. Lowell
Morrill Wyman
Committee on the Library.
A. A. Gould
D. H. Storer
U. A. Boyden
Committee on Publications.
Asa Gray
Louis Agassiz
W. C. Bond
{{Comm. on the Nomination of Foreign Members}}
On motion of Prof. Gray it was voted, that a Committee be appointed to consider the most judicious for be taken in the nomination of Foreign Members. [REDACTED] were appointed that Committee.
Voted that the same Committee report provisions for the future modification or amendment of the Statutes.
{{Members elected}}
The following gentlemen, regularly nominated as Corresponding Members were elected, viz.
Prof. Charles U. Shepard, nominated by [REDACTED].
Prof. Charles B. Adams of Amherst College, nominated by [REDACTED].
The nomination of a list of candidates as corresponding Members having been deemed somewhat informed was not acted upon, but was placed on nomination in the usual way.
[end page 259 | begin page 260]
{{258}}
{{May 1849}}
Rumford Fund.
Dr. American Academy of Arts & Sciences in a/c current with J. I. Bowditch, treas Cr.
[table]
Boston, May 24, 1849. Errors Excepted. Sgd. J. I. Bowditch Trs.
Dr. American Academy. General Fund. in a/c with J. I. Bowditch Treas. Cr.
[table]
[end page 260 | begin page 261]
{{259}}
{{August 8. 1849.}}
Three hundred and twenty first Meeting
August 8. 1849.
{{Members present}}
A statute meeting of the Academy was held in the Library Room, the President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs J. Bigelow, Agassiz, Walker, Felton, Asa Gray, W. Channing, Folsom, Paine, Borden, C. T. Jackson, Jewett, Tuckerman, H. J. Bigelow, Jewett, B. A. Gould, Dixwell, A. A. Gould, Swett = 18.
{{Prof Adams accepts Fellowship}}
The Records of the Annual Meeting were read and approved, also Letters from Dr Leidy and Prof C. B. Adams acknowledging their election as Fellows of the Academy.
{{Dr Deane’s Paper on Fossil Footmarks}}
The Corresponding Secretary communicated a paper by Dr Deane of Greenfield on Fossil Footmarks in the New red Sandstone accompanied by figures, which was refused to the Publishing Committee.
{{Maj. Emory’s communication}}
Mr Bond communicated several Papers from Maj. W. H. Emory U. S. Topog. Engineers. Chief Astronomer and Surveyor of the Mexican Boundary Commission on the part of the U. States, consisting of,
1. Astronomical Observations made at the City of Panama, with a Zenith Sector, provided with a Telescope of 42 inches focal length.
2. Results of the Obervations contained in No 1, the computations being made by Maj. Emory and Prof. James Nooney.
3. Eclipses of the first and second Satellites of Jupiter, observed at Panama by Maj. Emory and Lieut. A. W. Whipple.
4. Observations for ascertaining the Elements of Terrestrial Magnetism at Chagnes, Gorgona and Panama, by Maj. Emory and Lieut. Whipple.
5. Meteorological Observations at Panama, including Barometer, Daniel’s Hygrometer and wet and black bulb Thermometers.
6. Longitude of Chagres, obtained by the transportation of five Chronometers from New York in the steam ship Northerner.
{{Prof. Agassiz on the trachea of Insects}}
Prof. Agassiz, communicated a paper on the structure of the Tracheae and on the Circulation of Insects
{{Prof. Gray on Sandwich 3.1}}
Prof. Gray presented a paper, giving an account of some remarkable plants collected by the U. S. Explorg Expedition characteristic of some of the insular Floras, and more especially of the Sandwich group of Islands.
[end page 261 | begin page 262]
{{260}}
{{August 8. 1849}}
{{H. J. Bigelow, Paper on Tumors.}}
Dr H. J. Bigelow read by title a paper, “Descriptions of certain Tumors, with remarks upon the character of morbid growths usually thus designated”. Referred to Pub. Committee.
{{Prof. Agassiz, on astroites Danai}}
Prof. Agassiz having recently had the good fortune to obtain by dredging some living specimens of a species of Coral, which he named Astroites Danai gave an account of their development and structure, illustrated by elaborate drawings, intended for publication in the Academy’s Memoirs.
{{Report of Committee on Foreign Members}}
The Committee appointed at the Annual Meeting to suggest some special rules in respect to the nomination of Foreign Members, and also to report some provision for the future amendment of the Statutes made a Report, and proposed the following additional Statutes, which were adopted, viz.
{{Statute therefor}}
Chap. VII. Additional Statute. Foreign Honorary Members may be chosen by the same vote as Fellows; but only at the statute meetings of May and November, and from a nomination list prepared by a Council for that purpose, and publicly read at the meeting immediately preceding that on which the balloting takes place. The Council for nominating Foreign Members shall consist of [REDACTED]; and no candidate shall be balloted for who is not recommended by the signatures of two thirds of the Members of this Council.
{{Amendment of Statutes}}
Chap. IX. Of Amendments of the Statutes. All proposed alterations or additions to the Statutes shall be referred to a Committee during the interval between two Statute Meetings, and shall require for enactment a majority of two thirds of the Members present, and at least eighteen affirmative votes.
{{Nomination of Foreign Members}}
The List of Corresponding Members already nominated by a former Committee was then referred to the Council constituted by the adoption of the above Statute, to report at the next meeting.
{{Fellows elected}}
The following gentlemen were elected Fellows of the Academy:
Hon. Robert C. Winthrop, nominated by [REDACTED].
Dr. William F. Channing, nominated by [REDACTED].
The Academy then adjourned.
Attest, Augustus A. Gould.
Recg. Secy.
[end page 262 | begin page 263]
{{261.}}
{{October 2. 1849.}}
Three hundred and twenty second Meeting.
October 2d. 1849.
The Academy met by invitation, at the house of the Vice President in Cambridge.
The President in the Chair.
{{Members present}}
Present, J. Bigelow, Everett, J. Walker, W. Channing, Sparks, Beck, Agassiz, Phillips, Felton, Pierce, J. Wyman, A. Gray, Swett, Pickering, J. B. S. Jackson, C. T. Jackson, Lovering, Abbot, Folsom, Bowen, Jewett, H. I. Bowditch, A. A. Gould, B. A. Gould, Guyot, (and by invitation) Dr Miller of Louisville, Rev. W. Moore of Canada. 27.
{{Prof. Horsford on explosion of Spirit Lamps}}
Prof. Horsford. Read a paper on the “cause of the explosion of Spirit Lamps”, and also another paper on the “Spheroidal State of Water” when dropped into a highly heated vessel, illustrated by experiment.
{{Prof. Wyman on the Engeena.}}
Prof. Wyman, read a paper containing additional observations on the Engeena (Trog. Gorilla) based upon the examination of a Skull recently brought from Africa by Dr Geo. A. Perkins, especially as to its rank among Arthropoid animals. Prof. W. would place it below the Chimpanzee, contrary to the most recent views of Prof. Owen, on account of the greater development of the intermaxillary bones; the comparatively smaller capacity of the cranium, and conformation of the teeth especially that of the dens sapentiae.
{{Dr Pickering on the Egyptian Cycle}}
Dr Pickering, read a paper illustrative of his remarks on the length of the year according to the Egyptian Cycle, made at a previous meeting (Apr. 4. 1849.). From various sources, he had deduced the following table of the Egyptian computation of time: viz
30 years make a panegyry; 22 panegyries make a phoenix; 2 1/3 pheonixes make the great year, on the Gothic Cycle.
{{Dr C. T. Jackson, discovery of Oxide Manganese in Water}}
Dr. C. T. Jackson, referred to the printed Proceedings of the Academy for Jan. 2d, in which certain investigations are ascribed to himself alone, and desired a correction to be made, so that the discovery of the almost universal presence of oxide of manganese should be ascribed to his assistant, Richard Crossley Esq. Some other pointes were also mentioned for correction. The paper is on file.
{{Tellurium from Virginia}}
Dr Jackson also exhibited specimens of Tellurium from Virginia, discovered by him in connection with the Gold ores from that locality.
0
[end page 263 | begin page 264]
{{262}}
{{October 2. 1849.}}
{{Prof. on the Circulation in Insects}}
Prof. Agassiz, gave some additional facts and illustrations in regard to the circulation in Insects. He showed that there was a distinction between vascular and respiratory tracheae, and illustrated it by drawing of the larva of the Mosquito. He also showed certain ciliary appendages to be merely capillary prolongation of structural cells.
{{Prof Mitchell’s Papers}}
Mr Everett, presented some Papers from Prof. Mitchell of the Cincinnati Observatory describing his machinery for recording the observed motions of the heavenly bodies.
Prof. Pierce stated that he and Mr Guild had examined this apparatus, and did not find it to possess the desired accuracy.
{{R. C. Winthrop and C. B. Adams accept Fellowship}}
The Corresponding Secretary read Letters from the Hon Robert C. Winthrop and Prof. C. B. Adams, accepting the fellowship of the Academy.
{{List of Fellows to be prepared}}
The following Resolution was submitted and passed, viz,
Resolved, That the Committee of Publication be authorized & directed to prepare and append to the current volume of the Memoirs, a List of the present Fellows of the Academy, and of the Foreign Honorary Members.
{{Resolution on an Astronomical Journal}}
A Circular from the Physical Section of the American Association for Science was read, respecting the establishment of an Astronomical Journal; whereupon it was
Resolved, That in the opinion of this Academy, the establishment of the proposed Journal for the publication of original researches in Mathematics and Astronomy will tend materially to the advancement of these Sciences; and should receive the encouragement and support of learned Societies, Seminaries of learning, and scientific men, throughout the United States.
{{Halderman, Paper on Linguistic Ethnology}}
The Corresponding Secretary presented a paper from S. S. Halderman, “On some prints in Linguistic Ethnology.”
Adjourned
Augustus A. Gould, Recg Secretary.
[end page 264 | begin page 265]
{{263}}
{{November 6. 1849.}}
Three hundred and twenty third Meeting.
November 6. 1849.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of the President Dr Bigelow President, in the Chair.
{{Members present}}
Present, Messrs Bigelow, Treadwell, Paine, Felton, W. Channing, Horsford, B. A. Gould, Lovering, Holmes, J. M. Warren, Gay, J. B. S. Jackson, Teschemacher, E. C. Cabot, Storer, Peirson, Quincy, H. I. Bowditch, W. F. Channing, Dixwell, Swett, J. Wyman, Pickering, H. J. Bigelow, Abbot, Asa Gray, Agassiz, Hayes, M. Wyman, S. Cabot, A. A. Gould and Prof. Harvey of Dublin=32.
{{Dr Bigelow, on the Dam at Hadley}}
The President exhibited a model of the great wooden Dam recently erected across the Connecticut river at Hadley, and explained the means by which it was kept from floating or being carried down stream.
{{Prof. Horsford, on the Spheroidal form of Water.}}
Prof. Horsford, made some additional remarks on the form of water in a heated vessel, especially in regard to the indented edge of the globule under certain circumstances. Other remarks on the same subject were made by the President and Mr. Hayes.
{{On death from Strychnine}}
Prof. H. also gave an account of the phenomena attending the death of a Bear under the effects of strychnine administered by Prof. Agassiz. Five or 6 grains were given, in two doses at an interval of about ten minutes, and afterward Punic Acid also. Death took place in about 20 minutes, at about one o’clock. The next morning decomposition was found to have taken place to such a degree that dissection was impossible, nor could any of the organs be preserved Prof. H. now has portions of the different organs under analysis.
Drs J. Bigelow, Holmes and W. F. Channing made remarks in reference to the rapid decomposition of bodies dying suddenly, in the midst of health, from other causes, especially in death from lighting.
{{Prof. Agassiz on the primitive form of the Egg in Insects}}
Prof Agassiz, gave a Paper on the primitive form of the Egg as observed in Insects. He had traced it back until it was nothing more than a simple cell. The method pursued by him was to follow up the oviduct of a species of Acheta to its extreme termination. IN that region of the oviduct a collection of simple formative cells is seen, and among them some are taking on additional development, and by tracing down the oviduct these cells are found in further stages of development until the characteristic vesicle and dot of the legitimate egg is seen.
He also stated the different modes by which constitutive cells are developed, by evolution, by division.
[end page 265 | begin page 266]
{{264}}
{{November 6. 1849}}
{{Dr Holmes on the Boomerang}}
Dr Holmes, spoke of the peculiar flight of the singular Australian missile, the Boomerang, and remarks were made by Dr Pickering, Prof. Harvey, Dr H. J. Bigelow and others in explanation of it.
The Academy then adjourned.
Augustus A. Gould, Recg. Secy.
{{November 13. 1849}}
CCCXXIV.
November 13. 1849.
A Statute Meeting of the Academy was held at the Library Hall, the President in the chair.
{{Members present}}
Present Messrs. J. Bigelow, Everett, Quincy, Treadwell, Pickering, Horsford, Boyden, Cole, Paine, J. I. Bowditch, H. I. Bowditch, B. A. Gould, A. A. Gould, Saml Cabot, E. C. Cabot, Agassiz. 16.
{{Donations}}
{{Geology of Explg. Expedn.}}
The Corresponding Secretary presented in the name of the author the, “Geology of the Exploring Expedition, by James D. Dana.
{{Paleographic Francaise}}
He also read a Communication from Alex. Vattermare, accompanied by the Work of DeWailly “Paleographie Franciase”
{{Committee on the disposal of Duplicates.}}
The Librarian stated that there were many valuable works in duplicates in the Library, and suggested the expediency of exchanging them for other Works.
Upon notion of Dr. S. Cabot, a Committee was appointed with discretionary powers, consisting of the Library Committee, the Librarian & Dr Cabot.
The Librarian also stated the necessity of preparing and printing a Catalogue of the Library, and this subject was in like manner referred to a Committee consisting of the Librarian, Dr A. A. Gould and Dr S. Cabot.
{{Plans of Dams at Hadley}}
Mr. E. C. Cabot, exhibited plans of the former and present wooden dams across the Connecticut river at Hadley, and explained the different principles on which they were constructed.
{{Prof. Agassiz, on the relation of the element inhabited to the rank of Animals}}
Prof. Agassi, made a verbal communication to show, that throughout all classes of the animal kingdom there is a direct relation between their structure and the element in which they dwell, the marine animals ranking lowest, the fresh water next and the land animals highest, so that the circumstance of habitat alone, will go far to determine
[end page 266 | begin page 267]
{{265}}
{{November 13. 1849.}}
the systematic rank of an animal. He adduced numerous examples in illustration of this principle.
{{Foreign Members elected}}
The Committee to whom was referred the list of nominations for Foreign Members nominated by a previous Committee reported,
That they had selected twenty four names from the List submitted to them, which they recommend should be balloted for at this time.
It was accordingly voted to proceed to ballot for the names proposed and the following persons were declared elected as Foreign Members, viz.
Prof. Johann Friedrich Encke, Berlin.
Prof. Elias Fries, Upsal.
Prof. P. A. Hansen, Seeberg, Saxe Gotha
Prof. Jens [sic] Christian Orsted, Copenhagen.
Prof. Henry Rose, Berlin.
Prof. Johann Muller, Berlin.
Prof. Christian Gottfried, Ehrenberg, Berlin.
Prof. Karl Ritter, Berlin.
Prof. Leopold von Buch, Berlin.
Prof. Friedrich Tiedemann, Heidelberg.
Prof. Theod. Ludwig Wilhelm Brischoff, Giersen.
Prof. Karl Ernst von Baer, St. Petersburg.
Prof. Th. Schwann, Lowain, Belgium.
Prof. Macedoine Melloni, Naples.
Prof. Jean Baptiste Dumas, Paris.
Prof. Milne Edwards, Paris.
Prof. Elie de Beaumont, Paris.
Prof. P. C. A. Louis, Paris.
Prof. Andral, Paris.
M. Benoit Fourneyron, Paris.
Robert Brown Esq, D.C.L., London.
Robert Stephenson Esq. London.
Sir Henry Thomas de la Beche, London.
{{Fellows elected}}
The following gentlemen were also elected Fellows of the Academy.
Prof. Wolcott Gibbs of New York, proposed by [REDACTED].
Prof. Samuel B. F. Morse, of New York, proposed by [REDACTED].
The Academy then adjourned
Augustus A. Gould, Recg Secy
[end page 267 | begin page 268]
{{266.}}
{{December 4. 1849.}}
CCXXV.
December 4. 1849.
The Academy met at the house of Dr Henry I. Bowditch, the President in the Chair.
{{Members present.}}
Present, Messrs J. Bigelow, Everett, Agassiz, Appleton, Paine, Boyden, J. I. Bowditch, H. I. Bowditch, E. C. Cabot, Teschemacher, Folsom, Dixwell, Hayes, Pickering, Abbot, Desor, Holmes, Peirson, Horsford, Lovering, Storer, Reynolds, J. M. Warren, Swett, J. B. S. Jackson, J. Wyman, Gay, H. J. Bigelow, A. A. Gould, C. T. Jackson. 31.
{{Mementos of Dr Nathaniel Bowditch}}
The occasion was rendered peculiarly interesting from the circumstance that the meeting was convened in the Library room of Dr Bowditch, formerly President of the Academy. The arrangements of the apartment remain precisely as there were in his day. His chair and table occupy their usual position, his bust occupying the wall as near as possible to the place where he used to sit, and all the papers on his desk remaining just as he left them. Many incidents relating to his early life and his subsequent habits especially relating to his scientific labors were related, and many memorials of him were shown, such as medals, a bust of La Place presented by his widow, the manuscripts of an Almanac constructed by him at the age of fifteen, his Abstract of the mathematical papers in the Transactions of the Royal Society, his portfolios, on the covers of which were numerous mottoe, in various language, characteristic of the philosopher, and lastly the fragment of his translation of the fifth volume of the Mecanique Celeste as far as he had proceeded.
{{Profs. Gibbs and Morse accept Fellowship.}}
Letters were read from Professors Morse and Gibbs accepting the fellowship of the Academy.
Mr. A. A. Holmes, exhibited some crystal, of unusual character found by him in Urine.
{{Dr Bowditch animalcules, & algae about the Teeth}}
Dr. H. I. Bowditch, gave the result of the microscopic examination of the accumulations on the teeth of healthy persons, near the gums in 49 individuals, most of whom were very particular in their care of the teeth. Animalcules and vegetable products were found in every instance except two. IN those cases the brush was used three times a Day, and a thread was passed between the teeth daily. Windsor soap was also used by one of these two persons, with the brush. Dr B. had tried the effects of various substances in destroying the animalcules, and especially of tobacco, by which they seemed
[end page 268 | begin page 269]
{{267.}}
{{December 4. 1850}}
To be in no wise incommoded. Soap suds, and the chlorine Tooth Wash invariably destroyed them.
{{Prof. Agassiz on the Eggs of Invertebr. Animals}}
Prof. Agassiz, made some remarks on the Egg in Vertebrate animals as a means of clarification. What is their structure, and is there any thing specific in the Eggs of the different classes of Vertebrata? In the Eggs of them all may be seen a generation of cells and sometimes more than one, in the germinative dot, as may be readily seen in eggs of turtles, rabbits, squirrels, etc. The eggs of mammals are very minute, and surmounted by epithelium; and they begin at once their subdivision within the parent. In those of Birds a large bulk of vitellus is developed in the ovary, before the albumen and shell is added. The same is the case in Turtles, Lizards and Serpents; but the Eggs of Bactrachians are different, and are small, elastic and dilatable like those of Fishes. He thought therefore that that [sic] there was a closer affinity between the first mentioned Reptiles and Birds than between them and the Batrachians; and that the Turtles, Lizards and Serpents might be incorporated with Birds, while the Batrachians were classed with Fishes.
{{Horsford on adulterated Vermillion}}}
Prof. Horsford exhibited several specimens of Vermillion which varied very essentially in color, from adulteration. Some of the articles used for that purpose are Chromate of Lead, Sulphate of Lime, Carbonate of Magnesia.
{{Desor, Animals about L. Superior}}
Mr. Desor mentioned some facts relating to the distribution of animals in the region of Lake Superior, and specified some of the Animals found on Isle Royale whose presence he was at a loss to account for, except on the supposition that the island was once continuous with the continent.
The Academy then adjourned.
Attest
Augustus A. Gould, Recg. Secy.
[end page 269 | begin page 270]
{{268.}}
{{January 8. 1850.}]
CCXXVI.
January 8. 1850.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of Samuel Swett, Esq., the President in the chair.
{{Members present.}}
Present, Messrs J. Bigelow, Everett, Quincy, Peirson, Treadwell, Shaw, O. Pickering, C. Pickering, Worcester, Paine, W. Channing, Hayes, Phillips, Gray, Horsford, Lovering, Felton, Bowen, Lovering, Hitchcock, H. I. Bowditch, J. I. Bowditch, C. T. Jackson, J. B. S. Jackson, J. Wyman, M. Wyman, Desor, Abbot, Sherwin, F. C. Lowell, Folsom, Swett, Cole, J. M. Warren, E. C. Cabot, A. A. Gould, B. A. Gould. 36.
The Records of the last meeting were read and approved.
{{Dana’s Atlas to Geology, presented}}
The Corresponding Secretary presented in behalf of James D. Dana Esq. the Atlas to the Geology of the U.S. Exploring Expedition.
{{Report of Com. on Coast Markers}}
The Committee to memorialize the proper authorities respecting the affixing of permanent marks along the coast with reference to the future elevation or subsidence of the continent made a Report, which after certain suggestions was recommitted.
{{Lovering on the Aneroid Barometer}}
Prof. Lovering, exhibited the Aneroid Barometer, and gave an account of his observations upon it, when compared with the Mercurial Barometer.
{{Prof. Smith on occultations of Stars}}
Mr Paine, presented a paper from Prof. A. W. Smith of the Wesleyan University, on the Occultation of Fixed Stars observed at that place, Lat. 41˚33’ 10” assumed longitude 4h. 50’.36” from 1845-49.
{{C. T. Jackson, on Indian Mining}}
Dr C. T. Jackson, gave a verbal account of some of the evidences of ancient Indian mining at Lake Superior.
{{Dr Pickering, on Egyptian Cycle}}
Dr C. Pickering, made some further remarks on the Egyptian Cycle, more particularly in reference to its application to astronomical calculations.
{{Mr Hays, on Lake Superior Copper}}
Mr Hayes, alluded to the highly crystalline structure of the Lake Superior Copper, though so compact; and expressed the opinion that it was not the result of the cooling of a liquid man, but of a slow arrangement of the particles in a solid state.
[end page 270 | begin page 271]
{{269.}}
{{January 8. 1850}}
{{Communications}}
{{Mr Hayes}}
Mr Hayes also spoke of the analysis of minerals by chemical dissection, whereby the crystals of a mineral compound might be separately and successively obtained.
{{Prof. Horsford}}
Prof. Horsford read a paper giving the details of a series of Experiments of Dr Breed respecting the nature of vesication, and especially as to the agency of external pressure in preventing int.
{{Mr Desor}}
Mr Desor, made some remarks in regard to a new theory of glacial actions in Geology
{{Mr Wells, Daguerreotype of the Moon}}
Mr Wells, (present by invitation) exhibited a daguerreotype image of the moon’s disc, taken by means of a half-size Camera. This had never before been accomplished and demonstrates the presence of chemical rays in the moon’s light. They were taken by Mr S. D. Humphrey, Canandaigua.
Adjourned
Augt A Gould, Recg Secy.
->The Records of the next two meetings should be transposed
{{February 6, 1850}}
CCXXVII.
February 6. 1850.
The Academy met, by invitation at the house of Francis C. Lowell Esq., the President in the chair.
{{Members present}}
Present, Messrs J. Bigelow, W. Channing, Quincy, Walker, Shaw, Eliot, Cole, Peirson, Bowen, C. T. Jackson, J. B. S. Jackson, Charles Jackson Jr, A. Pickering, C. Pickering, Abbot, Paine, M. Wyman, J. Wyman, Guyot, A. Gray, Lovering, Horsford, Felton, Pierce, F. C. Lowell, Worcester, Teschemacher, Holmes, J. I. Bowditch, Hayes, Treadwell, A. A. Gould. 32.
{{Corr.g Secretary}}
The Corresponding Secretary communicated Letters from the Zoological Society of London, accompanying Volumes of their Transactions, and acknowledging the receipt of the Memoirs of the Academy.
He also communicated a paper by Jams D. Dana, Esq, being a continuation of a former paper, entitled “Conspectus Crustaceorum etc”.
In behalf of the Publishing Committee, Prof. Gray announced the completion of vol. III part 1. of the Academy’s Memoirs, a copy of which was laid on the table.
[end page 271 | begin page 272]
{{270.}}
{{February 6. 1850.}}
{{Communication from Prof. Pierce}}
Prof. Pierce, read a paper entitled, “A new Method of computing the constants of the Perturbative Function of Planetary Motion.” And also laid upon the table his Formula and Table of the Coefficients of his fundamental series, computed by Mr J. D. Runkle, an assistant in the preparation of the Nautical Almanac.
{{from M. Teschemacher}}
Mr. Teschemacher, read a paper on two Minerals, Struvite and Gahnite, giving a historical account of them, and showing their identity.
He also exhibited specimens of Bicarbonate of Ammonia found near Terra del Fuego, where it occurs in great abundance.
{{from Dr Pickering}}
Dr Pickering, made some additional Remarks in relation to the actual length of the year.
{{Prof. Guyot, on Meteorological Observations}}
Prof. Guyot, gave a verbal account of the present imperfect mode of conducting Meteorological Observations in this country, and of the system which had been adopted by the Regents of the University of New York to be carried out uniformly in the State under his supervision. He hoped that this system, which conforms to the plan recommended by the Smithsonian Institution, would be generally adopted in all the States, and concluded by offering a preamble and Resolutions, with a view to obtaining the cooperation and assistance of the Legislature, in connection with the Sanitary Survey of the State, and moved that a Committee to chosen to effect the object in view.
{{Committee on the same}}
Messrs. Guyot, Pierce, Lovering, Treadwell and Bowen were accordingly appointed take suitable measures in the case.
Prof. Guyot also described the apparatus employed by the Observatory at Toronto by which the Magnetic variation is registered perpetually by means of a photographic process.
Mr Hayes, exhibited several specimens of the crystalline products of Valerian Oil, by oxidation.
Mr Paine, briefly recapitulated some of the results of his observations on temperature for the past 26 years.
{{Report of Com. on Rumford Observations}}
Mr. Paine, remarked that no report had been made by the Committee on the Rumford Observations (Jan. 1848) of which the late Dr Hale was chairman, and moved that another Committee be appointed, and the following persons were appointed, viz. Messrs Treadwell, Pierce, Charles Jackson Jr.
Adjourned,
Augustus A. Gould, Recg. Secy.
[end page 272 | begin page 273]
{{271.}}
{{February 13. 1850.}}
CCCXXVIII.
February 13. 1850
A statute meeting of the Academy was held at the Library Room, according to adjournment, the President in the chair.
{{Members present}}
Present, Messrs, J. Bigelow, Everett, Quincy, Treadwell, Bowen, Boyden, C. Pickering, J. H. Abbot, C. T. Jackson, J. B. S. Jackson, H. I. Bowditch, Pierce, Guyot, Gray, Horsford, Desor, Paine, Emerson, Shaw, Rogers, A. A. Gould, and Prof. Johnston of Scotland, 22.
{{Report of Com. on Meteorology}}
Prof. Guyot, from the Committee on the Resolutions offered by him at the last meeting, reported in favor of their adoption. The Report was accepted and the Resolutions were adopted.
A Committee was consequently appointed to carry the subject before the Legislature now in session, consisting of Prof. Pierce, Prof. Guyot, and Dr H. I. Bowditch.
{{Report of Com. on permanent Coast-Marks}}
Dr C. T. Jackson from the Committee on the affixing of permanent coast-marks to whom the subject was recommitted at a former meeting, presented a Report, which was adopted.
Voted, that an authenticated copy of the Memorial be forwarded to the Secretary of the Treasury of the U. States.
{{Chart of Indian Works, Marietta}}
The Librarian brought to the notice of the Academy an ancient chart of the Indian Ruins at Marietta, found among the manuscripts in the Library, which he regarded as interesting in connection with a Chart of the same in the first volume of the “Smithsonian Contribution” with which it corresponds in most particulars.
{{Desor, on Columnar crystals of Ice}}
Mr Desor, alluded to the remarks of a writer in the Edinburg Philos. Journal, on the columnar crystallization of Ice in gravel or clay. He gave his explanation of the phenomenon, and the subject was discussed by Prof. Rogers, Dr C. T. Jackson & others
{{Decease of Dr Gay}}
Judge Shaw, alluded to the recent decease of Dr Martin Gay for many years a distinguished Fellow of the Academy. He referred more particularly to his merits as a chemical adept in medical Jurisprudence, of the reliance placed in his opinion, and the peculiar faculty he had of rendering his processes intelligible to a Jury. He concluded by offering the two following Resolutions, to which a third was appended by Mr J. Hale Abbot.
[end page 273 | begin page 274]
{{272.}}
{{February 13. 1850}}
{{Resolutions on the decease of Dr Gay}}
Resolved, That the Academy have received with the deepest feelings of sorrow, intelligence of the decease of our lamented associate, Doctor Martin Gay, in the vigor of life, and in the midst of his usefulness.
Resolved, That regarding our late associate as a man of learning, ardently devoted to the pursuit of useful science; as a member of society and of a learned profession; of singularly pure and elevated principles and of undeviating integrity; as a friend, amiable and beloved in all the relations of life, we shall ever cherish the recollection of his virtues, and hold his memory in the highest respect.
Resolved, That the Fellows of the Academy sincerely sympathize with the family of the deceased in their bereavement; and that a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to them, in toke of respectful condolence.
These Resolutions were unanimously adopted.
{{Fellows elected}}
The nomination list was then taken up, and the following gentlemen were elected Fellows of the Academy, viz.
Prof. Henry L. Eustis, of the Lawrence Scientific School, Cambridge
nominated by [REDACTED].
S. Stehman Haldeman Esq. of Columbia, Pennsylvania,
nominated by [REDACTED].
Samuel L. Abbot, M.D. of Boston,
nominated by [REDACTED].
Some business remaining unfinished, it was voted to adjourn to meet at the monthly meeting on the first Tuesday in March.
Adjourned
Augustus A. Gould, Recg. Secy.
[end page 274 | begin page 275]
{{273.}}
{{March 5. 1850.}}
CCXXIX.
March 5. 1850.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of President Quincy, the President in the chair.
{{Fellows present}}
Present, Messrs J. Bigelow, Quincy, Walker, Phillips, Worcester, Treadwell, Swett, Eustis, Paine, W. Channing, W. F. Channing, H. I. Bowditch, J. I. Bowditch, Horsford, Asa Gray, B. A. Gould, F. C. Lowell, Dixwell, O. Pickering, C. Pickering, J. H. Abbot, S. L. Abbot, Lovering, Bowen, Desor, J. B. S. Jackson, C. T. Jackson, Teschemacher, J. Wyman, M. Wyman, Holmes, A. A. Gould, Rogers, and by invitation, Messrs Foster and Chase, and Professor Johnstone of Edinburg. 36.
{{S. S. Haldeman accepts fellowship}}
The Corresponding Secretary read a letter from S. S. Haldeman signifying his acceptance of the fellowship of the Academy.
{{Donations}}
The Proceedings and Transactions of the Academy of Natural Sciences at Philadelphia, were also laid on the table by the C. Secretary.
{{Pres Everett.}}
President Everett, sent to the Academy several pamphlets which had been transmitted to him for that purpose.
{{Prof. Adams}}
Prof. C. B. Adams, presented a Monograph on the genus Vitrinella, and No 5 of his Contributions to Conchology.
{{Meteorology}}
The chairman of the Committee on Meteorological Observations stated that they had been before the committee of the Legislature on Education, and that they had been well received.
{{Foreign Nomination}}
The Council reported a list of nominations for Foreign Members to be balloted for at the next Quarterly Meeting.
Mr Teschemacher gave some notice of a recent work by James D. Dana Esq., on the Isomorphism and atomic volume of Minerals characterizing it as a very elaborate, clear and philosophical work.
{{B. A. Gould on Electric Telegraph}}
Mr. B. a. Gould, had recently given attention to some of the Observations made under the direction of the Coast Survey, by means of the Electric Telegraph, especially in regard to the velocity of Electricity, and also alluded to the working of the Astronomical clock, as modified by Prof. Keith. Considerable discussion arose on the subject, in which Mems. Pierce, B. A. Gould, H. D. Rogers and W. F. Channing took part.
[end page 275 | begin page 276]
{{274.}}
{{Dr Gay’s Collections}}
{{Dr Gay’s Collections}}
Mr J. Hale Abbot stated that an effort had been commended to obtain by subscription a sum of money sufficient to purchase the collection of minerals and Engravings of the late Dr Gay, with a view of presenting them to his family, and invited the fellow to subscribe.
{{Vibrating Dams}}
Prof. Pierce, made some remarks on the theory of Vibrating Dams, and Dr C. T. Jackson added some facts respecting them.
[in pencil] He also said something about Gauss’ coeffiency, and Olivers Geometrical demonstration, not understood.
Adjourned,
Augustus A. Gould, Recg. Secy.
{{April 2. 1850.}}
CCCXXX.
April 2. 1850
The Academy met by invitation at the house of Doctor John C. Warren, the President in the chair.
{{Fellows Present}}
Present, Messrs J. H. Abbot, Alger, H. I. Bowditch, W. F. Channing, Cole, W. Channing, Desor, Bigelow, Eliot, A. A. Gould, B. A. Gould, A. Gray, Felton, Horsford, C. T. Jackson, Lovering, O. Pickering, C. Pickering, Paine, Pierce, Phillips, Peirson, Sparks, Storer, Teschemacher, Worcester, J. Wyman, M. Wyman, J. C. Warren, J. M. Warren, and Prof. Johnston of Edinboro’ [sic]. 30.
The Records of the preceding Meeting was read.
{{Metoeorology}}
The Committee to make application to the Legislature on the subject of Meteorological Observations reported that they had been received with much cordiality by the Committee on Education, and that thought the exertions of one of the Fellows who happened to be a member of that Committee the Legislature had acted with great promptitude, and had authorized the necessary expenditure.
The Committee on the subject of the Meteorological Observations already belonging to the Academy reported that they should immediately attend to the duties of their commission.
Prof. Pierce, made a communication in relation to errors which had been discovered by Mr [in pencil] Schubert in the
[end page 276 | begin page 277]
{{275.}}
{{April 2. 1850}}
computation of the Greenwich Observations on Mars in 1750. The error had arisen in consequence a change in the wires of the instrument, which made a variation in the observations, while the reduction of the data was correct. It afforded a warning to us not to fall into a similar error by committing any part of the operations to those who have merely hands without heads.
{{Prof. Locke’s Communication}}
Dr. C. T. Jackson presented a communication from Prof. John Locke on the Electro-chronograph and collateral inventions. The paper was referred to the Rumford Committee.
{{Mastodon Teeth}}
Dr J. Wyman exhibited two teeth of Mastodon ginganteus from Kentucky, which were interesting from their farm, and state of preservation, accompanied by remark on the dentition of the Mastodon.
Dr. J. C. Warren made additional remarks on the same subject.
{{Adulteration of Vermilion}}
Prof. Horsford exhibited the specimens of Vermilion, in addition to those shown at a former meeting, all apparently alike, but all adulterated; one being nearly pure, another half pure, and the third containing not a particle of Vermilion, being entirely of chromate of Lead. Carbonate of Magnesia and Gypsum are the most common articles used for adulteration.
Prof. H. had also been making experiments on the grass exhaled from the Lungs. He had come to some unexpected results, and among others, that a metallic base was also exhaled.
{{Dr Gay’s Cabinet}}
Dtr J. Hale Abbot stated, in reference to the subscription for the Cabinet of Dr Gay, mentioned at the last meeting, that the desired sum had been readily obtained.
The Academy then adjourned,
Attest, Augs A. Gould,
Recording Secretary.
[end page 277 | begin page 278]
{{276.}}
{{May 7. 1850}}
CCCXXI.
May 7. 1850.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of the Hon. Samuel A. Eliot, the president in the chair.
{{Fellows present}}
Present Messrs J. Bigelow, Everett, Quincy, Emerson, Shaw, W. Channing, Horsford, A. Gray, Felton, Eustis, Bowen, Paine, Cole, C. Pickering, Eliot, C. T. Jackson, J. B.S Jackson, Lovering, J. B. S. Jackson, Lovering, J. H. Abbot, Phillips, S. L. Abbot, Hayes, B. A. Gould, A. A. Gould, J. Wyman, O. Pickering, 26.
{{Gillis’ Expedition}}
Mr Everett, read a Letter from Lieut. Gillis, dated from Chili, reporting his progress, thus far, in his Astronomical Expedition.
Dr. Pickering, made some additional remarks in regard to the Egyptian Cycle.
At the request of the Oriental Society, the use of the Academy’s Hall, for their Annual Meeting, was granted.
{{Valtemare wishes duplicate Books}}
A Communication from Alexander Valtemare, proposing an exchange for the duplicates in the Academy’s Library, was referred to the Committee already chosen for their disposition.
{{On tidal marks}}
The Corresponding Secretary had received notice from the Secretary of the Treasury that the Communication of the Academy respecting the affixing of Tidal Marks & had been received and that authority to cause these observations and marks to be made will be given, and the results communicated to the Academy.
{{Meteorology}}
Mr Eliot, stated that the means solicited form the Legislature for instituting Meteorological Stations had been granted, and moved that the Committee who had acted in the case, be authorized to receive the money ($1200.) and apply the same, which was voted.
{{Improved Organ}}
Mr Eliot, brought to the notice of the Academy an invention by which the intonation of the Organ and other keyed instruments may be rendered essentially perfect. By this invention 37 tones are brought into the octave, and are easily brought into play. An Organ on this plan has been erected in the Chapel in the Indiana Place, which the Fellows were invited to examine.
[end page 278 | begin page 279]
{{277.}}
{{May 7. 1850}}
{{Report of Rumford Com. on Dr Locke’s papers}}
The Rumford Committee reported that the communication of Dr Locke referred to them had been asked for by him, with permission to substitute certain [Congren] Documents. They were of opinion that the subject submitted was not one coming within the intent of the Rumford Premium. On motion, it was voted,
That the Communication of Dr Locke be returned to its author; agreeably to his request, and that the Academy will receive any other communication that he may be pleased to substitute for it.
{{Prof. Horsford remarkable preservation of the Brain}}
Prof. Horsford, had examined a substance found in a cranium recently exhumed, and supposed to have been buried in 1775, and had become satisfied that it was brain. The ground where it was found was a dry gravel hill. Rootlets of plants had formed a network around the cranium, and had perforated the most foramina.
Numerous instances of remarkable preservation of of [sic] the human body after death were adduced by President Everett, Mr Emerson, Drs Bigelow, Channing & Wyman & Judge Shaw.
Prof. Horsford stated that Prof. Liebig had recently been led to examine into the subject of spontaneous combustion taking place in the living human body, and had become satisfied of the fact.
The Academy then adjourned,
Augustus A. Gould, Recg. Secretary.
{{May 28. 1850}}
Annual Meeting. CCXXXII.
May 28. 1850
The Academy held its Annual Meeting in the Library Room, the President in the chair. The following members were present, viz.
{{Fellows present}}
Messrs J. Bigelow, Everett, Wayland, Sparks, Shaw, Pollock, Swett, Emerson, F. C. Lowell, Folsom, J. I. Bowditch, H. I. Bowditch, C. T. Jackson, J. B. S. Jackson, J. Wyman, M. Wyman, Paine, Cole, Beck, Felton, Pierce, Eustis, Bowen, Davis, J. H. Abbot, S. L. Abbot, J. M. Warren, Sherwin, Boyden, B. A. Gould, A. A. Gould, White, Wheatland, Russell, Desor, A. Gray, C. Pickering, O. Pickering, 38.
The Records of the last Quarterly meeting were read.
The Treasurer made his Annual Report, with the Report of the Auditors, which was accepted.
[end page 279 | begin page 280]
{{278}}
{{May 28. 1850}}
Treasurer’s Report.
Dr. American Academy “Rumford Fund” in a/c with J. I. Bowditch, Treas. Cr.
[table]
Dr. American Academy “General Fund” in a/c with J. I. Bowditch, Treas. Cr.
[table]
Boston, May 25, 1850. I find the above account correct & properly vouched. I have also ascertained that the six thousand dollars is invested as last year and $.221.50. was in the Bank.
Sgd. Francis C. Lowell Audr.
[end page 280 | begin page 281]
{{279}}
{{May 28.1850}}
The Committee on Publications made a Report on their doings, and gave the Academy reason to expect that the Fifth Volume of Memoirs would be completed during the ensuing year.
{{Com. on Library}}
The Committee on the Library made a verbal Report on the additions by donation and purchase, and of the labor performed in arranging the Books and preparing a Catalogue.
{{Choice of Officers}}
The Academy then proceeded to ballot for Officers for the ensuing year, and Messrs J. Wyman, and B. A. Gould were appointed Scrutineers.
The Corresponding Secretary declined reelection in consequence of his anticipated absence from the country; but tendered his services in making purchases & exchanges of Publications for the Academy, while in Europe.
It was voted that these services of Prof. Gray be authorised.
The following persons were declared duly elected Officers for the ensuing year; viz.
President, Jacob Bigelow.
Vice President, Edward Everett.
Corresponding Secretary, Augustus A. Gould.
Recording Secretary, Joseph Hale Abbot.
Treasurer, J. Ingersoll Bowditch.
Librarian, Henry I. Bowditch.
The following gentlemen were appointed on the several Standing Committees viz,
Rumford Committee.
Eben N. Horsford
Daniel Treadwell
Joseph Lovering
Henry L. Eustis
Morrill Wyman
Committee on Publications.
A. A. Gould.
Louis Agassiz.
W. C. Bond.
Committee on the Library.
A. A. Gould.
D. H. Storer.
S. L. Abbot.
[end page 281 | begin page 282]
{{280}}
{{May 28. 1850}}
{{Thanks to Prof. Gray}}
(The thanks of the Academy were voted to Prof. Gray for his efficient services as Corresponding Secretary.)
{{Foreign Members chosen}}
(The nomination list was then taken up, and the following persons were declared duly elected as Foreign Members: viz,
Prof. K. G. J. Jacobi of Berlin.
Prof. Adrien de Junieu, of Paris.
Prof. Carl Rokitansky, of Vienna.)
{{Fellows elected.}}
(The following persons were also duly elected as Resident Members viz,
Thomas T. Bouve, of Boston,
nominated by [REDACTED].
Jonathan P. Hall, of Boston,
nominated by [REDACTED].
{{Decease of Wm Vaughan of London.}}
President Everett announced the recent death of William Vaughan of London, a Corresponding Member of the Academy; and offered the following Resolution, which was unanimously adopted.
Resolved, that the Fellows of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences entertain a sincere respect for the memory of their late Associate, William Vaughan Esq., of London, an a grateful recollection of his services, during a long course of years in the transmission to the Academy of the volumes of the Transactions of the Royal Society; and that an official copy of this resolution be transmitted to the family of Mr Vaughan.
{{Donations}}
Mr Everett also presented a Work, on the Regio cinnamomifera, by W. Desborough Cooley.
The President, in behalf of Dr Edward Jarvis, presented an Address before the Massachusetts Medical Society, on the Production of Vital Force.”
Mr Desor, presented a pamphlet on the Geology of Nantucket, from observations made by himself and Mr E. C. Cabot.
{{Spencer’s Microscope}}
Mr Cole stated that he had recently received one of Mr Spencer’s object glasses for the Microscope, and that it fully answered his highly raised expectations. He adjusted it to the instrument for examination.
Lieut. Davis announced that an error had been detected, but reductions made in the office of the Nautical Almanac, in the right ascension of a Virginis, amounting to. 2”. A detailed account of it would be hereafter given.
[end page 282 | begin page 283]
{{281.}}
{{May 28. 1850}}
{{Annual Appropriations}}
In according with the Treasurer’s estimates, the following appropriations were voted; viz:
For Printing, $900. from the Rumford Fund.
For Books, {300. from the Rumford Fund
{300. from the General Fund.
For Current Expenses $600. from the General Fund.
Prof. Treadwell, from the Committee on Meteorological Observations made a Report, which was accepted.
Prof. Pierce proposed that special meetings of the Academy should be holden on the first Tuesday in June and in July at 4 P.M.
Voted, that such meetings be holden.
Augustus A. Gould
Recording Secretary.
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{{June 4. 1850}}
Three hundred and thirty third Meeting.
June 4 1850.
The Academy met at their Library Hall, the President in the chair.
{{Fellows present}}
Members present, Messrs. J. Bigelow, C. Pickering, Swett, Agassiz, Storer, S. L. Abbot, Pierce, A. Gray, Cole, Temple, Pollock, C. T. Jackson, Horsford, Bowen, Hayes, F. C. Lowell, A. A. Gould, J. H. Abbot.
{{Prof. Lovering chosen a member of the Committee of Publication}}
Dr A. A. Gould declined serving as a member of the Committee of Publication, and Professor Joseph Lovering was nominated by the chair, and unanimous by chosen to fell the vacancy.
{{Prof Agassiz on the coloration of Animals}}
Prof. Agassiz presented some new views respecting the coloration of animals. He stated that the coloration of the lower animals living in water, depends upon the condition, and, particularly, upon the depth and transparency of the water in which they live; that the coloration of the higher types of animals, is intimately related to their structure; and that the change of colour which is produced by age in many animals, is connected with structural changes. He stated that coloration is valuable as an indication of structure; that it is a law universally true of vertebrate animals, that they have the colour of the back darker than that of the sides; and that the same system of coloration, prevails in all the species of a genus, partially developed on some, but recognizable when a large number of species is examined.
{{Prof. Pierce, on errors in the lunar theory, and occultations}}
Professor Pierce expressed the opinion, that there are errors in the lunar theory that still remain to be investigated; that occultations cannot be relied on as a means of accurately determining longitude; & that they are of little use for any purpose, except when whole groups of stars, as the Pleiades or Hyades, are taken.
He made some remarks upon the orbit of the comet of 1843, considered as a straight
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Line directed through the sun’s centre.
{{Dr. Locke’s communication}}
Professor Horsford communicated a letter addressed to the Academy by Dr. John Locke, purporting to be the first of a series which he proposes to send instead of the one he withdrew.
It was voted to refer it to the keeping of the Recording Secretary, to be accessible to the Fellows of the Academy for consultation.
The Academy then adjourned,
Jos. Hale Abbot
Recording Secretary
Three hundred and thirty fourth Meeting
July, 2. 1850.
The Academy met at their Hall on Tremont Street, the President in the chair.
{{Fellows present}}
Members present, Messrs. J. Bigelow, W. Channing, A. A. Gould, Peirce, Bowen, S. C. Walker, B. A. Gould, Jr., Bacon, Horsford, H. I. Bowditch, Bouve, C. T. Jackson, M. Wyman, Lovering, Boyden, Agassiz, Guyot, Storer, J. H. Abbot.
The Records of the preceding meeting were read.
{{Communications by the Cor. Secretary}}
The Corresponding Secretary communicated) a letter of acceptance from Mr. Jonathan P. Hall, recently elected a Fellow of the Academy; also (letters of acceptance from Prof. Elias Fries of Sweden, & M. Macedoine Melloni, of Naples, recently elected Foreign Members. The latter gentleman stated that he has sent to the Academy the first volume of his work, “Sur la Coloration calorifique”, in which he has demonstrated, as he believes, the identity of light and heat.
{{Letters com. by the Cor. Sec’y.}}
The Corresponding Secretary also communicated letters from the Secretary of the Royal Institution, the Secretary of the Linnean Society, the Librarian of the British Museum, and the President of the Academy of Breslau, acknowledging the receipt of various publications of the Academy; two letters from Petty Vaughan, Esq. recently deceased)
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And the second of Dr. Locke’s series of letters relating to the Electro-Chronograph.
{{Prof. Pierce’s remarks respecting Spica}}
Prof. Pierce stated that Mr. Schubert has discovered that Spica is a double star, one of the component parts of which is invisible. This conclusion was deduced by Mr. Schubert from observations made from 1764 to 1847 inclusive, and was said of Prof. Peirce to rest on much stronger grounds, than the similar conclusions of Bessel in regard to certain other stars. Spica has an irregular motion in right ascension, and it revolves in fifty years at the distance of one second and a half from the common centre of gravity of the two. This discovery Prof. Peirce considered a most remarkable step on the progress of stellar Astronomy.
{{Mr Walker on the velocity of electricity in telegraphic circuits}}
Mr. S. C. Walker exhibited to the Academy a drawing illustrative of the results of experiments made by him, on the 4th of February last, to determine the velocity of electricity through the telegraphic circuit between Washington and St. Louis, seventeen hundred miles in length. His experiment gave a velocity of a little less than ten thousand miles a second. This result he proposes to test by further experiments on telegraphic lines in which chemical changes of colours are used, instead of markings made by means of an electromagnet. Mr. Walker found that pauses and syllables could be simultaneously transmitted in opposite descriptions, without interference, in the title graphic circuit in the same manner as they are in air.
{{Prof. Agassiz on certain animals composed entirely of cells}}
Prof. Agassiz stated that he had ascertained that there are certain animals, capable of performing all the great functions of animal life, which consist entirely of cells. He referred, in illustration of his remark, to the genus Cohyne, of the Polypoide Medusae, found in Boston harbor. He distinguished the cells of which the tentacles of these animals are composed, and three kinds, epithelian, lasso, and locomotive cells. The tentacles, which consist of two cylindrical bodies, one within the other, tapering to a point, and without any.
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cavities, as composed entirely of such cells. The epithelian cells cover the whole surface of the tentacles. The individual lasso cells throwing out their inner cylindrical body, the tentacles are converted into stems with long, lateral threads for catching small animals. By the contraction nof their inner or locomotive cells, they are reduced to one tenth of the length they have when elongated. The locomotive cells were stated by Professor Agassiz to undergo endosmosis and exosmosis, accompanied by a change of form in the individual cells which constitute the inner cylinder of the tentacle, and in that change to become organs of locomotion. The apparent fibres described by some writers, were said by Prof. Agassiz to be merely elongated cells.
Prof. Peirce and Dr. Walter Channing made some further remarks in regard to the cause of the elongation of the cells.
{{On a uniform scale of thermometrical & barometrical rotation}}
After a discussion of considerable length, in which Mr. Guyot, Mr B. A. Gould, Jr., Prof. Agassiz, and the President took part, on the importance and practicability of introducing a uniform system of thermometrical and barometrical rotation in all countries whose science is cultivated, it was, on motion of Mr. Guyot,
Voted, That a committee be appointed to consider the expediency of recommending the adoption of the centigrade thermometrical scale, and the metrical barometrical scale at the meteorological stations in Massachusetts.
Voted that Mr. Guyot, Prof. Agassiz, Prof. Pierce, Prof. Lovering & Mr. B. A. Gould, Jr. be that committee.
{{On the structure of the egg}}
Prof. Agassiz made some remarks respecting the structure of the egg. He stated that no two portions of the egg between the centre and the periphery, have the same structure; that the yolk does not consist of homogenous cells; and that it is not a store of nutritious matter to feed the young animal; but that it is a living, organized being.
On motion of Prof. Peirce it was voted that a monthly meeting of the Academy, be held on the first Tuesday in August, as four o’clock, in the afternoon.
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{{Memorial to the Senate & House of Representation}}
On motion of Mr. B. A. Gould, Jr., it was
Voted, That a committee be appointed to address a memorial to the Senate & House of Representatives of the United States, on the subject of attaching a corps of scientific men, to the commission for running the boundary line between the United States and Mexico.
Prof. Agassiz, Prof. Peirce, and Mr. B. A. Gould, Jr. were appointed a committee for that purpose.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Jos. Hale Abbot,
Recording Secretary.
Three hundred and thirty fifth Meeting.
August 6. 1850.
The Academy met at their Hall on Tremont Street, the President in the chair.
{{Fellows present}}
Members present, Messrs. J. Bigelow, Bowen, Pierce, Beck, Folsom, Agassiz, H. J. Bigelow, A. A. Gould, Prof Robb of Fredericton, New Brunswick, J. H. Abbot.
The records of the previous meeting were read.
{{Report of committee}}
Prof Agassiz, in behalf of the committee appointed at the last meeting to address a memorial to the two Houses of Congress on the subject of attaching a corps of scientific men to the Mexican Boundary Commission, reported that they had performed the duty assigned them. He further stated that, on account on the absence of some of the members of the Committee, appointed at the last meeting to consider the expediency of recommending the adoption of the centigrade thermometrical scale, & the metrical barometrical scale, at the meteorological stations in Massachusetts, the Committee were not prepared to report.
{{Letter form Prof. Salisbury}}
The Corresponding Secretary read a letter from Prof. Salisbury of New Haven acknowledging, in behalf of the Oriental Society, the receipt of Vol. IV, Part II, of the Memoirs of the Academy, and soliciting for its Library the three previous volumes of the New Series to complete the set.
{{Four pamphlets presented}}
The Corresponding Secretary laid before the Academy four
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pamphlets, one presented by the Royal Society of Gottingen, and three presented by Prof. Hausman, with his acknowledgments for Vol. II. Part II. of the Recordings of the Academy.
{{Letter of acceptance from Prof. Bischoff}}
The Corresponding Secretary also read a letter of acceptance from Prof. Bischoff of Giessen, recently elected a Foreign Member of the Academy.
{{Dr. Burnets paper on Spermatozoa}}
Prof. Agassiz communicated a paper on Spermatozoa by Dr. Burnet of which he gave a brief abstract. He highly commended the paper as establishing new and important views, and evincing uncommon qualifications on the part of its author for such researches. On motion of Prof. Agassiz, it was referred to the Committee on Publications.
{{Prof. Robb’s donation & remarks.}}
Prof. Robb of Fredericton, who was present by invitation, presented to the Academy Prof. Johnston’s “Report on the Agricultural Capabilities of the Province of New Brunswick; and the “Journal of the New Brunswick Society for the Encouragement of Agriculture, Home Manufactures, and Commerce;” and accompanied the donation with some interesting remarks respecting those works, and the efforts now making to improve the condition of New Brunswick by the introduc- of more scientific methods of agriculture.
{{Prof Agassi on the Siluridae}}
Prof. Agassiz stated that he had ascertained that catfishes and the whole family of Siluridae, to which they belong, have a subcutaneous cavity behind the humerus, and outside of the peritoneum and the muscular walls of the abdomen, into which protrude potions of the liver, and sometimes the air bladder and kidney. He also stated that these animals have lateral holes for the admission of water into the interior of their bodies.
{{Tooth of a horse exhibited by Prof. Robb}}
Prof. Robb exhibited a tooth of a horse found with several others on the bank of a river, and proposed the question, whether it belonged to a living or to an extinct species. Prof. Agassiz thought the question could not be satisfactorily answered without a greater number of specimens for comparison with the teeth of the living species, these being but slight differences of form in the teeth of this genus of animals.
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{{New type of scales presented by Bonito}}
Prof Agassiz exhibited a part of the skin of a Bonito caught off Nahant, which presented a remarkable peculiarity in the form of its scales. At first sight, the animals seemed to offer the anomalous phenomenon of ctenoid and cycloid scales occurring upon the same individual; but, on further examination, the scales were found to be a new type, intermediate between the ctenoid & the cycloid, the serratures being merely marginal, and not extending over the posterior surface.
{{Dark stripes on the Bonito}}
He also called attention to some dark longitudinal stripes, which at first appeared to militate with the views he had bought before the Academy at a late meeting, respecting the connection between the coloration and the structure of animals. On examining their more carefully, however, each stripe was found to originate at the base of one of the finlets of the tail.
{{Shrill noise made by the cat fish when taken out of water.}}
Prof Agassiz, in reply to a question of the President, stated that the shrill noise, heard on suddenly drawing a cat fish out of the water, is occasioned by the escape of air form the air-bladder through the pharynx [struck out] a lateral aperture in the surface of the animal; and in reply to a remark of Dr. Gould, he stated that a somewhat similar explanation, is applicable to the noise made by the Drum fish, when taken from the water, a fact recently ascertained by Dr. Holbrook.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Attest, Jos. Hale Abbot,
Recording Secretary.
Three hundred and thirty sixth Meeting.
August 14. 1850.
A statute meeting of the Academy was held at the Library Hall, the President in the chair.
Present Messrs, J. Bigelow, A. A. Gould, Peirce, Russell, Bowen, B. A. Gould, Jr., Agassiz, J. Wyman, Davis, S. Cabot, J. B. S. Jackson, Hayes, C. T. Jackson, Borden, Paine, F. C. Lowell, C. Jackson, Jr., H. B. Bigelow, Treadwell, M. Wyman, J. H. Abbot, Storer, Mr. Holmes of South Carolina by invitation.
The Corresponding Secretary read a letter of acknowledgment from Prof. Karl Ritter of Berlin in reply to a notify-
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cation of his election as a Foreign Member of the Academy.
{{Meteorological Observer.}}
On motion of Mr. Treadwell, it was
Voted, That Jonathan P. Hall be appointed Meteorological Observer of the Academy on the Rumford foundation.
The nomination list was taken up and the following gentlemen were elected Fellows of the Academy:
{{Fellows chosen}}
Josiah D. Whitney, Esq., U.S. Geologist,
nominated by [REDACTED];
Hon. John C. Fremont, of California,
nominated by [REDACTED];
Prof Stephen Alexander of Princeton, N.H.,
nominated by [REDACTED];
Prof J. S. Hubbard of Washington, D.C.,
nominated by [REDACTED].
{{Committee on Publications}}
On motion of Prof Agassiz, it was
Voted, That the committee on Publications be authorized to strike from the list of members of the Academy, in the volume of Memoirs about to be published, the names of persons not known to be living.
On motion of Dr. Gould it was
Voted, That the Committee on Publication be instructed to append a corrected copy of the By-Laws to the volume of Memoirs about to be published.
{{Hour of statute Meetings}}
On motion of Mr. J. H. Abbot, it was
Voted, That that [sic] a committee be appointed to consider the expediency of adopting a more convenient hour for the statute meetings of the Academy.
Voted, That Mr. Joseph H. Abbot, Dr. Gould, and Dr. Storer be that committee.
On motion of Prof Peirce, it was
Voted, That the next Statute Meeting be held in the evening.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Attest Jos. Hale Abbot,
Recording Secretary.
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Three hundred and thirty seventh Meeting.
October 1. 1850.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of Hon. Edward Everett, in Cambridge, the President in the chair.
{{Members present}}
Members present, Messrs. Everett, Lovering, Horsford, J. Bigelow, Beck, Worcester, S. Walker, W. C. Bond, A. A. Gould, W. Channing, Eustis, Bowen, Peirce, Treadwell, C. Pickering, B. A. Gould, Jr., Felton, C. T. Jackson, Parsons, H. J. Bigelow, Phillips, J. H. Abbot; and, by invitation, Dr. Holland of London, Lieut Wise, U.S.N, Prof. Coffin of Washington, Messrs. Hillhouse of New Haven, La Fayette of France, G. P. R. James, of [blank] and Wells of Cambridge.
{{Corresponding Secretary}}
The Records of the monthly meeting held in August having been read, the Corresponding Secretary laid before the Academy letters from Prof. Encke of Berlin, and Prof. Muller also of Berlin, signifying their acceptance of the honour conferred upon them by the Academy in electing them Foreign Honorary Members.
{{Letter from Prof. Agassiz}}
The Vice President read a letter from Prof. Agassiz, expressing his regret that the was prevented by illness form attending the Meeting, and requesting the acceptance, by the Academy, of a paper, published by him in the “Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge,” entitled “The Classification of Insects from Embryological Data.”
{{Communication from Prof. Horsford}}
Prof. Horsford read a paper upon the “Spheroidal State of Bodies.” He stated that, in some cases, high temperature is not essential to the production of the phenomenon, and that, in no case, is any new law required for its explanation. He accounted for the impunity with which the hand may be plunged into molten metal, and for the Leiden-frost experiment on the same principle, namely, that the exposed bodies are kept from coming in contact with the heated metals by intervening aqueous vapour; in the formation of which much heat becomes latent, and which, by its non-conducting property shields, in the one case, the hand, and, in the other, the water contained in the hated crucible, from all heat but that of radiation. As instances of the occurrence of the spheroidal state in the
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absence of high temperature, he referred to the form mercury assumes on glass, oil & ether on water; and to the bead upon agitated alcohol. The explosion at the close of the experiment of burning potassium or sodium on water, that which takes place on fused salt-petre and water coming in contact, and that which takes place in the leidenfrost experiment, when the crucible is cooled so as to allow contact, he attributed to the same cause, the instantaneous production of steam. The explosion which sometimes occurs but an instant after potassium is thrown into water or nitric acid, he referred to a mixture, in explosive proportions, of hydrogen from the water with oxygen from the acid, or with that of the air. He doubted whether the explosions of steam boilers, are ever to be referred to the principle of the Leidenfrost phenomenon, the temperature of about 300˚, at which contact takes place, being too low to produce the requisite quantity of steam. At the conclusion of his paper, Prof Horsford illustrated his subject by several interesting experiments.
{{Prof. Peirce on the turbine Wheel}}
Prof. Peirce stated that he had obtained, from some investigations connected with the turbine wheel, the following result: that the curve along which a material point should move so as to compel this curve to raise weights to which it is reattached, must be the cycloid. He exhibited a drawing of a bucket of a turbine wheel constructed by Mr. U. A. Boyden, exponents upon which, conducted with the most scrupulous care, had shown it to produce and effect equal to eighty eight per cent of the power expended; and stated that some of Mr. Boyden’s wheels had given the astonishing result of ninety two per cent of the power.
{{Law of Vegetable growth}}
Prof. Peirce made some remarks in regard to the fraction which expresses the law of vegetable growth, which he compared with the ratio of the mean motions of the planets, and found to express now nearly the arrangement of these bodies than Bode’s law. For this purpose Neptune’s period of revolutions must be multiplied by 1/1 x ½ to obtain that of Uranus. The period of Uranus must be multiplied by ½ x 2/3 to obtain that of Saturn. Saturn’s period must be multiplied by 2/3 x 3/5 to obtain that of Jupiter and so on. If this law is true, these can be only one planet within the orbit of Mercury, and no planet beyond Neptune. This law or honorary seems to be that to which successive development in general, tends to conform, and is manifested when
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other forces opposed to it, are not too powerful. The atomic laws are opposed to it in crystallizing and other chemical processes; and also the higher laws of organization, such as those of bilateral division in the higher animals.
{{Prof. Peirce’s communication}}
Prof. Peirce remarked that the perturbative function of planetary motion, had been developed by Hansen according to the eccentric anomaly of one of the planets, in a numerical form; and exhibited the first terms of a literal development of this function, which is more simple than the usual form of development according to the mean anomaly. He through there are reasons for believing that some other form of development, will be discovered, better adapted to cases of great inclinations and eccentricities; in as much as, in case the two orbits do not approach each other within a small distance, the development of this function, should not contain any term capable of becoming infinite.
{{Dr. C. T. Jackson Phos. Lime discovered in New Jersey.}}
Dr. C. T. Jackson exhibited to the Academy a number of specimens of native phosphate of lime or Apatite, from a large vein three or four feet in thickness, discovered by Mr. Francis Alger and himself, during the month of last June, in Hurdstown in New Jersey. Crystals of this mineral, had been been [sic] found in the magnetic pyrites of this locality; but the very variable and deceptive appearance of Apatite had prevented the true nature of the vein from being discovered. In illustration of its variable appearance, he exhibited specimens from several localities in this country and in Europe. The peculiar resinous lustre of the broken surface, he stated to be in its most constant characteristic. The specimens from Hurdstown were crystallized, massive, and granular; and some them [sic] were covered with an iridescent film of oxide of iron. They were found, on subjecting them to chemical examination, to contain the usual components of Apatite. Dr. J. remarked upon the importance of augmenting the proportion of phosphates in our soils; and stated that Mr. Alger, in accordance with his advice, had obtained a lease of the locality; that mining operations had been commenced, and that thirteen tons of the mineral, were on their way, to Boston to be converted into prepared phosphates for agricultural use. On Dr. Holland’s referring to the researches of Prof. Dauberry of Oxford University, who was employed by the British Government to investigate the economical value of the phosphate of lime of Estremadera, in Spain, Dr. Jackson stated
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that Dr. Dauberry reported that mineral phosphate of lime, is as valuable for agricultural purposes, as that obtained from bones; but that the supply at that locality is too small to be of much importance.
{{Comet discovered by Mr. Bond}}
In reply to an inquiry of the Vice President, Mr. B. A. Gould, Jr., stated that no intelligence had reached this country of the comet discovered by Mr. Bond, on the twenty ninth of last August, having been discovered in Europe previously to the fifth of September.
The Academy then adjourned.
Joseph Hale Abbot,
Recording Secretary.
Three hundred and thirty eighth Meeting.
November 5. 1850.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of the President, Dr. J. Bigelow.
Present Messrs. J. Bigelow, S. Cabot, E. C. Cabot, Horsford, Eustis, Guyot, Everett, Warren, Admiral Owen, Phillips, H. I. Bowditch, Bouve, W. F. Channing, C. Jackson, Jr. C. Pickering, Felton, Eliot, Treadwell, Beck, B. A. Gould, Jr. O. Pickering, A. A. Gould. A. A. Hayes, J. B. S. Jackson, M. Wyman, Paine, Swett, H. J. Bigelow, Cole, Whitney, Peirce, Lovering, Peirson, Desor, J. Wyman, Agassiz, Emerson, A. Walker, Alger, Bowen, J. H. Abbot, and by invitation, Mr. Gurowski, late of Russia.
The Recording Secretary read the proceedings of the previous meeting.
{{Prof. Guyot’s Report on baro. & thermos. Scales}}
Prof. Guyot, in behalf of the committee appointed to consider the expediency of recommending the adoption of the centigrade thermometrical scale, and the metrical barometrical scale, made a Report, to which was appended a series of Resolutions. A discussion of considerable length ensued in which Messrs. Horsford, Lovering, B. A. Gould, Jr., Paine, Guyot, W. F. Channing, Peirce, Agassiz, Everett, & Treadwell took part; and the Resolutions, the second having been amended
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as moved by Mr. Treadwell, were passed as follows:
1. Resolved that the American Academy, earnestly recommend the adoption of the metrical scale for the barometer, destined for the observations made in behalf of the state of Massachusetts, and of the Smithsonian Institution, not only for the sake of convenience, but also as a first step leading to a general adoption of the metrical system of weights and measures in scientific matters.
2. As regards the Thermometer, that the scale of Fahrenheit in actual use in this country, be retained for the present.
3. That a committee be appointed to consider the prosperity and the practicability of introducing the modified Fahrenheit’s scale mentioned in the Report, or some other possessing similar advantages, as a universal scale, and to correspond with eminent meteorologists, and scientific societies.
4. That notice be given to the Smithsonian Institution of the opinion of the Academy on the subject of this Report.
The Academy then
Voted, that the committee to be appointed in pursuance of the foregoing resolutions, consist of the gentlemen who reported them, viz., Messrs. Guyot, Agassiz, Peirce, Lovering, & B. A. Gould, Jr.
Prof. Agassiz made an oral communications of considerable length upon the classification and homologies of radiated animals.
{{Toronto Observatory.}}
Prof Lovering read a part of a letter from Capt. Lefroy, of the Toronto Observatory, to Mr. W. C. Bond, representing that there is danger of the magnetic observations at that observatory being discontinued after next March; and expressing a desire that the Academy would use its influence that that Observatory may be sustained for a further period of three years. He then offered the following Resolutions, which, after some remarks by Mr. Guyot in their support, were adopted:
1. That, in the opinion of this Academy, it is highly desirable that the magnetical & meteorological observatory at Toronto, should be sustained for another period of three years.
2. That a committee be appointed to correspond with
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the American minister at London, or with the Royal Society, as they may think best, with the view of urging upon the British Government the scientific importance of prolonging their magnetical and meteorological operations on British America, and thus cooperating with similar observations to be made more or less extensively at different stations in the United States.
{{Com. on the Toronto Observatory.}}
Hon Edward Everett, Mr. W. C. Bond, Mr. Guyot, Prof. Lovering, & Mr. J. P. Hall, were appointed a committee to carry the foregoing Resolutions with effect.
The following works were presented to the Academy by Prof Agassiz, in behalf of their authors:
“Essai de Phytostatique applique a la chaine du Jura et aux centrees voisines par Jules Thurman, ancient Professeur de l’Ecole Normale du Jura Brernois.” 2 Tom.
[crossed out] “Uber die Larven und die Metamorphose der Ophiuren und Seeigal Von J. Muller.”
“Description of some American Annelida Abranchia. By Joseph Leidy, M.D.”
{{French system of weights & measures}}
Prof. Lovering made some remarks upon the advantages of the French sytem of wights and measures over all others, and offered the following Resolutions which were adopted:
1. That the decimal system of weights and measures based upon the French metre, processes advantages which belong to no other system that has been adopted or proposed; that it is the only existing system which is symmetrical in its parts, simple in its reductions, and which maintains in its various denominations that invariable and recoverable value which adapts the observations and experiments recorded in it for ready and permanent use over all the world.
2. That the Academy authorize the use of the system in their own publications, and recommend its adoption for scientific purposes wherever it is practicable.
On motion of Prof. Agassiz, it was
Voted That these Resolutions be communicated to other
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scientific bodies of a similar character to that of the Academy.
{{Portrait of Franklin.}}
Dr. Bowditch stated that a portion of Franklin had been placed, with his permission, in the Hall of the Academy, & that it was for sale at the price of fifty dollars.
{{Black board}}
On motion of Professor Horsford, it was
Voted that the Librarian be instructed to procure a black board for the use of the Academy at their meetings.
{{Semi-month by meetings}}
X On motion of Prof. Agassiz, it was
Voted, That the Recording Secretary be authorized to call a semi-monthly meeting of the Academy at their Hall, whenever any Fellows shall have such an amount of scientific matter prepared for communication as to render a special meeting expedient.
X On motion of the Recording Secretary, it was
Voted to amend the preceding vote by the insertion of the words, with the concurrence of the President after the word “authorized”.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Jos. Hale Abbot,
Recording Secretary.
Three hundred and thirty ninth Meeting
November 13. 1850.
A statute meeting of the Academy was held at their Hall, the President in the chair.
Present Messrs J. Bigelow, Horsford, W. F. Channing, Rogers, Bacon, Hayes, Storer, Whitney, Paine, Bouve, C. T. Jackson, Beck, Treadwell, W. C. Bond, Lovering, Holmes, J. B. S. Jackson, H. I. Bowditch, Everett, Peirce, Desor, B. A. Gould, Jr. Swett, C. Pickring, J. H. Abbot, Prof. Coffin of Washington, Emerson, O. Pickering.
The proceedings of the last statute meeting were read by the Recording Secretary.
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{{Letter of Count Rumford}}
The President laid before the Academy two letters written, in the year 1796 by Count Rumford, to the late John Adams, then President of the Academy; among whose papers they were recently found by Hon. C. F. Adams, and by him transmitted to the President.
Mr. J. H. Abbot; in behalf of the committee appointed at the last statute meeting to consider the expediency of selecting a more convenient hour for the statute meetings of the Academy, made an oral report, recommending that, in future, they be held at half past three o’clock, P.M.
Whereupon it was
{{Time of statute Meetings}}
Voted That in future the statute meetings of the Academy be held at half past three o’clock in the afternoon.
The following gentlemen were elected Fellows of the Academy:
Prof. Alexis Caswell, of Brown University,
nominated by [REDACTED];
Prof. William Chauvenet of the U.S. Naval Academy Annapolis,
nominated by [REDACTED].
Mr. B. A. Gould Jr. made some remarks respecting the existing By-Law of the Academy restricting the Fellows to the use of three books from the Library at a time, as not sufficient by liberal; and moved a resolution, which, after some discussion and the adoption of an amendment proposed by Mr. Treadwell, was passed as follows:
{{By-Laws relating to Library}}
X Voted, That the subject of the By-Laws relating to the Library be referred to the Committee on the Library; and that, in the mean time, the By-Law limiting the number of books to be taken out at a time to three be so far suspended as to allow Fellows of the Academy, in special cases, and with the consent of the Librarian, to take out twelve books at a time.
Prof. Lovering stated that Part II, of Vol. IV. of the Memoirs of the Academy, would be printed in a week or two, and that two papers of the fifth volume were printing.
{{Aztec Children}}
In accordance with an arrangement made by Dr. Bowditch, the exhibiter of the children represented to be Aztecs from Central America, exhibited them to the Academy
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They excited much interest. The boy, presented, in the form of his head and the expression of his countenance, a striking resemblance to an engraving of a piece of sculpture, found near Palenque in Central America, to which Dr. Bowditch had previously called the attention of the Academy.
The meeting was then dissolved
Jos. Hale Abbot
Recording Secretary
Three hundred and fortieth Meeting.
December 3. 1850.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of John C. Warren, M.D., the President in the chair.
Present Messrs. J. C. Warren, J. Bigelow, Peirson, Everett, S. L. Abbot, Holmes, C. T. Jackson, Hayward, Mitchell, S. Cabot, J. Wyman, H. I. Bowditch, Bouve, Algers, Whitney, B. A. Gould Jr., C. Pickering, Paine, M. Wyman, J. M. Warren, Swett, A. A. Gould, J. h. Abbot, and, by invitation, Mr. Perley of St. Johns, New Brunswick, and Mr. Gibbon of London.
The records of the last social meeting were read by the Recording Secretary.
{{Com. on Toronto Observatory}}
Mr. Everett, chairman of the committee appointed at the last social meeting to address a letter on the subject of sustaining the Toronto Observatory either to the American Minister, or the Royal Society, as they should deem most expedient, stated that the Committee had addressed a letter to the Royal Society recommending the continuance of the meteorological and magnetical observations at the Toronto Observatory for another period of three years.
Dr Peirson exhibited to the Academy a large and valuable specimen of gold recently bought from California.
{{Crystals of Gold}}
Mr. Alger exhibited and described some very remarkable crystals of gold from California. The largest Gold
[end page 300 | begin page 301]
{{299}}
one has a base three quarter of an inch in diameter; and the central portion of several of its faces is depressed and surrounded by a raised border on their edges.
{{California Gold}}
Dr. C. T. Jackson, in the course of some additional remarks on the same subject, started that there are in the public mineralogical collections in Europe no crystals of gold so large as those belonging to Mr. Alger. He further stated that he had recently examined and assayed a specimen of native gold from California and the largest hitherto bought to this city, which weighs two hundred and sixty five ounces, contains two hundred ounces of fine gold, and thirty five of silver, and is worth 3885 dollars.
{{Donation}}
Dr. J. C. Warren presented to the Academy in behalf of the author, a memoir from the Philosophical Transactions for 1850 by Professor Owen, entitled, “On the Development and Homologies of the Molar Teeth of Wart-Hogs.”
He also exhibited to the Academy some large and valuable casts of fossils from the Sivalik Hills situated in the northern part of Hindostan: which he described and remarked upon at considerable length.
{{Mr. Whitney on U.S. Geological Survey of mineral lands in Michigan}}
Mr. J. D. Whitney gave an account of the progress of the geological survey of the United States’ mineral lands in Michigan, and of its results; and exhibited several geological maps of that region, executed for the General Government.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Attest, Jos. Hale Abbot,
Recording Secretary.
[end page 301 | begin page 302]
{{300}}
Three hundred and forty first Meeting.
January 7. 1851.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of Francis C. Lowell, Esq., the President in the chair.
Present Messrs. F. C. Lowell, C. Jackson, Jr., S. L. Abbot, J. Bigelow, Worcester, Cole, Horsford, Lovering, Bowen, Peirce, Eustis, Hayes, Bovue, Treadwell, J. M. Warren, B. A. Gould, Jr., Whitney, J. I. Bowditch, Swett, F. C. Gray, J. P. Hall, Desor, A. A. Gould, Walker, Felton, H. I. Bowditch, Holmes, J. Hall, and by invitation Count Gurowski.
The record of the last meeting was read.
{{Prof Peirce on the masses of the planets.}}
Prof. Peirce made some remarks respecting the uncertainty existing in regard to the masses of the planets. They vary when determined by different satellites, and should be taken as determined by actions upon planets rather than upon satellites. The observations of Mr. Bond upon the satellite of Neptune, given a less mas to that planet that those of the Pulkova Observatory, on those of Mr. Lassell; but the accuracy of Mr. Bond’s observations is confirmed by the perturbations of Uranus. Prof. Peirce stated the amount of discrepancy as to the masses of several of the planets between observation & theory. He said that theoretical errors could sometimes be detected by empirical means, and gave an empirical correction of the theory of Saturn. He further stated that there are some indications of the secular action of a planet within the orbit of Mercury.
{{Prof. Lovering on the experiment of the electrical wheel.}}
Prof. Lovering made some remarks upon Dufay’s and Franklin’s theories of electricity, each of which he considered as a convenient artifice for grouping together the phenomena of electricity rather than the expression a physical reality. He referred particularly to the experiment of the little wheel with paper vanes, which revolves when it is placed between the two arms of a universal discharger forming part of an electrical circuit; and described several modifications of the experiment which prove that the motion of the wheel is not due
[end page 302 | begin page 303]
{{301}}
to the mechanical action of a current of air or of electricity but to alternate attraction and repulsion, and that it affords no indication as to the direction of an electrical current.
{{Mr. J. H. Abbot’s Communication}}
Mr. J. H. Abbot communicated some additional electrical facts, among which he described the effects produced by lightning striking a Savin or Red Cedar tree, the Juniperus Virginiana of botanists, in the eastern part of Beverly, in the summer of the year 1845. The course of the lightning could be traced by displaced stones, and several discontinuous furrows diverging from the trunk of the tree, one of which extended to the distance of two or three rods, while the tree itself was uninjured. These effects Mr. Abbot contrasted with the effects produced by lighting, during the same summer, upon a large chestnut tree in the northern part of Mason, N.H., a large part of which was shivered into fragments, and scattered over an area more than a dozen rods in diameter. The great difference in the effects produced by lighting in these two instances, Mr. Abbot attributed to a remarkable conducting power possessed by the Red Cedar, and perhaps by other evergreens.
{{Mr. Bouve on a Compound of titanium.}}
Mr. Bouve exhibited some very fine specimens of the cubic crystals found in the iron furnaces of England and Scotland, which had been regarded by mineralogists as pure titanium, but which has been recently ascertained by Wohler to be a nituret and Cyanuret of titanium. Considering the volatile nature of nitrogen, he regarded it as a very remarkable fact, that that substance should be a constituent part of a body formed under the intense heat of a blast furnace.
{{Prof. Horsford’s Communication}}
Prof Horsford referred to a compound of nitrogen and boron as nearly allied to the crystals exhibited by Mr. Bouve. He announced the discovery of iodine in the ammonical liquor of the gas works by Mr. Storer of the Lawrence Scientific School; and also the discovery of manganese in urine & in the tea plant.
{{Mr. B. A. Gould Jr. on Asteroids}}
Mr. B. A. Gould, Jr. gave some account of the contents of a paper on the relative position of the orbits of the
[end page 303 | begin page 304]
{{302}}
asteroids which he had submitted to the Committee on Publications for insertion in the Memoirs of the Academy.
{{Mr. J. Hall on the Geology of the West.}}
Mr. J. Hall described some of the results of his geological investigations, in connexion with the geological survey under the direction of Messrs. Foster & Whitney, on Drummond is Island, & the north shores of Lake Huron & Lake Michigan. He had traced many of the strata, recognized in New York, through the whole of that region, and some if the limestone strata across the Mississippi river. He had satisfied himself that the sandstones of the upper Mississippi are of the same age with the Potsdam sandstone. While some of the most important formations were continuous and identical with those of New Yok, others were wanting; which allowed two formations widely separated in New York, to come into contact, and to form apparently one rock in the West.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Attest, Jos. Hale Abbot,
Recording Secretary.
One hundred and forty second Meeting
Jan. 29. 1851.
A statute meeting of the Academy was held at their Library Hall, the President in the chair.
Present Messrs. Bigelow, Quincy, Paine, Sherwin, Peirce, O. Pickering, J. P. Hall, C. T. Jackson, W. C. Bond, B. A. Gould, Jr., Desor Tuckerman, Whitney, Felton, Beck, Parsons, Folsom, J. I. Bowditch, Bowen, Swett, Horsford, Bouve, Alger, Lovering, J. H. Abbot.
The record of the last statute meeting were read.
{{Report of the Library Committee}}
Dr. A. A. Gould, in behalf of the Library Committee, to whom the subject of altering the By-Laws relating to the Library, had been referred at the previous statute meeting, made a report. After considerable discussion and the adoption of several amendments, it was finally voted to recommit the whole subject to the same committee
[end page 304 | begin page 305]
{{303}}
The nomination list was then taken up and the following gentlemen were chosen Fellows of the Academy:
{{Fellows chosen.}}
Hon. George P. Marsh of Vermont,
nominated by [REDACTED];
Rev. WM Jenks, D.D. of Boston,
nominated by [REDACTED];
Prof. William of Norton of Brown University, R. I.,
nominated by [REDACTED];
Prof. Chs. B. Haddock of Dartmouth College, nominated by [REDACTED].
{{Amendment to the By-Laws.}}
Prof. Peirce offered the following amendment to the By-Laws:
X All nominations for membership which have been passed over at two successive meetings in consequence of the absence of the nominators, shall be removed from the list.
{{Prof Peirce error in the Tables of Saturn}}
Prof. Peirce stated that he had ascertained the empirical correction, communicated by him at the last meeting of the Academy, of an error in the formula and Tables of Saturn, to be confirmed by theory.
{Death of Prof. Schumacher}}
Mr. B. A. Gould, Jr. announced the death of Prof. Schumacher, Director of the Altona Observatory, and Foreign Honorary Member of the Academy; and, on his motion, it was
Voted, that a committee be appointed to prepare suitable resolutions, and address a letter of condolence to the family of the deceased.
Voted that Messrs. B. A. Gould, Jr., Peirce and Bowen be that Committee.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Jos. Hale Abbot,
Recording Secretary.
[end page 305 | begin page 306]
{{304}}
Three hundred and forty third meeting,
February 4. 1851.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of Charles Jackson, Jr. Esq., the President in the chair.
Present Messrs. C. Jackson, Jr., Holmes, Paine, J. Bigelow Treadwell, C. T. Jackson, Worcester, S. L. Abbot, J. Walker, Bacon, A. A. Gould, Lovering, W. F. Channing, Swett, Hayes, Peirson, J. Wyman, J. I. Bowditch, H. J. Bigelow, S. Cabot, H. I. Bowditch, Rodgers, J. B. S. Jackson, F. C. Lowell, Folsom, Peirce, Bowen, Bouve, J. H. Abbot.
{{Resolutions in relation to the death of Prof. Schumacher.}}
Prof. Peirce, in behalf of the committee appointed at the last meeting on the occasion of the death of Prof. Schumacher, a Foreign Honorary Member of the Academy, offered a series of resolutions expressive of the feelings of the Academy in relation to that event; which resolutions were unanimously adopted.
{{Part II of Vol. IV of the Mem. of the Acad. Published}}
Dr. C. T. Jackson communicated some interesting facts showing that charcoal takes fire at a remarkably low temperature; which, when the charcoal is powdered and dry, he stated to be but little above the temperature of boiling water. Dr. A. A. Hayes confirmed Dr. Jackson’s statement, and referred to other similar facts. Dr. Holmes and Dr. W. F. Channing made further remarks on the same subject. The President spoke of the practical importance of an investigation of the subject; and on motion of Mr. J. H. Abbot made at his suggestion, it was
Voted, that a committee be appointed to investigate the subject & report to the Academy.
Voted that Dr. C. T. Jackson, Dr. Hayes, & Dr. W. F. Channing be that committee.
{{Prof. Peirce on the force of a moving body}}
Prof Peirce argued at considerable length
[end page 306 | begin page 307]
{{305}}
against the principle generally adopted in theoretical works, that the force of a moving body is its vis inertiae. He believed, on the contrary, that force to be the vis viva. His new argument he derived from the effect of a force in causing rotation, as well as translation. By the old theory, no additional force is required to produce rotation; whereas by the theory of the vis viva, just as much force is required, as is actually exhibited in the resulting rotation. The same argument, he stated, might be derived in another from from [sic] the vibrations of the particles.
{{Prof Peirce on Friction}}
Prof Peirce communicated some new views on the subject of friction, and, more particularly, discussed the theory of rolling friction. Just views on this subject he thought calculated to throw light on some of the most intricate questions of practical mechanics. The principles on which he founded his theory, are, that the whole amount of resistance is measured by the amount of change of form, of compression, or of vibration with which the rolling surfaces are left; and these are themselves dependent upon the nature of the surfaces as yielding or hard, elastic or inelastic, and upon the amount of pressure, and the extent of the surface of contact.
The subject was further discussed by Mr. C. Jackson, Jr., Mr. Treadwell and the President. Mr. Treadwell concurred with Professor Peirce in his views except that he was inclined to attribute the loss of force, in the case of elastic bodies, rather to the slow recovery, by the particles, of their previous position, than to their vibrations.
{{Dr. W. F. Channing on Paine’s apparatus for producing light}}
Dr. W. F. Channing, at the suggestion of Dr. Hayes gave a particular account of Mr. H. M. Paine’s apparatus for producing light, which he had recently examined.
{{Dr. Holmes on bone corpuscles.}}
Dr. Holmes exhibited the peculiar bone corpuscles shown and described by him to the Boston Society for Medial Development in the year 1847 together with one of the drawings of them taken, at the same period,
[end page 307 | begin page 308]
{{306}}
By Mr. Mc Ilvaine under his direction. These corpuscles, remarkable for their regularity, sharply defined, and often yellowish nucleus, are found in the cancellated structure of human bones. They are identical with those described by Mr. Robin in the Gaette Medicale for Dec. 22. 1849, under the name of medullary cells.
{{Mr. Boyden’s paper on Heat.}}
Prof. Peirce referred to a paper on the subject of Heat formerly prepared by Mr. U.A . Boyden, and expressed a desire that it might receive the attention of the Rumford Committee. On motion of Mr. J. H. Abbot, who stated that he had read the paper & thought it exhibited great perspicacity of intellect, it was
Voted that the Rumford Committee be instructed to give attention to Mr. Boyden’s paper on Heat.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Jos. Hale Abbot,
Recording Secretary.
Three hundred and forty fourth meeting.
March 4. 1851.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of Samuel Swett, Esq. the President in the chair.
Present Messrs. Swett, Peirce, Bond, Cole, O. Pickering, J. I. Bowditch, Treadwell, Dixwell, Paine, Desor, Bowen, Whitney, Alger, Beck, B. A. Gould, Jr, J. Bigelow, Holmes, J. B. S. Jackson, Worcester, S. L. Abbot, H. I. Bowditch, Horsford, Lovering, W. F. Channing, A. A. Gould, J. M. Warren, C. T. Jackson, Rogers, S. Cabot, Felton, J. H. Abbot, and, by invitation, Capt. Walbach of the U. S. Army, & George J. Abbot, Esq. of Washington.
The record of the last meeting was read.
Prof Peirce made some remarks respecting the name to be given to the new planet, which he thought should be called Clio rather than Victoria.
Mr. W. C. Bond expressed his preference for the latter name
[end page 308 | begin page 309]
{{307}}
on account of its having already been given to the new planet by the English astronomers.
{{Loss of force in friction}}
Prof. Peirce continued his remarks on the subject of the loss of force in friction which he attributed in great part to vibration. He thought that the rising and falling of the moving body occasioned by superficial asperities, could produce but a very small part of the loss that actually occurs.
The President thought the rising & falling of the moving body, would cause loss of force by increasing the space traversed by it.
Mr. Bowen suggested that heterogeneous attraction must take place in friction, and be one cause of loss of force.
Prof Lovering remarked that collusion would increase with smoothness, and friction with asperities of surface.
Prof. Treadwell concurred with Mr. Bowen in attributing a loss of force to incipient or partial cohesion.
{{Annual products of silver & gold.}}
Mr. Whitney communicated some statistical facts respecting the increased annual products of silver & gold, He thought that the relative value of those metals is destined to undergo a great change.
{{Letters from Col. Sabine & Dr. Holland respecting the Toronto Observatory.}}
Mr. W. C. Bond communicated a letter from Col. Sabine, and an extract from a letter from Dr. Holland, both addressed to Mr. Everett, and giving information that the British Government has decided on maintaining the Observatory at Toronto. Col. Sabine having requested specific information as to the wishes of the Academy in regard to the observations to be made, it was,
Voted, that the subject be referred to the committee formerly appointed to take charge of it, and that that committee be empowered to conduct the necessary correspondence.
{{Letters of Col. Graham & Hon. W. Mitchell.}}
Mr. W. C. Bond also communicated two letters, one from Col. J. O. Graham giving an account of the transit of Mercury on the 8th of May, 1845, at Castle Williams
[end page 309 | begin page 310]
{{308}}
in New York harbor; and the other from William Mitchell Esq. of Nantucket, giving an account of an occultation of Aldebaran on the 16th of July 1849, which exhibited the singular phenomenon of the projection of the star on the bright limb of the moon.
On motion of Prof. Peirce, it was
Voted that these papers be referred to the Committee of Publication.
{{Bill for Engraving}}
Prof. Lovering from the Committee of Publication, stated that a bill amounting to $240.00, for engraving eight plates for Dr. Storer’s memoir on Fishes, of the existence of which debt he was not previously aware, had been sent to him; and that the appropriation for the current year for publishing the Memoirs of the Academy was expended. Some conversation ensued, but no order was taken on the subject.
{{Transmission of Books and other publications for the Academy.}}
The Corresponding Secretary read a letter from the Assistant Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, offering to transmit for the Academy, free of expense, to any part of Europe publications delivered at Washington; and also to transmit free of expense to Washington any publications delivered to its agents in Europe.
On motion of Mr. Treadwell it was
Voted, that the Corresponding Secretary be directed to present the thanks of the Academy to the Smithsonian Institution for its obliging offer.
{{Analysis of a crystal of Phosphate of Lime}}
Dr. C. T. Jackson communicated the results of an analysis of a crystal of phosphate of lime from Hurdstown, N.J. which was found to consist of
Phosphate of Lime, 92.405
Chloride of Calcium, .540
Peroxide of Iron, ,040
Oxide of Manganese, ,003
Fluoride of Calcium by difference 7.012,
100.000
These results prove that this mineral is identical with Apatite.
[end page 310 | begin page 311]
{{309}}
{{Asphaltic Coal}}
Dr. C.T. Jackson gave an account of the appearance, properties, and uses of a peculiar asphaltic coal found in Hillsboro, N.B., near the head of the Bay of Fundy; where, as he had been informed, it exists as the form of a vein or mass filling a vertical rent in the rocks. He was of opinion that it was sublimed from igneous rocks below containing organic matters. A discussion of some length ensued upon this subject in which Prof. Rogers, Dr. Jackson, Prof. Horsford, and Mr. Desor took part. Prof Rogers argued with Dr. Jackson in attributing to it a different origin from that of true coal; and proposed the inquiry whether chemists could not show some means by which bituminous matter could be formed from carbon or carbonic acid. Dr. Jackson thought no true bitumen had ever been produced except from organic matters Mr Desor referred to several instances of similar anomalies in the position of carbonaceous and bituminous deposits, equally difficult to explain. The theory which supposes these deposits to be of vegetable origin, he regarded as unsupported by any direct evidence.
The meeting was then dissolved
Attest Jos. Hale Abbot
Recording Secretary.
[end page 311 | begin page 312]
{{310}}
Three hundred and forty fifth Meeting
April 1. 181.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of Francis Alger, Esq., the President in the Chair.
Present Messrs. Alger J. Bigelow, Bacon, A. A. Gould Jenks, Swett, Treadwell, W. Channing, Cole, J. I. Bowditch, Lovering, Agassiz, Bowen, W. C. Bond, Davis, Mitchell, Paine, Eustis, Beck, Blake, C. T. Jackson, Storer, Desor, B. A. Gould, Jr., Peirce, Horsford, O. Pickering, Whitney, J. Wyman, Storer J. H. Abbot, and by invitation, Mr. Wells of the Lawrence Scientific School, and Prof. Holton of New York.
{{Letters of acceptance}}
The Corresponding Secretary presented letters from Rev. William Jenks, D.D., Prof. Charles B. Haddock of Dartmouth College, Prof. William Chauvenet of the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md., Prof. Alexis Caswell & Prof. William A. Norton of Brown University, in acknowledgment of their election as Fellows of the Academy.
{{Lieut. Davis’s paper on Boston Harbour}}
Lieut Davis presented a paper relating the deterioration which, he stated, has been lacking place in Boston Harbour for a considerable period of time, and mentioned several striking facts in illustration of his statement.
Prof. Eustis remarked that he could corroborate Lieut Davis’s statements from former personal observations.
Prof Peirce spoke of the great importance of the subject, and, on his motion, it was,
Voted, that Lieut. Davis’s paper be referred to a committee of five.
{{Committee on Lieut. Davis’s paper.}}
Voted that Messrs. Treadwell, Eustis, Peirce, M. Wyman, and Lovering e that committee.
Prof Peirce offered the following resolutions which were unanimously adopted:
{{Resolutions relating to Prof. Schumacher}}
Resolved, That Prof. A. D. Bache, President of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, be
[end page 312 | begin page 313]
{{311}}
Requested and empowered to correspond in the name of the Academy with such foreign scientific bodies, as may appear to him advisable, with a view to the union of scientific men tof different nations, for the purpose of taking such steps as may best show their respect for the memory of the late Professor Schumacher, and their sense of the services which he has rendered to the science of the world.
Resolved, That in the opinion of the Academy, the foundation of a Schumacher medal and prize would be the most appropriate to the memory of our honoured associate, though the Academy will concur in any plan that may be determined on.
{{Fall of rain at a temperature below freezing point.}}
Prof. Peirce presented a paper by Mr. U. A. Boyden giving an account of a fall of rain at a temperature much below the freezing point of water;
{{Catebart Cyrve}}
and also a paper by Rev. Thomas Hill on the Catenary Curve.
{{Prof. Agassiz on the Florida Reefs.}}
Prof. Agassiz communicated at considerable length the results of some of his observations, during the past winter, of the Florida Coral Reefs. He described then topographical features, structure, and mode of formation, and pointed out some striking differences between them and all other kinds of reefs hitherto observed. He stated that the present barrier reef is successive, to two others, more elevated, contained within it; and that the foundation on which they are built, has not, like that of the reefs described by Darwin and Dana, been undergoing a process of subsistence, nor of elevation. He further stated that a free generation of coral animals detach themselves from the parent stem, move through the water, and select new situations favourable for building on the dead corals. He exhibited a small Mangrove tree, and called attention to its very long and numerous roots, by which it strongly attaches itself to and confines the coral sands.
{{First appearance of the vertebrata in the geological strata.}}
Mr. Desor made some remarks on the first appearance of the vertebrata in the geological strata. From the absence of the remains of vertebrata in the
[end page 313 | begin page 314]
{{312}}
Trenton limestone which contains the remains of a variety of invertebrate animals, and also in two fossiliferous formations below the Bala limestone in England, he argued that invertebrata must have existed long before the appearance of vertebrata. Mr. Desor further remarked that, inasmuch as the remains of reptiles have been found in the coal measures of Germany, fishes could not be regarded as the only representatives of vertebrate animals in the Paleozoic series, unless we remove from this group the carboniferous formations.
{{Prof Agassiz}}
Prof. Agassiz remarked that the was satisfied from an examination of the figures in Prof. Burmeister’s paper, that the fossils found in the coal measures of Germany and described by him as the remains of reptiles, were the remains of fishes.
{{Mr. Whitney specimen of iron.}}
Mr. Whitney exhibited a specimen of iron manufactured at Springfield from ore brought from Lake Superior, which, he stated, had been found on trial to possess uncommon strength.
{{Mr. Ager, Fossil sigillaria.}}
Mr. Alger exhibited a remarkable specimen of fossil Sigillaria from the sandstone of the coal formation of Nova Scotia, fourteen inches in diameter and three feet long, and strongly resembling a portion of a regularly fluted column with a base.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Attest Jos. Hale Abbot
Recording Secretary.
[end page 314 | begin page 315]
{{313}}
Three hundred and forty sixth Meeting.
April 15. 1851.
The Academy held a semi-monthly meeting at their Library Hall, the President in the chair.
Present Messrs. J. Bigelow S. L. Abbot, Aggasiz, Peirce Horsford, Rogers, M. Wyman, Storer, W. F. Channing, B. A. Gould, Jr., & J. H. Abbot.
The records of the last meeting were read.
{{Letters laid before the Academy.}}
The President laid before the Academy the first volume of the Catalogue of the Library of the British Museum presented by the Trustees of that institution to the Academy, together with two letters of the Librarian of the Museum and one of Hon. Abbot Lawrence relating to the same.
{{Mr. G. P. Bond and Prof Peirce on the Rings of Saturn.}}
Prof. Peirce presented a paper on Saturn’s Rings by Mr. George P. Bond, in which the latter gentleman has carefully investigated the structure of those rings, and arrived at the result that they are composed of eleven rings. Prof. Peirce also stated, as some of the results of his own researches upon the same subject, that no ring can exist around a planet which has no satellites; that a ring surrounding such a planet would fall into it; and that a fluid ring surrounding Saturn, would become subdivided into twenty rings.
{{Prof. Agassiz on the special homologies of Echinoderms}}
Prof. Agassiz communicated some new views upon the special homologies of Echinoderms; and pointed out, at considerable length, homologies in the structure of several specimens which he exhibited to the Academy. He also, in reply to inquiries proposed by Prof. Rogers, stated the results of his observations in regard to the different depths inhabited by Echinoderms in the ocean
The meeting was then dissolved.
Attest Jos. Hale Abbot,
Recording Secretary.
[end page 315 | begin page 316]
{{314}}
Three hundred and forty seventh Meeting
May 6. 1851.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of Hon. Lemuel Shaw, the President in the chair.
Present Messrs. Shaw, J. Bigelow, Quincy, Everett, Paine W. A. Norton, Holmes, Horsford, Worcester, W. Channing, Jenks, Caswell, Treadwell, Peirson, Winthrop, Felton, Bowen, A. A. Gould, Alger, Warren, Bouve, S. L. Abbot, W. F. Channing, B. A. Gould, Jr., Whitney, Folsom, J. M. Warren, J. H. Abbot, & Bacon.
The records of the last meeting were read.
{{Letter from Sir John Herschel}}
Mr. Everett read a part of a letter from Sir John Herschel expressing a high opinion of the power of the astronomical telescope belonging to the Cambridge Observatory and of Mr. Bond as a skillful observer, and ascribing to him priority in the discovery of the new ring of Saturn.
Mr. Paine stated that Mr. Bond’s discovery was made on the fourteenth of November, and Mr. Dawe’s on the third of December.
{{Donations}}
Mr. Everett presented to the Academy a pamphlet entitled, “The Institutes of the British Meteorological Society”; and another entitled, “An Enquiry into M. Antoine Abbadie’s Journey to Kaffa to discover the source of the Nile. By Charles T. Beke, Ph.D., F.S.A., &”
{{Geography of the interior of Africa.}}
Mr. Guyot gave an account of some recent discoveries relating to the geography of the interior of Arica, and expressed his views at considerable length in regard to the general configuration of the African continent. Remarks upon the same subject were made by the President, Mr. Everett, Judge Shaw, Prof. Horsford, and Prof. Caswell, Mr. Guyot presented to the Academy a pamphlet in the German language by “C. Ritter” relating to the subject of his remarks.
Mr. B. A. Gould, Jr., Prof Horsford, & Dr. W. F. Channing made some remarks relative to Foucault’s experiment of the rotation of the plane of oscillation of the pendulum
[end page 316 | begin page 317]
{{315}}
Dr. Channing suggested the idea of supporting the pendulum by magnetic attraction or upon an agate in an exhausted receiver, as a means of obviating the effects of friction and the resistance of the air.
{{Letter from Dr. Flugel}}
Dr. J. C. Warren presented, on behalf of the Editor, four members of a periodical astronomical work published at Breslau, and forwarded by Dr. Flugel, who, in a letter to Dr. Warren, offered his services in forwarding books for the Academy from Europe. An arrangement for that purpose having been made with the Smithsonian Institute, no order was taken on the subject.
{{New experiment in Hydraulics}}
Mr. Jos. Hale Abbot communicated and explained the results of a new experiment on Hydraulics. He stated that, while water, flowing from a cistern through a straight, horizontal, cylindrical tube, if small lateral holes are made in it, escapes, contrary to a proposition laid down by Bossut, through those holes in jets; the opposite effect takes place, if in the end of the tube is made conically divergent, and small glass tubes descend from the holes into vessels containing water. In this case, water ascends and is discharged into the horizontal tube, not only, as shown by Daniel Bernouilli, through the holes in the divergent part, but also through holes in the contiguous portion of the cylindrical part.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Attest, Jos. Hale Abbot
Rec’g Sec’y
[end page 317 | begin page 318]
{{316}}
Three hundred and forty eighth Meeting.
May 28. 1851.
The Annual Meeting of the Academy was held at its Library Hall, the President in the chair.
Present Messrs. J. Bigelow, Everett, Lovering, Jenks, Cole, Walker, Swett, Peirce, Whitney, Bowen, Greene, Treadwell, Hayward, Paine, Hall, Bond, W. F. Channing, C. Pickering S. L. Abbot, B. A. Gould, Jr., Sherwin, Horsford, J. H. Abbot.
The Recording Secretary presented the Annual Reports of the Treasurer, and read a letter from him in which he requested not to be considered a candidate for re-election.
Voted, That Messrs. Treadwell and Charles Jackson, Jr. be a committee to examine and audit the Treasurer’s accounts.
Treasurers Report
Dr. American Academy (Rumford Fund) in a/c with J. I. Bowditch Tr. Cr.
[table]
Boston May 26th. 1851.
Errors Excepted
(Sgd) J. Ingersoll Bowditch Treas.
[end page 318 | begin page 319]
{{317}}
Dr. American Academy (General Fund) in a/c with J. I. Bowditch Tr. Cr.
[table]
Copied & Examd
By Car.tn O’Brien
Assist. Lob.
Boston 26th May 1851.
Errors Excepted
(Sigd.) J. Ingersoll Bowditch Treas.
{{Letter from the widow of Prof. Schumacher.}}
Mr. B. A. Gould, Jr., laid before the Academy a letter from the widow of the late Prof. Schumacher, gratefully acknowledging the receipt of the letter of condolence addressed to her, on account of the recent death of her husband, by the committee of the Academy appointed for that purpose.
[end page 319 | begin page 320]
{{318}}
{{Letters from the Librarian}}
Dr. S. L. Abbot, from the committee on the Library, read a letter from the Librarian containing suggestions respecting the purchase of a safe, and an increase of compensation to the Assistant Librarian. After some conversation respecting the purchase of a safe, it was
{{Safe keeping of the Academy’s papers}}
Voted, That the Recording Secretary be authorized to make suitable provision for the safe keeping of the Academy’s papers.
It was then voted to proceed to the choice of officers for the ensuing year. Messrs Horsford and B. A. Gould, Jr., were appointed a committee to collect and count the votes. This committee subsequently reported that the following gentlemen were chosen officers of the Academy, viz.:
{{Officers chosen}}
Jacob Bigelow, President;
Edward Everett, Vice President;
Augustus A. Gould, Corresponding Secretary;
Joseph Hale Abbot, Recording Secretary;
J. Ingersoll Bowditch, Treasurer;
Henry I. Bowditch, Librarian.
The following gentlemen were chosen members of the several Standing Committees, viz.:
{Rumford Committee.}
Eben N. Horsford
Daniel Treadwell
Joseph Lovering
Henry L. Eustis
Morrill Wyman
{Committee on Publications.}
Joseph Lovering
Louis Agassiz
William C. Bond
{Committee on the Library.}
A. A. Gould
D. Humphreys Storer
Samuel L. Abbot
On motion of Mr. Everett, it was voted that the same appropriations be made for the publications of the
[end page 320 | begin page 321]
{{319}}
Academy for the ensuing year as were made last year, viz., $500.00 from the subscription fund, and $900.00 from the Rumford and General funds. It afterwards appearing form the Treasurer’s Report that the balance of the subscription fund amounted to only $450.00, the vote was reconsidered, & it was, on motion of Mr. Lovering,
{{Appropriations for the Academy’s publications.}}
Voted, That $450.00 be appropriated from the subscription fund, and $950.00 from the Rumford and General funds for printing, engraving, and binding the publications of the Academy, for the ensuing years.
Mr. Everett from the committee on the Toronto Observatory made an oral report of the doings of the committee. He also made some remarks on the importance of a system of more extended scientific observations than can be carried on the co-operation of private individuals, or of scientific bodies; and, on his motion, it was
{{Memorial to Congress.}}
Voted, That a committee of five be appointed by the chair to present a memorial to Congress at the ensuing session, praying that an appropriation may be made to defray the expense of scientific observations to be made, under the direction of the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution or otherwise, as may be deemed expedient by Congress.
{{Committee}}
Messrs. Everett; Agassiz, Peirce, Bond and Lovering were appointed a committee to carry the above vote into effect.
The following amendment of the By-Laws, offered, at the last statute meeting of the Academy by Prof. Peirce, was adopted:
{{Amendment of the By-Laws.}}
All nominations for membership which have been been[sic] passed over at two successive meeting in consequence of the absence of the nominators, shall be removed from the list.
The following gentlemen were chosen members of the Academy: Prof. Benjamin Silliman, Jr., of New Haven, and Prof John P. Norton of New Haven
both nominated by [REDACTED].
[end page 321 | begin page 322]
{{320}}
Mr. Everett gave notice that he wished not to be considered a candidate for re-election to the office of Vice President at the next annual meeting.
{{Rooms in the Athenaeum building}}
The Recording Secretary called the attention of the Academy to the subject of obtaining rooms for its use in the new Athenaeum building which was nearly finished. Some conversation ensued, and, on motion of Mr. Treadwell, it was
{{Committee on the Library.}
Voted, That the committee on the Library be instructed to inquire whether rooms for the use of the Academy, can be obtained in some other building which will be more eligible than those which it now occupied.
{{Rev. Dr. Jenks on an Inscription on a Rock in Maine}}
Rev. Dr. Jenks exhibited a copy of an inscription on a rock in the small island of Mananas, near the island of Monkegan in the state of Maine. The inscription consist of eighteen characters all of which, with one exception, have been ascertained to be Runie.
Prof. Horsford exhibited a globe having a series of parallel lines drawn upon it to illustrate Foucault’s Pendulum experiment, upon which he made some remarks. Further remarks upon the same subject were made by Prof. Peirce and Mr. B. A. Gould, Jr.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Attest Jos. Hale Abbot,
Recording Secretary.
[end page 322 | begin page 323]
{{321}}
Three hundred and forty ninth meeting.
August 13. 1851.
The Academy held a statute meeting at its Library Hall, the President in the chair.
Present Messrs. J. Bigelow, Everett, A. A. Gould, M. Hyman, Worcester, Storer, Agassiz, Peirce, Cabot, Folsom, W. C. Bond, Paine, Davis, & J. H. Abbot.
The records of the last annual meeting were read by the Recording Secretary.
{{Letters laid before the Academy.}}
The Corresponding Secretary laid before the Academy a letter from Prof. A. Gray dated Kew near London, relating to business connected with the Library; letters acknowledging the receipt of recent publications of the Academy from the President & Librarian of Harvard College; from the Secretaries respectively of the American Philosophical Society, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, the Smithsonian Institution, the “Institut Royal des Sciences, Belles lettres et Arts des Pays Bas”, and the “Royal Society of Sciences” of Copenhagen; letters from the Secretaries respectively of the “Royal Society of Sciences” of Copenhagen, and the “Institut Royal des Sciences, Belles lettres et Arts des Pays Bas”, announcing the presentation to the Academy by these bodies of their recent publications; and letters of acceptance from Prof Carl Rokitansky of Vienna, Prof John P. Norton of New Haven, and Prof. Charles B. Haddock of Hanover in reply to notifications of their election as members of the Academy.
{{Letters of acceptance}}
{{New Rooms for the Academy}}
Dr. A. A. Gould, in behalf of the Committee on the Library, made an oral report of the result of their inquiries in regard to obtaining more eligible rooms for the use of the Academy. After some discussion it was, on motion of Prof. Peirce,
Voted_ That the Committee on the Library be instructed to extend their inquiries as to the practicability of obtaining accommodations for the Academy from the Boston Society of Natural History.
[end page 323 | begin page 324]
{{322}}
{{Proposed Amendments to the By-Laws.}}
Prof. Agassiz moved the following amendments to the By-Laws of the Academy:
The members of the Academy shall be divided into three categories, the immediate members, the associate members, and the foreign members.
The immediate members to consist of all within a circle of fifty miles.
The other American members to be deemed associate members.
Foreign and associate members to be divided into twelve sections, in accordance with the branches of science to which they are devoted.
The number of foreign members to be limited to six in each section.
The number of associate members to be also limited to six in each section.
If the Academy shall unanimously vote at one quarterly meeting to permit the nomination of a foreign or associate member for a section already full, and shall unanimously vote at the next ensuing quarterly meeting to proceed to ballot, such election shall be considered valid.
The council for nomination of foreign and associate members to be constituted by the election by ballot of one academician for each of the twelve sections, and the votes of two thirds of the numbers of this council to be requisite, as now, before the nomination be submitted be submitted to the Academy for ballot.
On motion of Prof Peirce it was
Voted – That these proposed amendments be referred to a committee.
Voted – That Messrs. Agassiz, Everett, Peirce, Gray & Davis be that committee.
{{Prof. J. H. C. Coffin, I. Waldo Burnet M.D., and N. B. Shurtleff Elected Fellows.}}
The Academy then took up the nomination list. Dr. M. Wyman and Dr. Cabot were appointed to collect, assort, and count the votes. The following gentlemen were elected Fellows of the Academy:
Prof. John H. C. Coffin of Washington, nominated by [REDACTED];
I. Waldo Burnet, M.D., of Boston,
[end page 324 | begin page 325]
{{323}}
nominated by [REDACTED];
Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, M.D., nominated by [REDACTED].
Prof. Agassiz exhibited some specimens of a new type of Echinoderms; one of Holothuridae of the genus Orcula, discovered on the coast of Maine near Eastport, which he called Orcula punctata; one of the genus Synapta which he called Synapta coriacea; a gigantic Holothuria from Florida, which he called Holothuria heros; and a new species of Ophiura from Eastport, which he called Ophiura acufera [sic].
The Recording Secretary called attention to the fact that no appropriations for the purchase of books and for current expenses for this year, were made at the annual meeting in May last; and on his motion the following appropriations were voted, to wit:
For [underline] Books [end underline] – $300.00 from the Rumford Fund, and $300.00 from the General Fund;
For [underline] Current Expenses [end underline] – $600.00 from the General Fund.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Attest – Jos. Hale Abbot,
Recording Secretary.
[end page 325 | begin page 326]
{{324}}
Three hundred and fiftieth Meeting
October 7. 1851.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of the President.
Present Messrs. J. Bigelow, J. C. Warren, Agassiz, Beck, H. I. Bowditch, Peirce, Shurtleff, J. M. Warren, Horsford, W. Channing, Cole, Phillips, Bennet, O. Pickering, S. L. Abbot, Whitney, C. Jackson, Jr., A. Gray, Felton, J. Wyman, A. A. Gould, Treadwell, Appleton, Greene, Folsom Worcester, Sparks, Bowen, Guyot Hayward, S. Cabot, Jr. F. C. Gray, Lovering, Swett, J. H. Abbot, and by invitation, Prof. Blasius of Germany.
The records of the last Monthly Meeting were read.
{{Communications to be entered in a book before being made to the Academy.}}
On motion of Prof. Peirce, it was
Voted, That every communication to the Academy, shall, before being made be entered, by its title, in a book to be kept by the Recording Secretary for that purpose, and numbered at the discretion of its author, with any number not previously appropriated.
That communications shall be made to the Academy in the order of their numbers.
That members shall be requested to note the time their communications will probably require.
Prof. Agassiz read an elaborate paper, entitled “Synopsis of the Echinoderms of the United States.”
{{Prof. Blasius’s Communication.}}
After some introductory remarks by Prof. Peirce, Prof Blasius communicated to the Academy the results of a very laborious investigation and analysis of the phenomena of the late destructive tornado in the Eastern part of Middlesex county. He had discovered, in the track of the tornado, a series of points of greatest destruction which succeeded each other at constantly increasing distances. He endeavoured to account for the ascertained facts by referring them to the collision of a north west and a south west wind, of which he
[end page 326 | begin page 327]
{{325}}
thought there was satisfactory evidence.
Dr Gould stated some additional observations made by him at the time of the occurrence of the tornado
Mr Guyot, who had examined a part of the track of the tornado with Prof Blasius, testified to the accuracy of the latter gentleman’s observations but did not coincide with him n his theoretical views.
Prof. Peirce thought that some of the phenomena of the tornado were incompatible both with Espy’s and with Redfield’s theory of storms, and offered some objections to the explanations of Prof. Blasius.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Attest – Jos. Hale Abbot,
Recording Secretary.
Three hundred and fifty first Meeting.
Nov. 4. 1851.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of Hon. S. A. Eliot, the President in the chair.
Present Messrs. Eliot, J. Bigelow, Appleton, Horsford, H. Channing, Eustis, E. Cabot, J. I. Bowditch, Bacon, Agassiz, M. Wyman, J. Wyman, Holmes, Bowen, Burnett, Treadwell, Paine, Felton, Shurtleff, Guyot, C. T. Jackson, A. Gray, C. Pickering, A. A. Gould, J. H. Abbot, &, by invitation, Prof. Blasisus.
{{Prof. Agassiz on Myxinoids and Erythninoids}}
Prof. Agassiz gave an account of two families of fishes not before observed in the United States, the Myxinoids and the Eythninoids, and described a new genus, Phyllobranchus.
{{Prof Agassiz on the Mansfield Coal formation}}
Professor Agassiz communicated some new views in regard to the geological position of the coal at Mansfield, Massachusetts, which led to an animated discussion in which he , Mr. Bouve, Dr. C. T. Jackson, and Prof. Horsford took part. He advanced the opinion that the state rocks
[end page 327 | begin page 328]
{{326}}
at Nahant are metamorphosed shales of the Mansfield coal formation; that the syenite which overlies them, is not the cause of the metamorphic change, and it is not an intruded rock, but is itself a metamorphic sandstone of the coal period.
{{Mr. Bouve’s Remarks}}
Mr. Bouve remarked that, if these views were correct, heat must have been transmitted through the coal bearing rocks sufficient to melt down and render liquid or semi-liquid the strata superincumbent on them, and enable their elements to rearrange themselves and crystallize, while at the same time the shales themselves were not essentially changed in structure. He could not conceive of so intense a heat passing through the shales without annihilating every trace of organic life in them; he should certainly not expect to find any carbon except in the form of graphite
Prof. Agassiz replied to the last observation of Mr. Bouve that the coal in these rocks is partly graphite, very similar to that found in Worcester.
{Dr. C. T. Jackson’s Remarks}}
Dr. Jackson stated several facts which he considered irreconcilable with the views maintained by Mr. Agassiz. He said that no trace had ever been observed of sandstone passing into syenite, and that sandstone contains no potash or soda, while these substances exist abundantly in syenite. He dissented from the opinion formerly advanced by Mr. Agassiz that the nodules found in the rocks at Nahant are the remains of corals; and stated that they had been found by microscopic examination not to be organic remains.
{{Prof. Agassiz’s Remarks}}
Prof. Agassiz endeavoured to account for the presence of potash and soda in the syenite by supposing them to have been derived, through the agency of heat, from the coal included within the state. He also stated that he had found one of the nodules to possess the structure of an astrea.
{{Dr. Jackson’s Remarks.}}
Dr Jackson replied that sandstone is an exceedingly poor conductor of heat, and may be heated to a white heat without undergoing chemical change; and he thought it impossible that it should have been changed
[end page 328 | begin page 329]
{{327}}
through its entire thickness into syenite by heat, potash & soda transmitted through state from underlying coal.
{{Prof Peirce on the solar eclipse of July 28. 1851.}}
Prof. Peirce remarked that the recent solar eclipse of July 28. 1851 had proved quite a triumph for the new lunar tables employed in the construction of the Nautical Almanac, in comparison with these of Burckhardt, with which the European ephemerides were corrupted. Both in this country and in Europe, the errors of theory had been reduced form 40, 50, or even 65 seconds to 10, 15, or 20 seconds. He stated that some additional corrections had been received from Mr. Longstreth, which reduce the errors still farther, generally to less than 10 seconds, and sometimes to a fraction of a second. Mr Longsreth’s corrections have been adopted in the computation of the Nautical Almanac which is in preparation for the Government of the United States.
{{Prof. J. Wyman on Frogs.}}
Prof. J. Wyman made a communication on the Metamorphosis of the Nervous System in Frogs.
{{Paper of Prof. Blasius}}
The chairman of the committee on Publications, called the attention of the Academy to the subject of publishing the communication of Prof. Blasius on the late Hurricane. It being thought expedient to defer the publication of it till Prof. Eustis should make the communication on the Hurricane which he was preparing, it was, on motion of Prof. Peirce, voted to lay the subject of publishing the communication of Prof. Blasius on the table.
On motion of Prof. Peirce, it was
Voted, That a committee be appointed to consider and report upon the expediency of electing associate members of the Academy.
Voted, That Messrs. Eliot, Appleton, J. I. Bowditch Treadwell, and Peirce be that committee.
Prof. Horsford presented a paper entitled, “A Theory explanatory of Internal Fire in the Heavenly Bodies, and of Light & Heat to the case of Luminous Bodies. By Rev. Edmund B. Cross.”
On motion of Prof. Horsford it was
[end page 329 | begin page 330]
{{328}}
Voted, That the paper be referred to the Rumford Committee.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Attest Jos. Hale Abbot,
Recording Secretary.
Three hundred and fifty second Meeting
November 12. 1851.
The Academy held a Statute Meeting at its Library Hall, the Corresponding Secretary in the chair.
Present Messrs. A. A. Gould, C. Pickering, Horsford, Davis, A. Gray, Treadwell, Greene, Peirce, Agassiz, Shurtleff, H. I. Bowditch, Bouve, Bacon, Cole, Worcester, W. F. Channing, Beck, Jenks, Lovering, W. Channing & J. H. Abbot.
The Records of the last Statute Meeting were read.
{{Letters of acceptance.}}
The Corresponding Secretary laid before the Academy letters of acceptance form Prof. Johann Muller and Prof Johann Friedrich Encke, both of Berlin, Prof Benjamin Silliman, Jr., of New Haven, & John Le Conte, M.D., of New York, in reply to notifications of their election as Fellows of the Academy: also, letters from the President and Librarian of Harvard College, the Editor of the Medical & Surgical Journal of Munich, the Secretary of the “Societe Hollandaise des Sciences” at Harlem, and three letters from the Imperial Academy of Sciences at Vienna announcing the receipt of the Academy’s recent publications, or the presentation to the Academy of their own.
Prof. Gray stated that he had succeeded in obtaining for the Academy the very valuable Transactions of the Academy at Berlin.
{{T.S. Hunt elected}}
The Academy then took up the nomination list. Dr. Bowditch & Mr. Bouve were appointed scrutineers.
Mr. T. S. Hunt of Montreal, Lower Canada,
nominated by [REDACTED],
was elected a Fellow of the Academy.
Prof. Agassiz, in behalf of the committee on the Amend-
[end page 330 | begin page 331]
{{329}}
mendments to the By Laws proposed by him at the last statute meeting, made an oral report of their doings. After considerable discussion it was
Voted, That the subject be recommitted to the same committee for further consideration and a more detailed report.
Voted, That Messrs. Treadwell and Horsford be added to the committee.
Voted, That when the Academy shall adjourn, it adjourn to meet in three weeks from this time.
Dr. A. A. Gould in behalf of the Library Committee, stated that Committee had conferred with a committee of the Boston Society of Natural History, and that the latter committee would report a plan for furnishing rooms for the use of the Academy.
The meeting was then adjourned.
Attest Jos. Hale Abbot,
Recording Secretary.
Three hundred and fifty third Meeting.
December 2d 1851.
The Academy met at the house of Hon. Nathan Appleton, the President in the chair.
Present Messrs. Appleton, J. Bigelow, J. Walker, Shaw, A. A. Gould, Bouve, Alger, Eliot, J. I. Bowditch, W. Channing, C. Jackson Jr., H. P. Bowditch, Folsom, J. B. S. Jackson, Peirce, Lovering, Worcester, O. Pickering, Rogers, Desor, J. C. Warren, J. M. Warren, Swett, Shurtleff, O. W. Holmes, Longfellow, Bowen, Felton, B. A. Gold Jr., Guyot, A. Gray, W. F. Channing, Treadwell, C. Pickering, & J. H. Abbot.
{{Prof. Peirce on a case in the Theory of Probabilities.}}
Prof. Peirce communicated a mathematical paper entitled, “A Case in the Theory of Probabilities.”
“Dr. W. F. Channing on a Violent Electrical Disturbance.}}
Dr. W. F. Channing described the effects produced upon Bain’s Chemical Telegraph by a violent electrical disturbance on during the great authority of the twenty ninth of last September, and exhibited, in illustration of his remarks, some of the
[end page 331 | begin page 332]
{{330}}
chemical recording made at the time. He stated that the force of the Electrical Current was equal to that of a hundred pairs of Grove’s battery, that it was long-continued, lasting two or three minutes, and that it was variable in direction.
{{Dr A. A. Gould on a new Method of Electric. Tel. Records.}}
Dr A. A. Gould exhibited a specimen of a new method of Electrical Telegraphic Recording.
{{E. Desor, on the Contorted Strata of Sand & Clay in Diluvial Deposits.}}
Mr. E. Desor offered some remarks respecting the origin of the contorted strata of sand and clay found in diluvial deposits. He referred to the opinion of President Hitchcock and others who attribute them to the lateral pressure of icebergs against the strata, which opinion he thought untenable since these contorted strata alternate with others both above and below, that are perfectly horizontal and that are traceable for too great a distance to be the result of lateral action. He agreed with Mr. Tremmer in supposing that they were caused by the melting of masses of ice that had been stranded on the shores, and afterwards buried under sand and mud. When the ice melted, the overlying sand would subside, and thereby produce the tortuous outlines now seen in the drift referred to. He described an experiment made by Mr. Edward C. Cabot, on the beach at Beverly as conclusively proving the correctness of this explanation.
{{Prof. Guyot, on an Experiment illustrating a Theory of Tornados.}}
Prof. Guyot exhibited an interesting experiment devised by Prof. Snell, showing the motions of water contained in a tall glass jar, when made to rotate with various degrees of velocity, by means of two trips of brass at right angles to each turning on a vertical axis and situated a little above the middle of the jar. Assuming the motions of the water in this experiment to be essentially similar to those of the air in a tornado, he proceeded to explain many of the phenomena of the late tornado in Middlesex County. He was of opinion that a whirlwind was produced by the conflict of opposite winds at a considerable height above the ground, and that warm air from below and cold air from above, rushing towards the centre of the vortex, caused by their mixture the formation of snow & hail
[end page 332 | begin page 333]
{331}
He also stated reasons for supporting that the centre of the vortex would alternately approach and recede from the ground, which would account for the series of points of greatest destruction observed in the track of the late tornado.
Mr. J. H. Abbot though that instead of air descending from above, the rarified air in the centre of the vortex would ascend in consequence of its diminished specific gravity; and in proof of the existence of strong ascending currents of air within & above cumulus clouds, he referred to the fact that a dog connected with a parachute, having been dropped from a balloon by M. Blanchard in 1787, was borne above the clouds by a whirlwind and there sustained till Blanchard had descended almost near enough to take it into the car again.
The further discussion of the subject was postponed till the next monthly meeting.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Attest, Jos. Hale Abbot.
Recording Secretary.
[end page 333 | begin page 334]
Three hundred and fifty fourth Meeting
December 3. 1851.
The Academy held an adjourned statute meeting at its Library Hall. The President in the chair.
Present – Messrs. J. Bigelow, Everett, A. Gray, B. A. Gould Jr., C. Pickering, Horsford, Sherwin, Peirce, Rogers, J. I. Bowditch, Treadwell, A. A. Gould, Lovering, Shurtleff, Eliot, Davis, Bouve, H. I. Bowditch, Folsom, Swett, Jenks, J. B. S. Jackson, & J. H. Abbot.
{{Report on a Classification of the Members & Fellows of the Academy.}}
Prof. Peirce, in behalf of the committee appointed to consider the arrangement into classes, and the restriction of the numbers of the Fellows and Members of the Academy, presented a written report, and proposed the following additions to Chapter VII of the Statutes:
{{Adopted January 28, 1852 and confirmed May 25, 1852.}}
The words “and Foreign Honorary Members” to be added to the title.
“2.a. Fellows residing out of the State of Massachusetts, shall be known and distinguished as Associate Fellows. Associate Fellows shall not be liable to the payment of any fees or annual dues, and shall not vote at meetings of the Academy; but, on removing within the State, shall be admitted to the previleges [sic] and subject to the obligations of resident Fellows.
“2.b. The nomination and election of Associate Fellows shall take place in the manner and under the conditions prescribed in the first article for resident fellows; and, moreover, each nomination shall be publicly read and referred to the Council designated in the third article, at a statute meeting pervious to that of the election; and a written approval, authorised at a meeting of said Council by a vote of a majority of its members then present, signed by at least seven of said Councillors, and read at the time of election, shall be requisite to entitle the candidate to be balloted for. The Council may in like manner, originate nominations of Associate Fellows, which must be read at a statute meeting previous to that of the election, and exposed upon the nomination list during the
[end page 334 | begin page 335]
{{333}}
interval.
“4. The number of Foreign Honorary Members shall not exceed seventy-five, and they shall be chosen from among those most eminent in foreign countries for their discoveries and attainments in either of the three great departments of knowledge
viz. 1st The Mathematical and Physical Sciences. 2nd The Natural and Physiological Sciences. 3rd The Moral and Political Sciences; and there shall not be more than thirty members in either of these three departments.
“5. The number of Associate Fellows shall not exceed [underline] one hundred [end underline], of whom there shall not be more than forty in either of the three departments of knowledge designated in the fourth article.
“6. It shall be the duty of the Council, designated in the third article to nominate on due consideration, at meetings convened for the purpose, and as vacancies occur, the most suitable candidates for Foreign Honorary Members; to propose and keep a list of the Fellows, of the Associate Fellows, and of the Foreign Honorary Members, classified according to the general departments of knowledge, indicated in the fourth article, and arranged in subdivisions in respect to the special sciences in which they are severally proficient; it shall also be the duty of the Council to exercise a discreet supervision over all the nominations and elections, and to exert their influence to obtain and preserve a due proportion in the number of Fellows and Members in each of the special subdivisions.”
The two following votes were recommended by the same committee and adopted by the Academy:
Voted – That the Council be and hereby are directed to report to the next statute meeting of the Academy a list of all the actual Fellows and Members, arranged in the following divisions, with a statement of the number in each division.
First Class. Mathematical & Physical Sciences.
[end page 335 | begin page 336]
{{334}}
First Division Mathematics.
Second “ Practical Astronomy & Geodesy.
Third “ Physics & Chemistry.
Fourth “ Technology & Engineering.
Second Class. Natural & Physiological Sciences.
First Division. Geology, Mineralogy & Physic of the Globe.
Second “ Botany and Vegetable Physiology.
Third “ Zoology & Animal Physiology.
Fourth “ Medicine & Surgery.
Third Class. Moral & Political Sciences.
First Division. Moral & Intellectual Philosophy.
Second “ Philology and Ethnology.
Third “ Politics, Political Economy, and Jurisprudence.
Fourth “ AEsthetics.
{{Diploma.}}
Voted. That the Secretaries be authorised and directed to cause to be prepared a suitable diploma or form of notification of election for the Foreign Honorary Members.
{{Report on the expediency of electing [underline] Associate Members [end underline] & the
Removal of the Academy’s Libr. to the [underline] Athenaeum [end underline].}}
Mr. Eliot, from the committee appointed to consider the expediency of electing as Associate Members of the Academy, gentlemen not known as scientific men, strictly so called, but interested in literary and scientific subjects, who should have the privilege of attending the meetings of this body but not that of voting, reported that it is inexpedient to elect such members. The committee, however, being of opinion that this class of persons would be found among the proprietors of the Athenaeum, and also that by removing from the rooms now occupied by the Academy to the very eligible appartment [sic] in the Athenaeum which the proprietors are desirous of leasing, & granting to such of these gentlemen as might desire it, the privilege of attending the meetings of the Academy, much good would be effected to both parties; proposed the following votes which
[end page 336 | begin page 337]
{{335}}
were adopted by the Academy:
{{Committee}}
Voted, That a committee be appointed to confer with a similar committee of the Proprietors of the Athenaeum, and with power to enter into a contract, on behalf of the Academy, for the use of a room in the Athenaeum, on such terms as shall seem to them expedient, subject to the ratification of the Academy.
Voted, That Messrs. Eliot, J. I. Bowditch, A. A. Gould, Treadwell, J. H. Abbot, & Peirce, be such a committee.
{{Donations &c.}}
The Corresponding Secretary laid before the Academy three letters from the secretary of the Royal Academy of Sciences of Stockholm, acknowledging the receipt of the last number of the memoirs of the Academy, and announcing the presentation to the Academy of several of its recent publications.
{{Donation from C. Babbage, Esq.}}
Mr. B. A. Gould presented to the Academy, in behalf of its author, a volume entitled, “The Exposition of 1851; or Views of the Industry, Science, & Government of England. By Charles Babbage Esq., and called attention to a new and uniform system of light house signals recommended by Mr. Babbage for universal adoption.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Attest Jos. Hale Abbot,
Recording Secretary.
[end page 337 | begin page 338]
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Three hundred & fifty fifth Meeting.
January 6, 1852.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of Hon. Charles G. Loring, the President in the chair.
Present Messrs. Loring, J. Bigelow, Storer, Peirce, A. Gray, J. Wyman, Lovering, Whitney, Desor, Hayward, J. B. S. Jackson, Horsford, W. F. Channing, S. L. Abbot, Eustis, Davis, C. T. Jackson, A. A. Gould, J. M. Warren, B. A. Gould, Jr., Felton, S. Cabot, W. Channing, C. Pickering, & J. H. Abbot.
{{Report on Lieut. Davis’s Communication}}
Prof. Peirce, in behalf of the Committee to whom was referred Lieut. Davis’s paper on the subject of the deterioration of Boston Harbor, read a report; & on his motion, it was voted to refer the paper to the Committee on publications.
{{Discussion on Tornadoes.}}
The discussion of the subject of Mr. Guyot’s communication at the last monthly meeting, was continued by Prof. Peirce, Dr. William F. Channing, Mr. Jos. Hale Abbot, Prof. Lovering, Prof. Eustis, Mr. B. A. Gould Jr., Prof. Horsford & Dr. Jacob Bigelow.
{{Prof. Peirces Remarks.}}
Prof. Peirce expressed his dissent from the opinion advanced by Prof. Guyot at the last meeting of the Academy in respect to the amount of elevating force prossessed[sic] by a whirlwind which is generated by the conflict of opposite winds. He computed the amount of this force in the case of a rotating body of air, extending to the top of the atmosphere, and demonstrated it to be quite inconsiderable. He also computed the elevating force possessed by a column of air, extending to the upper regions of the atmosphere, the temperature of which he supposed to have been raised, according to the principles of Espy’s theory, forty degrees, by the condensation of the aqueous vapour previously contained in it; & he inferred the existence, in this case, of a force capable of elevating bodies of very considerable weight.
He stated that he had not been able to test the electrical theories by a similar species of computation
[end page 338 | begin page 339]
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for want of sufficiently definite ideas of their nature; but that there were so strong indications of electrical action in connection with the phenomena of tornadoes, that it was very desirable that electricians should investigate the data requisite in such a computation.
{{Dr. W. F. Channing’s Remarks.}}
Dr. William F. Channing remarked that the was satisfied that the causes usually assigned are insufficient to account for the mechanical effects of tornadoes; that the velocity of rotation is not great enough to cause a vacuum in the axis of the whirl adequate to the elevation of heavy bodies by means of the resultant inward & upward currents of air. As instances of the observed slow rotation of the descending cone, he referred to a water spout on Narragansett Bay seen by him in the year 1845; and to the late tornado, as seen by an observer at Somerville. He regarded the conditions of the motion of the water, in the experiment performed at the last meeting of the Academy by Prof. Guyot, as essentially different from those of the rotating body of air in the tornado; and thought that no important reference relating to this meteor could be drawn from the experiment. He regarded the rotation as an incidental effect rather than as a primary cause of the phenomenon.
He then proceeded to explain his views respecting the agency of electricity in tornadoes. The cone, which he regarded as the channel of a silent convective discharge of electricity between the cloud and the earth, he compared to a pointed rod on a prime conductor, and attributed to it repulsive & attractive power proportioned to the immense quantity of electricity existing in the cloud. The cloud itself he regarded as a hug float, which, having a certain degree of buoyancy, and being liable to be drawn down towards the earth by electrical attraction, must exert an equal reaction upon the surface of the earth, & be capable of raising heavy bodies, especially near the axis of convective discharge, where there is a concentration of the inductive power of great masses of cloud.
[end page 339 | begin page 340]
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{{Mr. J. H. Abbot’s Remarks}}
M. J. H. Abbot, in addition to the theoretical objections that had been urged against the whirlwind theory of tornadoes, stated several observed facts, and referred to various forms assumed by the tornado cloud, as figured in Peltier’s work “Sur la Formation des Trombes” which he considered as utterly irreconcilable with that theory.
He objected to the electrical theories of tornadoes as not satisfactory, inasmuch as they refer the elevating force to the attraction between the cloud & subjacent bodies on the surface of the earth.
The cloud, together with its cone, not being fixed, coherent mass, but being composed of free, incoherent, and mutually repellent parts, which are situated at unequal distances form the earth, & therefore unequally attracted by its oppositely electrified surface, the only obstacle to the descent of the lower parts, in obedience to the attraction acting upon them, must be their inferior specific gravity, compared with that of the underlying air. Any attraction, therefore, exerted by the cloud sufficient to raise into the air men, waggons[sic], and other heavy bodies, must of necessity, as it seemed to him, cause the nearest and most strongly attracted parts of the cloud, followed by other parts in their turn to rush with immense velocity to the earth, an effect which had never been observed.
The principal elevating agency of electricity in tornadoes, had, he thought, been entirely overlooked by those who had written on the subject. This agency consisted, as he conceived, in augmenting the mutual repulsion of the particles of air & water composing the cloud, and thereby expanding it, and diminishing its specific gravity to an indefinite extent. Hence must result great elevating force. The contiguous portions of the underlying air, being acted upon by powerful attraction from above & pressure from beneath, must rush up into the cloud with immense velocity, and be followed by other portions in their turn. This effect continuing and being greatest in the cone, where the electrical tension and consequent rarefaction are the greatest, the ascending currents of air, must constitute
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a force capable of raising quite heavy bodies. The cold that must result from this great expansion, would account for the hail that usually accompanies tornadoes.
{{Prof Lovering’s Remarks}}
Prof. Lovering observed that the conductor, no less than the cloud, may be raised by the feeblest electromotive power to its state of maximum electrical tension; and that this maximum is higher for the conductor than for the cloud, on account of the diminished density of the air where the cloud exists. If, therefore, the attraction between the cloud and the earth is great, it must be an account of the large surface over which electrical tension extends. This surface must be sufficient to more than compensate for the distance through which the electrical forces act; and these forces, he thought, must be, at least, sufficient to draw down the cloud in the form of an inverted cone towards the earth. Here the agency of the electrical tension may be succeeded by that of the quantity; which being exceedingly great, the effects of its discharge through the cone of cloud, might be expected to be proportionably[sic] great also.
{{Prof. Eustis’s Remarks}}
Prof. Eustis remarked that he had carefully surveyed the track of the tornado, and had made a plan of it, in which he had laid down the prostrate trees and other important objects in their exact positions, as determined by accurate admeasurement. Having formed no theory, he had made his observations without bias from that cause. The general appearance of the track he compared to that which would be produced by a heavy body of enormous size morning forward with vast power, and prostrating every obstacle in its path. In only one or two places, did this position of the prostrate trees indicate the action of a rotating force. In one place a tree was twisted 180˚ at the height of the feet from the ground. He mentioned one fact which he referred to the immediate agency of electricity, to wit, that a hole of about the size of half a dollar, with its edge well defined, somewhat fused, and free from cracks, was made through
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a pane of glass in an inner window, a considerably smaller one opposite to it having been made in the window curtain hanging before it.
{{Prof. Horsford on the Permeability of metals to Mercury}}
Prof. Horsford read a paper on the Permeability of Metals to Mercury, in which, after referring to the researches of Henry, Daniel, & others, he gave an account of a series of a very numerous original experiments made with a view to the elucidation of the laws of that phenomenon, and stated the conclusions at which he had arrived.
{{Donations.}}
Dr C. T. Jackson presented to the Academy a pamphlet containing his Report and that of Dr. J. G. Percival on the Albert Coal Mine, in New Brunswick, together with the Reports of Dr. A. A. Hayes, Dr. j. Bacon, Jr. and other on Albert Coal.
He also presented, in behalf of Mr. Joseph Peabody, a pamphlet containing the Report of the Visitors of the Royal Institution of Great Britain, and a list of the Officers & Members, for the year 1850.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Jos. Hale Abbot,
Recording Secretary.
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Three hundred and fifty sixth Meeting.
Jan. 28. 1852.
The Academy held a statute meeting at its Library Hall. In the absence of the President, Vice President, & Corresponding Secretary, the meeting was called to order by the Recording Secretary, and, on his asking to be excused from presiding on account of his other official duties, Prof. Peirce was chosen to preside.
Present, Messrs. Jenks, Caswell, Bowen, Saml. Cabot, W. Channing, Shurtleff, Desor, W. F. Channing, C. Pickering, A. Gray, Lovering, Horsford, Whitney, Beck, Peirce, J. H. Abbot. & B. A. Gould, Jr.
{{Donations}}
The Recording Secretary presented to the Academy a volume transmitted by Mr. Everett, entitled “Proceedings of the American Association for the Advancement of Science at its meeting held at New Haven, in August, 1850.” He laid before the Academy a letter addressed to the President by E. T. Felt, M.D. of London, announcing the donation of his recently published works, and stating that he should be highly flattered to be connected with the Academy as a corresponding member.
{{Lieut. Maury’s Circular, etc.}}
The Recording Secretary also laid before the Academy a printed circular from Lieut. M. F. Maury of the Observatory at Washington, inviting the co-operation of the Academy in “the Establishment of a Universal System of Meteorological Observations by sea and land,” together with an accompanying pamphlet containing the correspondence that has taken place in relation to that object.
The Recording Secretary read a list of the Members of the Academy arranged in Classes and Sections by the Council, as voted by the Academy at its last statute meeting.
{{Amendments to the Statutes.}
The Academy then proceeded to consider the Amendments to the Statutes reported by Professor Peirce at the last statute meeting. After
[end page 343 | begin page 344]
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some discussion, it was
{{Amendments adopted}}
Voted, That the Amendments to the Statutes, proposed at the adjourned statute meeting held December 3. 1851, be adopted. [in pencil] This vote was confirmed at the meeting held May 25.)
On motion of Prof. Horsford, it was
Voted, That, whereas certain members of the Academy have for a series of years failed to pay their annual dues, a note be addressed to such members requesting to know if they desire to continue their membership in the Academy; and that, upon the receipt of a negative reply, their names be struck from the list of members.
Mr. B. A. Gould Jr. stated several reasons which he thought, rendered it desirable that the nomination of Foreign and Associate Members, should, as far as is practicable, be vested in those sections of the Academy to which, if elected, they would belong. After a long discussion, he moved the following Amendment to the Statutes:
{{Amendment to the Statutes proposed by Mr. B. A. Gould, Jr.}}
The Council for nomination shall consist of [REDACTED], together with three Fellows from each of the three classes of the Academy, to be elected by ballot at the Annual Meeting; and it shall be the duty of the Council, in nominating Foreign and Associate Members, to consult the wishes of that section of the Academy to which, if elected, the candidate would belong.
[in pencil] {{adopted p 357 at anul. meeting}}
On motion of Mr. Gould it was
Voted, That this proposed Amendment be referred to a special committee with instructions to report it, with such modifications as they may deem expedient for the action of the Academy at their Annual meeting in May.
{{Committee on Amendments to the statutes}}
Voted, That Messrs. A. Gray, Horsford, B. A. Gould Jr., W. F. Channing, & Whitney be that Committee.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Attest, Jos. Hale Abbot,
Recording Secretary.
[end page 344 | begin page 345]
{{343}}
Three hundred and fifty seventh Meeting.
February 3. 1852.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of Hon. R. C. Winthrop, the President in the chair.
Present, Messrs. Winthrop, J. Bigelow, J. C. Warren, Eustis, W. F. Channing, S. L. Abbot, Storer, Shurtleff, Bacon, C. T. Jackson, Treadwell, A. A. Gould, H. P. Bowditch, Bowen, Peirce, Cole, J. I. Bowditch, Emerson, Swett, Bouve, S. Cabot, Jr., W. Channing, Dixwell, Appleton, Swett, G. Hayward, Whitney, B. A. Gould, Jr., C. Jackson, Jr., J. Walker, C. Pickering, J. H. Abbot.
Prof. Peirce made an oral communication of considerable length on “The Surface of least Extent.”
{{Prof. Eustis’s Plan of the Tornado.}
Prof. Eustis exhibited to the Academy a very elaborate & beautifully executed plan, on a very large scale, of three miles & a quarter of the track of the late tornado in Middlesex County, beginning at Wellington Hill in Waltham, and extending north seventy degrees east to Mystic river. He commenced the survey ten days after the occurrence of the tornado, and, with twenty assistants, was employed in it eleven days. In describing his method of conducting the survey, he stated that, having determined a central line, he divided the track into sections by transverse lines perpendicular to it, at intervals of one hundred feet, and measured the exact position and direction of every important object with reference to those lines. He further pointed out some of the more striking features of the tornado, as indicated by his plan.
After considerable conversation in regard to the publication of the plan, it was, on motion of Prof. Peirce,
Voted, That Prof. Eustis’s plans be referred to as special committee.
Voted, That Messrs. Winthrop, Peirce,
[end page 345 | begin page 346]
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J. P. Bowditch, Emerson, & Lovering, be that committee.
{{Dr. C. T. Jackson Peyton on cannel Coal.}}
Dr. C. T. Jackson exhibited a specimen of cannel coal from the Peyton Coal Mine, situated on a tributary of the Henhawa in Virginia. He stated that the Coal bed is horizontal, & from six to eight feet in thickness; and called attention to the electrical attraction which is developed in the coal by friction, a property which he had observed, in a few instances, in coal taken from other mines.
{{Dr. W. F. Channing on the Fire Telegraph.”
Dr. W. F. Channing made some remarks upon the very close analogy between the arrangement of the Municipal Fire Telegraph – originated in the year 1845, & now recently elaborated by him in connexion with Mr. M. G. Farmer, and the human nervous system. This analogy he stated was the result, not of theory, but of a practical necessity. The centre of the Fire Telegraph he compared to the brain, which we both presided over by an intelligent will, and with each of which are connected two sets of conductors, and one to transmit volitions from the centre to the extremities, and the other to convey impressions form the extremities to the centre. He pointed out in minute detail various analogies between the arrangement & functions of these conductors and those of the Nervous System.
Dr. Channing announced his expectation of soon being able to invite the Fellows of the Academy to witness the operations of the Telegraph at the City Hall.
{{Prof. Eustis on an optical illusion.}}
Prof. Eustis called attention to an optical illusion which takes place, when an isometric drawing is seen from a certain pint of vie in a vertical position, but which ceases to exist, when the drawing is considerably inclined or horizontal, to wit, the apparent convergence of the parallel lines. Various explanations of the phenomenon were proposed in a conversation in which the President, Prof. Peirce, Dr. W. F. Channing, and Mr. C. Jackson Jr. took part.
Mr. B. A. Gould Jr. gave an account of the [in pencil] Lerticular Stereoscope, an instrument invented by Sir.
[end page 346 | begin page 347]
{{345}}
David Brewster about two years ago, and exhibited by Mr. Gould at the late meeting of the Academy at the house of Hon. Nathan Appleton. He also stated that Sir David Brewster has more recently invented a chromatic Stereoscope. Further remarks on the same subject were made by Prof. Peirce and the President.
{{Dr. C. T. Jackson on Dr. Gorry’s Machine for making ice.}}
Dr. C. T. Jackson stated that he had lately had an opportunity of examining the specifications and drawings accompanying the patent for a machine, invented by Dr. Gorry of Alabama, for making ice by compressing air, abstracting the heat by a jet of cold water, and suddenly expanding the air by means of an air pump worked by steam. He stated that a block of ice weighing six hundred pounds, was said to have been produced by the machine and at a very trifling cost; and that it was proposed to employ it to obtain fresh from sea water, the fresh water only freezing, and the saline brine being drained off. He thought the machine worthy of trial on board the ocean steamers, which always have an abundance of steam power in readiness.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Three hundred and fifty eighth Meeting.
February 24. 1852.
The Academy held a special meeting in the northeast room on the lower floor of the Athenaeum, the President in the chair.
{{Report of the Committee on the subject of obtaining a room at the Athenaeum}}
Mr. J. I. Bowditch, in the absence of the chairman of the committee appointed to confer with a committee of the Trustees of the Athenaeum on the subject of obtaining a room for the use of the Academy in the Athenaeum, made a report. After a discussion of considerable length, the following votes were passed by the Academys
[end page 347 | begin page 348]
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{{Votes of the Academy.}}
1. That the report of the committee be accepted.
2. That the contract entered into by the committee, in behalf of the Academy, for the use of the northeast room on the lower floor of the Athenaeum for the period of ten years, on the terms specified in the committee’s report, be ratified.
3. That the same committee be empowered to complete the arrangement with the Trustees of the Athenaeum.
4. That the same committee be empowered to effect the removal of the books belonging to the Academy, and to dispose of the book-cases in such manner as they may see fit.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Jos. Hale Abbot
Recording Secretary.
Three hundred and fifty ninth Meeting.
March 2. 1852.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of George B. Emerson, Esq., the President in the chair.
Present, Messrs. Emerson, J. Bigelow, A. A. Gould, W. E. Channing, J. C. Warren, Horsford, W. Channing, Appleton, Eustis, Lovering, Winthrop, Storer, S. L. Abbot, J. B. S. Jackson, C. T. Jackson, C. Pickering, J. I. Bowditch, C. Jackson, Jr., Hayes, Treadwell, A. Gray, Bacon, Sherwin, G. Hayward, Bouve, B. A. Gould, Jr., Bowen, H. J. Bigelow, G. P. Bond, Jos. H. Abbot, & Mr. Hillhouse of [blank] by invitation [blank].
The records of the last monthly meeting was read by the Recording Secretary.
{{Mr. Winthrop’s Report on Prof. Eustis’s Plan of the Tornado}}
Mr. Winthrop, in behalf the Committee on the subject of publishing the Plan of the late Tornado by Prof. Eustis, presented a written report, which was accepted. The following resolutions proposed by the committee, was adopted:
Resolved, That the Map of the late Tornado presented to the Academy by Professor Eustis be lithographed, under the direction of the Publishing Committee, on its present scale, and at an expense
[end page 348 | begin page 349]
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not exceeding $500.00 for five hundred copies, to be paid by subscription.
Resolved, That Prof. Eustis be requested to superintend the publication, and to prepare a memoir or explanation to accompany the map.
Resolved, That a subscription paper be opened to defray the expense of publication.
{{Mr. Espy’s Meteorological labours}}
Prof. Peirce read a part of a letter respecting a further appropriation by Congress to enable Mr. Espy to continue his meteorological labours of Washington.
Some discussion ensued, and it was finally voted, that the subject be referred to a committee consist-
{{Committee}}
ing of Messrs. Peirce, Lovering, Horsford, Eustis, and Treadwell.
{{Lieut. Maury’s Circular}}
Mr. J. H. Abbot called attention to the circular, recently sent to the Academy by Lieut. Maury, relative to the universal adoption of a system of uniform meteorological observations. On motion of of [sic] Dr. W. F. Channing, it was
Voted, That the subject be referred to the same Committee.
{{Donation}}
Professor Horsford presented to the Academy in behalf of the Author, Espy’s Second Report on Meteorology.
{{Donation}}
Mr. Jos. H. Abbot presented, in behalf Dr. W. P. Dexter, a volume entitled, “The Chemical Tables for the Calculation of Quantitative Analyses of H. Rose. Recalculated for the now recent Determinations of Atomic Weights, and with other Alterations & Additions. By William P. Dexter.”
{{Donation}}
Mr. Abbot also presented, in behalf of Rev. Charles Brooks, the latter’s Report, with those of other Committees, on the late Tornado in Middlesex County.
On motion of Mr. Treadwell, it was,
Voted, That so much of the last resolution passed at the meeting of the Academy, held on the twenty fourth
[end page 349 | begin page 350]
{{348}}
{{Removal of Books.}}
of February, as relates to the removal of the books belonging to the Academy, be rescinded, and that that business be referred to the Librarian.
{{Prof. Lovering’s Communication on the Corona of Dec. 3. 1851}}
Prof. Lovering made a communication respecting the beautiful corona seen about the moon on the evening of December 3. 1851. He remarked at considerable length upon the causes and characteristic differences of various classes of optical meteorological phenomena; and described several experiments illustrative of the subject.
{{Mr G. P. Bond’s Communication on satellites of Saturn.}}
Mr G. P. Bond gave the results of observations recently made at the observatory of Harvard college upon two of the inner satellites of Saturn, Tethys and Encladus. The permanence of the mean motions of the latter, over a period of several thousands of its years, was mentioned as an interesting fact. Its mean distance also agreed nearly with that derived from the periods and distances of the outer satellites. Should this be sustained by farther observations upon the two nearest satellites, an argument might be derived from the fact for the smallness of the mass of the ring; since for bodies so near to it, its attraction will differ considerably from what it would be were all its mass collected in the centre.
The method employed by Bessel, in which the mass is derived from the motion of the line of apsides, a constantly accumulating quantity, is a better one.
Professor Peirce made further remarks upon the same subject.
{{Stereoscope etc. exhibited by Mr. B. A. Gould, Jr.}}
Mr. B. A. Gould, Jr. exhibited to the Academy a Stereoscope; and an admirable model on a large scale of the orbits of the sixteen asteroids, recently made by Messrs Chamberlain & Ritchie for the Lowell Institute.
{{Drawings exhibited by Prof Eustis.}}
Professor Eustis exhibited some isometric drawings in illustration of remarks made by him at the last monthly meeting of the Academy.
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The meeting was then dissolved.
Attest, Jos. Hale Abbot,
Recording Secretary.
Three hundred and sixtieth Meeting.
April 6. 1852.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of John C. Warren, M.D., the President in the chair.
Present, Messrs. J. C. Warren, J. Bigelow, W. F Channing, J. B. S. Jackson, Storer, S. L. Abbot, O. Pickering, J. M. Warren, A. A. Gould, H. I. Bigelow, Felton, Eliot, C. Pickering, Lovering, J. I. Bowditch, Peirce, Horsford, Peirson, Shurtleff, C. T. Jackson, Swett, Shaw, W. Channing, & J. H. Abbot.
The records of the last monthly meeting were read by the Recording Secretary.
On motion of Mr. J. I. Bowditch, who stated that the Librarian was sick, it was
Voted, That the charge of removing the Academy’s books to their new room in the Athenaeum, be transferred to the Committee on the Library.
{{Report respecting Mr Espy.}}
Prof. Peirce, in behalf of the committee appointed at the last meeting on the subject of the Academy’s using its influence to procure from Congress a further appropriation to enable Mr. J. P. Espy to continue his meteorological labours at Washington, reported that the emergency was not such as to require any action on the part of the Academy.
{{Dr. Warren’s Communication}}
Dr. J. C. Warren gave an account of his visit, in the year 1851, to Darmstadt to see the Eppelsheim fossils, and exhibited a considerable number of costs of fossil bones of the Dinothererium giganteum, together with an excellent coloured drawing, of the natural size, of a part of the skeleton. He stated a variety of facts connected with the history of the
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fossils and described them and the animal to which they belonged.
{{Prof. Peirce’s Communication.}}
Professor Peirce communicated some of the results of his investigation relating to Foucault’s pendulum experiment. In the course of his remarks he referred to a mathematical discovery by Encke which had been previously made and published by Mr George P. Bond; and to Airy’s plate apparatus, which had been previously contrived and used by Messrs. Treadwell and Boyden.
{{Dr. Peirson, Explosion of burning fluid at Salem.}}
Dr. A. L. Peirson referred to an explosion of “burning fluid”, which caused the death of Miss M. F. Choate at Salem, on the twenty fourth of last February; and read an article published in the Salem Gazette by Dr. E. L. Peirson, and containing a very particular account of the circumstances connected with the explosion, as investigated by that gentleman and himself. The explosion occurred in an unfinished pantry in which was a cooking-stove situated about six fee from the can containing the fluid. The mouth of the can was stopped with a pine plug and the nozzle with a rag. Dr. Peirson invited an expression of opinion respecting the cause of the explosion.
{{Prof. Horsford. Cause of the explosion.}}
Professor Horsford stated his views on the subject at considerable length. He attributed the explosion to the ignition of a mixture of vapour of “burning fluid” and atmospheric air by a live coal projected form the fire through the hole for the tea-kettle, then partly open, in the top of the stove.
{{Prof. Peirce’s inquiry.}}
Professor Peirce referred to Faraday’s investigations respecting the ignition and subsequent explosion of gases, caused by their attraction for clean plates of platinum and of other metals; and inquired whether the explosion at Salem might not have originated from that cause.
Professor Horsford thought that the surface of the can could not have been sufficiently clean to produce that effect.
{{Dr. W. F. Channing’s remarks.}}
Dr. W. F. Channing had formerly experimented with chemical burning fluids, and was satisfied that
[end page 352 | begin page 353]
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they do not spontaneously explode; and that they do not form an explosive mixture with atmospheric air without their odour becoming perceptible to the sense of smell.
{{Dr. J. Bigelow’s Remarks.}} The President compared the condition of the can to that of a common camphene lamp with a tube and wick; and thought that an explosion would not be likely to be communicated through the porous body, or to take place at all, unless some open aperature communicated with an explosive mixture within. He also gave an account of a fire that occurred some years ago in the old medical college, and was extinguished by its melting a lead pipe communicating with a water cistern.
[See the bottom of the page]
{{Chief Justice Shaw’s Remarks.}}
Chief Justice Shaw, after some preliminary remarks, pointed out, at considerable length, the intimate connexion between an extensive consumption of alcohol for purposes of illumination, and the agricultural and other interests of the country.
{{Dr. C. T. Jackson’s Remarks}}
Dr. C. T. Jackson in concurrence with the views of Judge Shaw stated several facts relating to the manufacture in the western states of fixed oil & whiskey from indian corn, and the application of the latter to various useful purposes in the eastern states.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Attest, Jos. Hale Abbot
Recording Secretary.
{{Dr. C. T. Jackson’s Explanation.}}
[omitted by mistake]
Dr. C. T. Jackson was of opinion, that the explosion was caused by the vapour of the fluid diffusing itself through the air to the stove, where it took fire, as sulphuric ether had done in several instances to which he referred.
[end page 353 | begin page 354]
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Three hundred and sixty first meeting.
May 4. 1852.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of Hon. Edward Everett, the Vice President, who, in the absence of the President, took the chair.
Present, Messrs. Everett, S. L. Abbot, W. F. Channing, Holmes, Bowen, Whitney, Felton, J. C. Warren, H. J. Bigelow Cole, B. A. Gould, Jr., Lovering, C. Pickering, O. Pickering, A. A. Gould, Horsford, Paine, Shurtleff, W. Channing, Eliot, J. B. S. Jackson, Bouve, Guyot, Agassiz, Longfellow, Emerson, Winthrop, J. H. Abbot, and by invitation, Rev. Dr. Frothingham, Lieut. Wise of the U.S. Navy, Lieut. G. L. Andrews of the U. S. Corps of Engineers, Rev. Dr. Durbin of Philadelphia, and Count Pulzky of Hungary.
{{Scientific meetings at Cambridge}}
Prof. Agassiz gave notice that meetings for the discussion of scientific subjects, would be held every Friday evening, at twenty minutes past seven o’clock, at the Lecture Room of the Chemical Laboratory at Cambridge; and invited the Fellows of the Academy to attend.
{{Prof. Horsford’s Remarks.}}
Prof. Horsford made some additional remarks on the cause of the late explosion of burning-fluid at Salem. On further reflexion, he was of opinion that the ascent of the heated air above the stove, would cause currents of air to descend by the sides of the pantry, and that the vapour of burning-fluid about the can would be carried toward the stove, and ignition consequently ensue. He also offered an explanation of several other cases of explosion of burning-fluid, to which he referrd.
{{Prof. Agassiz’s Communication}}
Prof. Agassiz made an oral communication, “On the Foundation of Symmetry throughout the Animal Kingdom.”
{{Prof. Gray’s paper.}}
Prof. Lovering presented a paper by Prof. A. Gray, “On some new Genera of Plants.” He also called attention to a paper entitled, “Observations of the Solar
[end page 354 | begin page 355]
{{353}}
{{Prof. Farrar’s Observations}}
Eclipse of September 17, 1811. By John Farrar,” which, together with other papers, had till recently remained in Prof. Farrar’s possession from the time he held the office of Recording Secretary. It was voted to refer Professor Farrar’s paper to the Committee on Publications.
{{Mr. Holmes on direct light in microscopic researches.}}
Dr. O. W. Holmes made an oral communication “On the Use of Direct Light in Microscopic Researches” and exhibited a model of a new horizontal microscope, in which objects under examination are illuminated by direct light. He pointed out some length the advantages of such an arrangement above that in common use.
{{Resignation of the Librarian}}
Dr. A. A. Gould stated that the Librarian had resigned his office, and that the Assistant Librarian was about to retire from the Academy’s service.
Whereupon it was
{{Committee appointed.}}
Voted, That a committee be appointed with authority to make provision for the care of the Library until the Annual Meeting; and also to procure for the room in the Athenaeum, now occupied by the Academy, as carpet and such other furniture as may be necessary.
Voted, That Messrs. A. A. Gould, J. H. Abbot & Folsom compose this committee.
{{Mr. Everett declined a re-election as Vice-President}}
Mr. Everett signified his wish not to be considered a candidate for re-election to the office of Vice-President.
{{Mr. J. H. Abbot declined a re-election as Recording Secretary}}
Mr. J. H. Abbot signified his wish not to be considered a candidate for re-election to the office of Recording Secretary.
Dr. W. F. Channing announced his intention to move at the next annual meeting that a committee be appointed to investigate the subject of the alleged “spiritual manifestations” in respect to which much interest is felt, at the present time, by a portion of the community.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Attest, Jos. Hale Abbot,
Recording Secretary.
[end page 355 | begin page 356]
{{354}}
Three hundred and sixty second Meeting.
May 25. 1852.
The annual meeting of the Academy was held at its Library Hall in the Athenaeum, the President in the chair.
Present, Messrs. Bigelow, Folsom, G. P. Bond, Everett, Lovering, W. F. Channing, C. T. Jackson, Shurtleff, J. B. S. Jackson, H. I. Bowditch, Bacon, Bowen, S. L. Abbot, Hitchcock, Storer, Guyot, Swett, Treadwell, C. Pickering, G. Hayward, B. A. Gould, Jr., J. Walker, Shaw, Agassiz, Emerson, Holmes, Peirce, Jenks, Cole, A Gray, A. A. Gould, Paine, and J. H. Abbot.
The records of the last annual and of the last statute meeting, and the latter part of the records of the last monthly meeting were ready by the Recording Secretary.
{{Treasurer’s report.}}
Professor Lovering presented the annual report of the Treasurer for the past year, a part of which was read by the Recording Secretary.
Voted, That the Treasurer’s report be accepted.
{{Auditing Committee appointed.}}
Voted, That the Messrs Bowen & C. Jackson, Jr. be a committee to examine and audit the Treasurer’s accounts.
Treasurer’s Report.
Dr. American Academy (Rumford Fund) in a/c with J. I. Bowditch Jr. Cr.
[table]
[end page 356 | begin page 357]
{{355}}
[table cont.]
Dr. American Academy (General Fund) of Arts in a/c with J. Ingersoll Bowditch Tr. Cr.
[table]
(Sigd) Edward Wigglesworth Treas.
Amer. Acad. A&S.
Whole amount received as in the General and in the Rumford Funds. Twenty five thousand six hundred and twenty three dollars 58/100 in the Rumford and six thousand two hundred and twenty nine dollars 34 cents in the General Fund. Ed. Wigglesworth, Treasurer. American Academy.
[end page 357 | begin page 358]
{{356}}
{{Report of the Library Committee.}}
The annual report of the Committee on the Library was read by Dr. A. A. Gould and accepted. Near the end of their report the Committee, recommended, that, on account of the unexpectedly arduous duties of Mr. OBrien, the Sub Librarian, and in consideration of the advantageous contracts made by him in the removal of the books, and in the sale of the book-cases belonging to the Academy, he should receive a sum of money in addition to his salary. Dr. Gould further stated that Mr. O’Brien had faithfully and efficiently performed, under the direction of the Treasurer a large proportion of the financial business of the Academy.
The late Librarian & the Recording Secretary, in concurrence with the recommendation of the Committee on the Library, spoke in terms of high commendation of the assistance rendered to them respectively by Mr. O’Brien after some further conversation it was, on motion of Dr. Gould,
{{Appropriation to Mr. C. O’Brien}}
Voted, That fifty dollars be paid to Mr. C. O’Brien in addition to his salary.
The annual report of the Committee in Publications was read by Professor Lovering and accepted.
Some conversation took place in regard to the appropriations for the ensuing year. It was subsequently on motion of Prof. A. Gray.
{{Appropriations for the ensuing year referred to a Committee.}}
Voted, that the subject of the appropriations for the ensuing year be referred to a committee consisting of the Treasurer, and the chairman of each of the Standing Committee to report at the next meeting of the Academy, to be held in one fortnight from this time.
{{Dr. Storer’s Memoir on the Fishes of Massachusetts}}
Dr. Storer called the attention of the Academy to the subject of the publication of his Memoir on the Fishes of Massachusetts which, he stated, had been completed for a considerable length of time. It was thought desirable by several Fellows who spoke on the subject that the publication should proceed without unnecessary delay, but no vote in relation to it was passed.
Professor A. Gray in behalf of the committee to whom was referred the amendment of the third article
[end page 358 | begin page 359]
{{357}}
of Chapter VII. of the statutes of the Academy proposed by Mr. B. A. Gould, Jr. at the last statute meeting, recommended that it be adopted, namely, that the second clause of the third section of Chapter VII. of the statutes of the Academy, be replaced by the following:
{{Amendment of the Statutes adopted.}}
The Council for Nomination shall consist of [REDACTED], together with three Fellows from each of the three Classes of the Academy, to be elected by ballot at the annual meeting. And it shall be the duty of the Council, in nominating Associates and Foreign Honorary Members, to consult the wishes of that Section of the Academy to which the candidate, if elected, would belong. Adopted.
{{Election of Officers.}}
On motion of Prof. Peirce it was
Voted, That the Academy proceed to the choice of officers for the ensuing year.
Voted, That the ballot boxes be closed at half past five o’clock
Mr. Bowen and Mr. B. A. Gould, Jr. was appointed scrutineers.
The Recording Secretary read a letter from Mr. J. Ingersoll Bowditch in which he declined a re-election as Treasurer.
Dr. A. A. Gould declined a re-election as Corresponding Secretary.
Mr. E. Everett, Vice President, Mr. J. h. Abbot, Recording Secretary, and Dr. Henry I. Bowditch, Librarian, had previously signified their wishes not to be considered as candidates for re-election.
{{Diploma Plate recovered}}
The Recording Secretary from the committee appointed to cause to be prepared a suitable diploma of form of notification of Foreign Honorary Members, stated that the old diploma plate, which had been missing for a number of years, had been recently recovered, it having been so long locked up in the safe of a copper engraver that he had forgotten that it was in his possession.
{{Photographic Pictures}}
Dr. W. F. Channing exhibited several fine positive photographic pictures on paper, made by Mr. J. A. Whipple
[end page 359 | begin page 360]
{{358}}
by simple superposition of the negatives taken on glass. Dr. Channing stated this process was interesting as the beginning of anew and beautiful art, the original picture taken by the camera on glass, bring thus susceptible of indefinite multiplication on paper.
{{Voted adopting Amendments to the Statutes confirmed}}
On motion of Dr. W. F. Channing, it was
Voted, That the vote be confirmed by which the amendments to the Statutes, reported by Professor Peirce at the adjourned statute meeting held December 3. 1851, and recorded on pages 332, 333 and 334 of this volume, were adopted at the statute meeting held January 28. 1852; it having been ascertained after the declaration of the vote that less than eighteen Fellows were present.
The Scrutineers reported that the following gentlemen were chosen officers for the ensuing year, viz.:
Jacob Bigelow, President;
Daniel Treadwell, Vice President;
Asa Gray, Corresponding Secretary;
Benjamin A. Gould, Jr., Recording Secretary;
Edward Wigglesworth, Treasurer;
Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, Librarian.
The following gentlemen were appointed members of the several standing committees, viz.:
{Rumford Committee.}
Eben N. Horsford
D. Treadwell
Joseph Lovering
Henry L. Eustis
Morrill Wyman
{Committee on Publications.}
J. Lovering
Louis Agassiz
William C. Bond [struck, then in pencil] Bowen
{Committee on the Library.}
Augustus A. Gould
D. Huphreys Storer [struck, then in pencil] Dr Shurtleff
B. A. Gould, Jr.
[end page 360 | begin page 361]
{{359}}
The following gentlemen were chosen members of the Council for nominating Foreign Honorary Members, viz.:
{of Class I;}
2 [REDACTED],
3 [REDACTED],
1 [REDACTED].
{of Class II}
2 [REDACTED],
1 [REDACTED],
3 [REDACTED].
{of Class III}
1 [REDACTED],
2 [REDACTED],
3 [REDACTED].
{{Revision of the list of Members.}}
On motion of Professor Agassiz, it was
Voted, That a Committee consisting of the Secretaries and the members of the Committee on Publications, be appointed to revise the arrangement of the list of members into Sections, with a view to the permanent adoption.
{{Revision of Chap. VII of the Statute}}
On motion of Dr. W. F. Channing, it was
Voted, That a committee be appointed to revise the language of Chapter VII, of the statutes of the Academy.
Messrs W. F. Channing, A. Gray & B. A. Gould, Jr. were were [sic] appointed that committee.
{{Amendment of the Statutes proposed.}}
Professor Peirce proposed the following amendment to the Statues of the Academy, viz.:
That Chapter IX of the Statutes be amended by by [sic] striking out the words, “and at least eighteen affirmative votes.”
This proposed amendment was referred to the same committee, viz. Messrs W. F. Channing, A. Gray, & B. A. Gould, Jr.
{{Nomination of Candidates.}}
On motion of Mr. B. A. Gould, Jr., it was
Voted, That in all future nominations of candidates for election to the Academy, the section to which the candidate, if elected, would belong, shall be specified in writing.
On motion of Prof. A. Gray, it was
[end page 361 | begin page 362]
{{360}}
{{Transfer of the Evidences of property to the new Treasurer.}}
Voted, That the Auditing Committee, Messrs. Bowen and C. Jackson, Jr., be appointed to receive from Mr. J. Ingersoll Bowditch, the late Treasurer, the evidences of property belonging o the Academy, and to deliver them to the new Treasurer.
{{Dr. Channing’s motion.}}
Dr. W. F. Channing, in fulfilment of the intention announced by him at the last monthly meeting, made a motion, which was seconded by Mr. Bouve, that a committee be appointed to investigate the subject of the alleged “spiritual manifestations” which excite great interest, at the present time, in a portion of this community. An animated discussion followed; but considerable opposition being made to the adoption of the motion, Dr. Channing withdrew it.
{{Foreign Honorary Members recommended to the Council.}}
[REDACTED] read a list of the names of thirteen gentlemen recommended to the Council of Nomination for election as Foreign Honorary Members by [REDACTED].
{{Fossil fruits and seeds exhibited by President Hitchcock.}}
President Hitchcock exhibited some fossil fruits and seeds from the lignite deposits associated with the iron ore at Brandon, in Vermont. He was of opinion that they belonged to the tertiary formation, but whether to the Miocene or Pliocene, he was doubtful.
{{Thanks of the Academy voted.}}
On motion of Professor Lovering, it was
Voted, That the thanks of the Academy be presented to Hon. Edward Everett, late Vice President; to Dr. Augustus A. Gould, late Corresponding Secretary; to Mr. Jos. Hale Abbot, late Recording Secretary; Mr. J. Ingersoll Bowditch, late Treasurer; and to Dr. Henry I. Bowditch, late Librarian, for the efficient and valuable services they have rendered to the Academy in their respective offices.
{{Monthly meetings.}}
On motion of Professor Peirce, it was
Voted, That a monthly meeting be held on the second Tuesday of each month of the approaching summer, at eight o’clock P.M., in the Academy’s Hall.
[end page 362 | begin page 363]
{{361}}
The meeting was then adjourned to the second Tuesday in June at eight o’clock P.M.
Attest, Jos. Hale Abbot,
Recording Secretary.
Three hundred and sixty third meeting.
June 8th. 1852.
The Academy met at its Hall, the President in the chair. Present, Messrs. Bigelow, W.F. Channing, A. Gray, Holmes, Shurtleff, C. Jackson, jr, S. A. Eliot, J. B. S. Jackson, C. T. Jackson, Wigglesworth, C. Pickering, S. L. Abbot, J. H. Abbot, Storer, Agassiz, Peirce, & Lovering.
The Recording Secretary being necessarily absent, Mr Lovering was chosen Recording Secretary pro tem.
{{Treasurers Report}}
The Treasurer in behalf of the Committee on Appropriations reported that a quorum of the Committee had not been present at the appointed time or place of meeting and that the Committee were consequently not prepared with any estimate of the appropriations necessary for the ensuing year.
{{Report of Committee on Revised Classification of Fellows}}
Mr Lovering in behalf of the Committee appointed at the last meeting to revise the classification of Fellows and Hon. Members for the Academy, presented a revised classification together with the following report;,
That in the opinion of the Committee the word Section should be substituted for Division as the name of the subdivisions of the Classes;
That the 2nd Section of Class II, originally named the Division of Botany and Vegetable Physiology be known as the Section of Botany;
That the 3rd Section of Class II, originally named the Division of Zoology and Animal Physiology be known as the Section of Zoology and Physiology;
That the 1st Section of Class III, originally named the Division of Moral and Intellectual Philosophy, be known as the Section of Philosophy and Jurisprudence;
That the 2nd Section of Class III,
[end page 363 | begin page 364]
{{362}}
originally named the Division of Philology and Ethnology be known as the Section of Philology and Archaeology;
That the 3rd Section of Class III originally named the Division of Politics, Political Economy and Jurisprudence, be known as the Section of Political Economy and History;
That the 4th Section of Class III originally named the Division of Aesthetics be known as the Section of Literature and the Fine Arts.
That the revised classification of the Fellows, Associate Fellows and For. Hon. Members of the Academy herewith reported be permanently adopted by the Academy.
{{Report accepted Proposed amendments adopted.}}
The report of the Committee was accepted, and the amendments recommended were adopted by the Academy. The Classification recommended was laid upon the table until the next meeting, for examination by the Fellow of the Academy.
{{Remarks by Mr. Peirce}}
Mr Peirce made some remarks in regard to the exposure of the nomination list to strangers visiting the Hall of the Academy and after some consultation, the following resolution was offered by Mr Lovering and adopted by the Academy.
Resolved,
{{Nomination List}}
That the nomination list be posted in a box labeled “Nomination List” and provided with a door which may be closed when the list is not submitted to the inspection of some Fellow of the Academy.
{{Whipple’s Photographic Specimens}}
Mr W. F. Channing exhibited to the Academy some new specimens of Photography by Mr Whipple which he considered as improvements upon the exhibited by him at the last meeting of the Academy.
{{Process not news.}}
Mr Agassiz inquired whether the process followed by Mr Whipple were not identical with that which had already been adopted in Paris, and of which he would have brought specimens to the Academy had he anticipated that the subject would have been brought up.
Mr Eliot stated to the Academy that the Corporation of Harvard University had received letters from Profes-
[end page 364 | begin page 365]
{{363}}
{{Mr. Eliot on Gould’s Astronomical Journal.}}
sors Bache and Henry urging upon their attention the claims of Gould’s Astronomical Journal, and inquiring whether some appropriation for its support could not be made from the funds of the Observatory. The Corporation being of opinion that they could not act directly in the matter and being at the same time anxious to promote the extent of their power this honorable undertaking, had appointed the President and the Treasurer a committee to confer with any committee which the Academy might be disposed to appoint, as to the means best adapted to give a permanent support to this Journal.
Mr Eliot moved that the Academy appoint such a committee of conference.
{{Mr. Peirce’s remarks.}}
Mr Peirce made some remarks in regard to the great importance of the journal for astronomers and to the high esteem in which it was held in this country and in Europe. He stated that its circulation was as large as that of Schumacher’s Astronomische Nachrichten, which at the same time it was impossible that this Journal or any other one of a severe scientific character should be sustained by its subscription list alone.
He hoped that steps would be taken to put it upon a permanent basis and therefore seconded the motion of Mr. Eliot.
{{Committee of Conference appointed.}}
The resolution was adopted, Messrs Appleton and Peirce were appointed to act as a Committee in behalf of the Academy.
{{Mr. Holmes on his new form of microscope}}
Mr Holmes exhibited a more nicely constructed model of the microscope recently described by him at a meeting of the Academy. He observed that the effects of oblique light were very brilliant in exhibiting certain objects, as for example the blood-globules; and that no difficulty was experienced from the position of his instrument, when fluids were used. He also exhibited the contrivance which he had substituted for the common method of graduating the aperture so as to darken more or less the field of view.
{{Mr. Agassiz’s remarks.}}
Mr Agassiz made some remarks on the perculiar [sic] adaptation of this instrument for copying microscopic objects
Mr Holmes remarked that it could readily be ad-
[end page 365 | begin page 366]
{{364}}
justed with a camera lucida
Mr C. T. Jackson suggested that it might be of use in daguerreotyping.
{{Motion of Msr. J. H. Abbot.}}
Mr J. H. Abbot called for the reading of a resolution passed by the Academy and recorded on page 167 of this volume in regard to the publication of Mr Storer’s memoir on the Fishes of Massachusetts, and then offered the following resolution
That the Committee of Publication be instructed to publish the memoirs accepted by them in the order in which they have been received, unless there shall exist urgent reasons for publishing them in a different order.
Mr Storer made some remarks in which he regretted the delay of his work, to which Messrs Agassiz and Lovering replied in behalf of the publishing committee.
{{Motion withdrawn.}}
After some farther discussion Mr Abbot withdrew his motion.
{{Motion of Mr. J. H. Abbot}}
Mr J. H. Abbot then offered a resolution calling upon all Fellows of the Academy to present copies of such of their works as are not now in the Academy’s library.
{{Motion withdrawn}}
This resolution was opposed by Messrs Agassiz, Gray and Peirce, and finally withdrawn by Mr Abbot.
{{Motion of Mr. W. F. Channing for increasing publication fund.}}
Mr Wm F. Channing moved that a committee be appointed to consider the means of increasing the Academy’s publication fund.
Remarks were made by Messrs Storer, Agassiz, Gray and Peirce.
{{Remarks of the President.}}
The President suggested that there were three ways of accomplishing the object, which seemed to him worthy of consideration.
First, to open a subscription, against which there might be some objection.
Secondly, largely, to increase the number of paying members, to which the Academy probably would not consent.
Thirdly, to institute a course of public lectures by members of the Academy, the proceeds of which should be appropriated to the funds of the Academy.
The Academy adopted the resolution of Mr.
[end page 366 | begin page 367]
{{365}}
{{Committee appointed}}
Channing and Messrs Agassiz, S. A. Eliot, Asa Gray, Shurtleff, and Emerson were appointed as the committee.
{{Mr Agassiz on Artacids and Nat. Hist. of the higher Animals}}
Mr Agassiz offered by title two papers.
1st Monograph of the North American Crawfishes (Artacidae)
2nd Investigation of some points of the Natural History of higher Animals, bearing upon the origin, unity and diversity of Man.
{{Mr. Peirce on the form of an elastic sack containing a fluid.}}
Mr Peirce offered by title a paper
On the surface formed by an elastic sack containing a fluid.
On motion of Mr Peirce it was voted that the Academy adjourn to Tuesday the 22nd. Inst.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Attest,
Joseph Lovering,
Recording Secretary “pro tem”
{{Mr. J. H. Abbot’s amendment}}
*At the meeting of June 22 Mr. J. H. Abbot desired the records to be so amended that his 2nd resolution should read as follows;
“That the Recording Secretary be instructed to carry into effect the recommendation of the Committee on the Library contained in their late annual report; to wit, to request in his notices of the next meeting of the Academy, a donation from the Resident Fellows of the books which have been published by them.”
Three hundred and sixty fourth meeting
1852, June 22
The Corresponding Secretary, & subsequently the President in the chair.
Present Messr’s J. H. Abbot, S. L. Abbot, Agassiz, J. Bigelow, Eliot Emerson, Felton, Folsom, B. A. Gould, Gray, Horsford, J. B. S. Jackson, Peirce, Shurtleff, Swett, Wigglesworth, Wyman.
{{Meeting competent to transact business}}
The question was raised whether an adjourned meeting of this kind were competent to transact the business of the Academy, and was decided by the Academy in the affirmative.
[end page 367 | begin page 368]
{{366}}
{{Report of Committee on appropriations}}
The Treasurer in behalf of the Committee on Appropriations made the following report:
The Committee of the Academy to whom was referred the subject of appropriations for the present current year, respectfully recommend the passage of the following order
Ordered, that there be appropriated for publications during the present year, nine hundred dollars from the Rumford Fund; for the purchase of books, three hundred & fifty dollars form the Rumford Fund, and three hundred from the General Fund, making together six hundred and fifty dollars; and for General Expenses, six hundred dollars from the General Fund.
Six hundred dollars were appropriated the last year for the purchase of books but the whole amount has not expended, and some books then bought are not yet paid for. On these accounts the Committee have recommended the appropriation of six hundred & fifty dollars for the purchase of books.
All which is respectfully submitted
(signed) for the Committee Ed. Wigglesworth
The Report of the Committee was accepted, and the order was passed by the Academy.
{{Committee on language of Chap VII of statutes report progress.}}
Dr Gray in behalf of the committee for revising the language of the seventh chapter of the statutes, reported that he had not yet been able to give the subject sufficient consideration, but would do so before the quarterly meeting in August
{{Report of Committee for devising means of increasing the publication fund.}}
Mr. Agassiz, in behalf of the Committee appointed to consider the best means of increasing the Academy’s publication fund, reported that the committee were unanimous in recommending, that a course of public lectures of a popular character be given by Fellows of the Academy during the ensuing winter, that the President be requested to commence the course by an address, setting forth the objects & aim of the course, and that each section of the Academy appoint one of its number to deliver one lecture upon some special subject belonging to and prominent in the Sections sphere of research.
He offered the following resolution;
[end page 368 | begin page 369]
{{367}}
{{Committee on Lectures.}}
Resolved, that the President appoint a committee of twelve, consisting of one Fellow from each section of the Academy, whose duty it shall be to call together their several respective sections for the selection of lectures, and to appoint a smaller sub committee for attending to the necessary arrangements, for the delivery of the course of lectures.
The resolution was adopted & the following gentlemen were appointed, the President being requested to represent the section of Botany, on motion of Mr Emerson.
Messr’s Peirce
J. I. Bowditch
Lovering
Treadwell,
Alger
J. Bigelow
Agassiz
H. I. Bowditch
Bowen
Felton
Everett
Eliot
{{Catalogue of Fellows:}}
Prof. Agassiz moved that the Catalogue of Fellows of the Academy, as arranged in their appropriate Sections by the committee appointed for the purpose, and laid on the table at the last meeting for the inspection, be adopted by the Academy
It was moved that the classified list be read again, which was done.
The motion of Mr. Agassiz was opposed by Dr Gray, & after some discussion was passed over.
{{Supposed Discrepancy of Statutes.}}
Mr. J. H. Abbot stated that in his opinion several discrepancies existed between the different statutes, and moved that the committee on the rearrangement of the seventh chapter he instructed to take the whole of the statutes into consideration
Dr. Gray opposed the motion of Mr Abbot on the ground that the committee were incompetent: After still farther discussion by Messr’s Abbot, Emerson, Gould Gray, and Peirce, Mr Abbot was appointed a committee to examine the records for the detection of any discrepancies.
{{Printing of Classification of Fellows.}}
Mr. B. A. Gould moved with a view to the speedy and permanent adoption of some classification of the Academy into Sections, that the arrangement as already reported by the Committee be printed for better examination by Fellows.
[end page 369 | begin page 370]
{{368}}
The motion was opposed by Dr. Gray, and advocated by Mr. Agassiz, and then adopted.
{{Committee on Chap. VII}}
Mr. Gould requested to be excused from serving further upon the committee for revising the language of Chapter VII of the statutes. Mr. W. F. Channing being necessarily absent, the places for these two gentlemen were filled by the appointment of Messr’s Peirce and Wigglesworth.
{{President requested to fill vacancies in committee on lectures.}}
It was moved & voted that, if any member of the Committee on Lectures should decline to serve, the Prest be requested to provide a substitute.
The Librarian called the attention of the Academy to the box for containing the nomination list, provided by him, conformably to a vote passed at the last meeting.
{{Mr. Agassiz on the Diversity of Origin of Human Race.}}
Mr. Agassiz called the attention of the Academy to some facts in Natural History throwing light upon and illustrating the diversity of origin of the human race.
In the first place he showed that there were a number of animals, among which were particularly to be instanced by the anthropoid monkeys, which offered the same difficulties to the zoologist in classifying them, that are offered by the different human races. The Ourang-Outangs which have been divided by some into four species have been considered by other naturalists as forming but a single one. The genus of long armed outangs (Hylobates) is considered by some as containing eleven species, while others make but two or three. The Lions of Asia and Africa, while resembling one another too closely to permit of a proper distinction as two species present points of difference far too marked to allow the idea of any genetic connection. Mr. Agassiz also instanced several other analogous cases among vertebrate animals.
Secondly, the areas within which the social varieties of such animals are confined, are not very different in extent from those within which distinct human nationalities have been developed & have fulfilled their respective missions, such as Greece, Italy, Spain, &c.
The languages of different races of men were nei-
[end page 370 | begin page 371]
{{369}}
ther more different nor more similar than the inarticulate sounds of animals of the same genus, & their analogy cannot be more fully accounted for on any hypothesis of transmission or tradition than can be done in the case of birds of the same genus, uttering similar notes in Europe and in America
In the last place Mr. Agassiz spoke of the character of the differences between the several divisions in man and in many of the lower animals; divisions too marked to be deemed simply varieties and yet not sufficiently great to constitute a proper basis for a classification into different species. They might with the most propriety be termed races. The different kinds of dogs breeds of cattle &c were instances of this class of difference. Animals, differing only in race, form more frequent connection with one another, than those differing specifically, and the fruit of connections of the latter kind like the mule, the mulatto or the mongrel, were intermediate between the two parents, & still capable of producing to a certain extent.
Adjourned
B. A. Gould Jr.
Recordg Secy
Three hundred and sixty fifth Meeting
1852 July 13th
The President in the Chair.
President, Messrs. J. H Abbot, S. L. Abbot, J. Bigelow, G. P. Bond, Bowen, Cushing, Eliot, Eustis, Felton, A. A. Gould, B. A. Gould, A. Gray, Hayes, Hayward C. Jackson Jr. Peirce, Silliman Jr. Treadwell & J. Wyman.
{{Report of Committee on Lectures.}}
The president, in behalf of the Committee appointed to take measures relative to the delivery of the Academy’s course of Lectures in the coming winter; reported that the Committee had made considerable progress in performance of the duty assigned them. The several sections had designated gentlemen to represent them, and the Committee had decided
[end page 371 | begin page 372]
{{370.}}
to recommend the addition of one or two more gentlemen to the list as representatives of the Academy at large. There appeared every reason for anticipating a highly favorable result.
The list of lecturers to be invited was read.
{{Mr. Peirce on the Solution of Equation by geometric diagrams.}}
Professor Peirce, presented a communication, upon the solution of equations by the means of Geometric diagrams.
{{Mr. Peirce on the form of an elastic sack containing a fluid.}}
Professor P. presented a communication upon the form assumed by an elastic sack containing a fluid.
The positions of unstable equilibrium he found to divide themselves into four typical forms, the annular, cylindrical, cylinder with a bilateral character, & double or multiple cylinder,
The ultimate form of the first case is the sphere.
Professor Peirce, also, alluded to the interest of this fact to those who were not themselves mathematicians. For the primitive forms which Mr. Agassiz had found to be the four types of the animal kingdom were the same, the radiator being represented by the sphere, the molusca by the cylinder, the articular by the bilateral & vertebrata by the double cylinder. Now as all animal forms being as elastic sacks containing fluids, these forms seem the necessary ones for the condition of equilibrium. This led to a discussion in which Messrs. Eustis & Peirce took part.
{{Mr. Wyman on fossil bones from New Zealand}}
Professor Wyman exhibited to the Academy some fossil bones from New Zealand, evidently the thigh bone tibia & tarsus of some one of the largest birds, probably either the Dinornis or Palopterix. The tarsus was especially interesting, as exhibiting the rudiments of two bones besides the developed one, bones of which no traces exist in other birds except in the embryonic states: a phenomenen[sic] analogous to that occurring in the metatarsal bones of ruminants.
{{Observations of Messrs Southworth and Hawes on the Stereoscope.}}
Professor Peirce communicated some observations of Messrs, Southworth & Hawes, Daguerreotypists regarding Photographic images taken for the Steroscope. They had found in practice that when two points of view ere in a horizontal line the image as seen in the Stereoscope appeared distorted, in consequence of the horizontal lines not being represented in relief, like the vertical ones
They had however observed, that the best images were produced, when the distance of the two points of view, the vertical component was equal to the horizontal one
{{Remarks by Mr. Peirce}}
Professor Peirce stated that he had seen a number of phototypes taken in each way and that he was
[end page 372 | begin page 373]
{{371.}}
able to confirm the statements of Messrs. Southworth & Hawes. Portraits taken with two points of view on the same level had a peculiarly unpleasant effect.
{{Remarks by Mr. Lovering}}
Mr. Lovering reminded the Academy that Leonardo da Vinci had pointed out the impossibility of representing objects correctly when their distance from the eyes was within a certain limit.
{{Remarks by Mr. B. A. Gould.}}
Mr. Gould said, that the circumstances of objects appearing in relief when observed in ordinary binocular might be explained like the outness recognized in monocular vision by means of the imaginative and suggestive faculties acting unconsciously on reflection it seemed but natural that a difference of level in the points of view should be necessary to make relief manifest in systems of horizontal lines.
The discussion was continued by Messrs. Peirce, Gould and Jackson.
On motion of Mr. J. H. Abbot, it was voted that the printed copies of the proceedings of the Academy be distributed under the superintendence of the Cor. Secy. with the concurrence of the President.
{{Invitation to Members of Atheneum}}
Mr. Treadwell brought forward before the Academy the consideration of a matter which had been previously mooted, touching an invitation to members of the Atheneum to attend the meetings of the Academy.
{{Committee appointed}}
Referred to a Committee consisting of Messrs. Eliot, Treadwell & J. H. Abbot.
{{Mr. Eustis on a property of the Ellipse}}
Prof. Eustis made some remarks upon, and gave a demonstration of the property of the ellipse that the subtangent is independent of the conjugate axis. He shewed that this led to a more simple construction than any other given.
{{Letter form Mr. J. H. C. Coffin}}
The Secretary laid before the Academy a letter from Prof. Coffin of Washington, acknowledging the receipt of the notice of his Election as Associate Fellow.
Adjourned
B. A. Gould Jr
Rec. Sec
July 26. 1852
Three hundred sixty sixth Meeting
The President in the Chair.
Present Messrs S. L. Abbot, Alger, J. Bigelow, Dixwell, Felton, Folsom, A. A. Gould, B. A. Gould, Gray, Peirce, & Treadwell
[end page 373 | begin page 374]
{{372.}}
on motion of the Recg. Secretary, it was voted that the meeting appointed of rhte second Tuesday in August be omitted
{{Letter from Mr. J. S. Hubbard.}}
The Corresponding Secretary presented a letter from professor Hubbard of Washington acknowledging the reception of the notice of his election as Associate Fellows.
{{Mr. Leidy on the osteology of the Hippopotamidae}}
Also a paper from Dr. Leidy of Philadelphia upon the osteology of the Hippopotamidae.
{{Mr. Peirce on form of elastic sack containing a fluid.}}
Prof. Peirce continued his remarks upon the forms assumed by an elastic sack containing fluid: and stated that he had succeeded in reproducing them artificially by the use of gum, the force of gravity being eliminated as in Plateaus experiments by immersing the gum in a mixture of Alcohol and water of the same specific gravity.
Adjourned
B. A. Gould, Jr
Recg. Secretary.
Three hundred and sixty-seventh meeting
1852 August 10.
The Vice President in the Chair.
Present Messrs H. J. Bigelow, Dixwell, A. A. Gould B. A. Gould, A. Gray, J. P. Hall, J. B. S. Jackson C. P. Jackson, Pierson, Phillips, C. Pickering, Shurtleff, Sullivan, Treadwell & Walker.
{{Dr. Peirson announ Decease of Mr. Cole.}}
Dr. Peirson offered a tribute to the memory of the late Thomas Cole Esqr. A Fellow of the Academy; after a sketch of Mr Cole’s life and labors, he offered the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted.
{{Resolutions to memory of Mr. Cole.}}
Resolved, that the Academy deplores in the death of its late Fellow Thomas Cole, of Salem, the loss of a valuable and active associate, whose simplicity of mind sincerity of heart & intellectual acquirements, the result of years persevering industry, peculiarly fitted him for scientific pursuits, and acquired for him a cordial regard from all who knew him.
[end page 374 | begin page 375]
{{373.}}
Resolved, That the Academy sincerely condole with his bereaved family in the Affliction occasioned by his sudden decease.
Resolved, that a Copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the family of the deceased
{{Report of Committee on the Codification of Chapter Seventh of Statute}}
Professor Gray, in behalf of the Committee appointed to codify the seventh Chapter of the Statutes of the Academy reported a draft in accordance with the instructions of the Academy, and containing also some few amendments, which he moved to lay on the table till the next meeting, for final action at that time.
{{elected Fellows}}
Dr. Samuel Kneeland Jr. was elected a Fellow of the Academy in the section of Zoology & Physiology
Dr. Gardiner M. Lane was elected a Fellow of the Academy in the section Philology & Archaeology.
Adjourned
B. A. Gould Jr
Rec Secy
Three hundred and Sixty eighth meeting
1852 Sept. 14
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs. S. L. Abbot, Agassiz, J. Bigelow Burnett, Eliot, Felton, A. A. Gould, B. A. Gould, A. Gray F. C. Gray, Horsford, Lane, Peirce. Shurtleff, Treadwell Walker & M. Wyman.
{{Letter from Mr. S. Alexander}}
The Corresponding Secretary laid before the Academy a letter form Professor Stephen Alexander, of Princeton, acknowledging the reception of his Diploma of Membership.
{{Letter from Mr. S. Kneeland Jr.}}
Also a letter from Dr. Samuel Kneeland Jr. acknowledging the notification of his election.
{{Catalogue of Library}}
The Librarian called the attention of the Academy to the necessity of having a complete catalogue of the Books as the Library, and Stated that no steps toward this object had been taken, on account of the impossibility,
[end page 375 | begin page 376]
{{374.}}
of obtaining a Quorum of the Committee.
A long discussion ensued after which on motion of Mr. Peirce it was
{{Library Committee requested to meet.}}
Voted That the Library Committee be requested to meet, for the transaction of business sof the Library.
{{Library of Brown University Placed on Distribution list.}}
Dr. Shurtleff presented a request from the Brown University for the series of the Academy’s Memoirs with the exception of the first two, and moved that the name of the Brown University Library, be placed on the distribution list. Adopted.
Dr. M. Wyman communicated to the Academy the results of some experiments
{{Mr. M. Wyman on some experiments upon animals.}}
Experiments upon animals with a fluid obtained by distilling water and Fusel Oil from Chloride of Lime in the usual way of Manufacturing Chloroform substituting only Fusel Oil for Alcohol.
A large strong rat was placed in a quart beaker glass with its mouth upward and covered with a glass plate. A piece of Cotton well moistened with the Fusel oil compound was placed in the vessel. In 5’ no effect being produced, an equal quantity of the compound was poured upon the cotton. 13.” Another and equal quantity added. In 30” the rat washing his face with his was and licking his body. 40” apparently well.
Fresh air was admitted to the vessel at each addition of Fusel oil compound.
Half a fluid drachem of Chloroform was placed in the vessel. In 1”, 5’, the rat had rolled upon his side, in 2” motionless. In 3” 15’ dead.
A young Kitten exposed to the compound 19’ was not injured. Sucked the mother immediately after.
Another Kitten of the same litter was exposed in a similar vessel, to the vapor of Chloroform. IN 2” became insensible and was removed from the vessel in 2” 23’
[end page 376 | begin page 377]
{{375.}}
partially recovered recovered [sic] and was returned to the vessel. IN 8’ drops against 8”, 50’ gasping. 9” again insensible: was removed from the vessel and finally recovered.
Several other experiments were tried upon Kittens and upon Frogs both with the Fusel Oil compound alone and mixed with the vapor of Chloroform, and the conclusion was inevitable that the vapor of the Fusel Oil compound was not alone injurious to animal life, and that when mixed with the vapor of Chloroform did not modify its effects upon the animals when exposed to it.
The vapor of the Fusel Oil compound was subsequently inhaled steadily by Dr. Wyman 12’ without any sensible effects. Chloroform produced a decided effect in 2’.
The Fusel Oil Compound is vaporizable at a much higher temperature than Chloroform and, when a mixture of the two is exposed to the air the Chloroform evaporates leaving the Fusel Oil Compound behind.
The Fusil Oil Compound, therefore, is not the cause of the occasional fatal effects of Chloroform as has been alleged.
Dr. Wyman stated that these experiments had been made in consequence of a Statement which had been going the rounds of the papers, concerning experiments on the same subject with very different results, said to have been made by a fellow of this Academy. He had seen Dr. Burnetts name mentioned as having been present, and hoped that Gentleman would give such information on the subject as he might possess.
{{Remarks of Mr. Burnett.}}
Dr. Burnett described the experiments of Dr. C. T. Jackson at which he was present. The substance used was said to be fusel Oil and not Fusel Oil Alcohol, Dr. Jackson stated at the time his intention of repeating the experiment with fusel-oil alcohol.
{{Further remarks by Mr. M. Wyman}}
Dr Wyman referred to the paragraph which was going the rounds of the Newspapers. Stating that Dr. Burnett was present at experiments with a newly discovered poisonous compound &c. This statement had misled him.
{{Remarks of Mr. Burnett}}
Dr Burnett said that the day at which he was present in Dr. Jackson laboratory was the day named in the Newspaper account, but of that account referred
[end page 377 | begin page 378]
{{376.}]
to the experiment at which he was present it was substantially incorrect.
The subject was further discussed by the President and Messrs. Horsford, S. L. Abbot, A. A. Gould and F. C. Gray.
{{Mr. Burnett upon the formation and function of the Atlantis}}
Dr. Burnett presented a paper upon the formation and function of the Allantois.
His observations had been made upon mammals bird and reptiles, but as in these three classes there are no essential differences, the phases of formation in birds, which are most convenient for study may be described as exponents of the whole.
In the Chick the Allantois first appears at about the 60th hour of incubation, when the abdominal plates include no organs excepting the heart with its aortas and the wolffian bodies. These bodies consist of two tubes meeting at the last caudal vertibra and giving rise at their point of junction, to a small expansion forming a vesicle, which is the Allantois in its earliest condition. As its size increases as membrane, covered with epithelial cells, is formed, on its inner surface. Continuing to expand, it pushes out first the branches of the two umbilical arteries, which rest upon it, forming a net work by anastomosis; and then a hood of the membrane, surrounding the whole embryo. In less than another day this network has so increased that it seems to form the vesicle proper, the original network being entirely masked. At this period, the Allantois has the aspect of a diverticulum of the investing membrane of the embryo, to which facts is due perhaps the opinion of Coster regarding its origin.
Dr. Burnett next considered the functional relations of the Allantois. This is not developed until the Wolffain bodies have obtained a functional power nor indeed till a urinary secretion is produced. These facts, together with that of the discovery by Jacobson of ceric acid in the liquid of the Allantois seem to indicate that the primary function of this
[end page 378 | begin page 379]
{{377.}}
organ, is to serve as a urinary bladder, which office it performs during the persistence of the Wolffian bodies.
Its subsequent function is still more important, namely, in the Mammalia, respiration during the nutritive connection of the embryo with the mother. Of the oviparous vertebrates, only Birds and true Reptiles have an Allantois and Amnion, and the function of respiration soon appears prominent in the Allantois This organ increasing rapidly, soon envelopes the embryo yolksack and amnion performing the function of respiration in two days, first by the means of the oxygen of the liquids in its membranes, and second by bringing a dense network of vessels in contract with the air which passes thro’ the forces of the shell
Hence the Allantois may be inferred to be anatomically an appendix of the Wolffian bodies, and and [sic] not of the intestinal canal, and physiologically, first the receptacle of the urinary secretion of the Wolffian bodies and subsequently a respiratory organ.
{{Remarks of Mr. Agassiz}}
Prof Agassiz followed with some remarks. After highly complimenting Dr. Burnett’s paper, he stated that circumstances had incidentally led him to investigations upon the same subject. He coincided with Dr. Burnett in his observation of facts but wished the investigation extend to include the region of the Wolffian bodies. He had satisfied himself that these bodies, originated in the capillary system of the fellucid area of the embryo. There is a circulation within the transparent Area of the embryo long before any circulation of blood takes place. A circulation of a transparent fluid containing no blood corpuscles, but consisting of a series of cell nuclei in a transparent fluid. From the resolution of a series of these nuclei the circulation originates, and is entirely confined to the region of the head, in which the heart is formed. He believed that there were three layers of the bastoderma is first represented by [blank] and [illegible] Baer, and that these layers are essentially distinct.
As soon as the 18th hour after incubation, the
[end page 379 | begin page 380]
{{378}}
the basis from which the Wolffian bodies grow may be detected, he believed that these facts had hitherto been entirely overlooked.
The terminations of the Wolffian bodies are combined into a vesicle, from which vesicle the Allantois is properly a bud.
With reference to the physical deductions of Dr. Burnett he had one objection to make, Naturalists were too apt to describe the functions of the organs of undeveloped animals by phraseology, derived from the functions of animals in a more advanced condition. He believed this to be dangerous, and notwithstanding the analogy between the Allantois and a urinary bladder as shewn by Dr. Burnett, he could not coincide in the inference.
{{Reply of Mr. Burnett.}}
Dr. Burnett said that his views of the Wolffia bodies were quite different from those of Mr. Agassiz, and that he intended to present them at an early meeting of the Academy.
{{Mr. Peirce on the forms assumed by a globule of oil held in suspension}}
Prof. Peirce described an experiment upon the forms assumed and the motions which arose in a globule of oil held in suspension in an Alcoholic Solution.
{{Remarks of Mr. Agassiz}}
Mr. Agassiz called attention to the analogy between these forms and motions and those which arose in the earliest embryonic cells
Adjourned
B. A. Gould Jr
Recg Sey
[end page 380 | begin page 381]
{{379.}}
Three hundred & sixty ninth meeting
1852. Oct. 12th
The President in the Chair.
Recent Messrs. J. H. Abbot, Agassiz, Alger Beck, J. Bigelow, H. J. Bigelow, Bouve, Burnett W. Channing, Eliot, Eustis, Felton, Folsom N. A. Gould B. A. Gould, A. Gray, Hayward, Horsford Kneeland Lovering, C. Jackson Jr, J. B. S. Jackson, Peirson O. Pickering, Reynolds, Shurtleff, Walker Warren J. Wyman & M. Wyman.
{{Report of Committee on Lectures}}
The President in behalf of the Committee appointed to make arrangements for the delivery of the Academy’s course of Lectures reported that all the arrangements had been made and that advertisements would soon be inserted in the daily papers.
The course would be as follows, commencing on Wednesday evening Oct 27th at 7 ½ OClock and continued on successive Wednesday evenings
Oct 27th by Jacob Bigelow M.D. President
Introductory Lecture
Nov. 3d. By Professor L. Agassiz,
Genealogy of the Animal Kingdom
Novr. 10. By Hon. Edward Everett
Grotius.
Novr. 17th Geo. Ticknor Esqr.
The Tartuffe of Moliere
Novr. 24th By Benjamin A. Gould Jr.
The Theory of Probabilities
Decr. 1. By Lieut. Charles Henry Davis
Astronomical Prediction
Decr 8th. President Edward Hitchcock
The Bird traces of Connecticut River
Decr. 15. Prof C. C. Felton
Relation of Aristophanes to his times
Decr. 22ND Daniel Treadwell Esqr
The progress of the useful Arts and their relation to scientific discovery.
[end page 381 | begin page 382]
{{380.}}
Decr. 29. Professor Albert Hopkins
Time.
Jany. 5. Oliver Wendell Holmes M.D.
The relations of poetry & Science
Jany. 12. George B. Emerson. Esqr
A higher course of instruction in Science in reference to preparation for exercising the useful Arts
Hon Saml A. Eliot
A complete system of public Education
The price of Tickets had been fixed at $2.00 and he trusted that the fellows of the Academy would use their best exertions to secure a full audience.
{{Mr. Horsford exhibits specimens of his safety lamp}}
Mr. Horsford exhibited to the Academy specimens of his newly invented safety-lamp, and safety-can., and described the precautions which had been taken to guard against accidents.
Dr. Peirson enquired whether the objection urged by the manufacturers of the burning fluid against some of the safety lamps viz, that they injured the fluid, would not apply to the lamp also.
Mr. Horsford considered that the injury to the fluid was occasioned by the wicks remaining in contract with the wire gauze.
The discussion was continued by Messrs. Eustis B. A. Gould Jr. Horsford Peirson and H. J. Bigelow
{{Mr. Burnett upon cartilaginous & osseus tissues}}
Dr. Burnett presented a paper upon cartilaginous and osseus tissues
After describing and distinguishing between the two varieties of cartilaginous tissues, celuler cartilage and fibro cartilage the difference between which depends upon the degree of organization, he proceeded to shew the mode in which according, to his own obsrvations the formation of cartilage takes place
The fish cells at those points where cartilage
[end page 382 | begin page 383]
{{381.}}
and subsequently bone appears cannot be distinguished by their physical characteristics from those which are to form other tissues. Part of these cells being condensed into a punctiform stroma open spaces are left here and there, in which other original cells remain in numbers from one to four, the whole ultimately assuming the form of a finely granular stroma inclosing nucleated cells This is the cellular cartilage. When the stroma becomes still farther developed into a fibrillated tissue, leaving the cell-nuclei lying in nidiform cavities it becomes fibro-cartilage
Only cellular cartilage is developed into bone When ossific matter is about to be deposited, the vascularity of the cartilage is much increased, a kind of liquifaction takes place in the stroma leaving the cartilage cells free to exhibit a tendency to arrangement in linear series. The rows run parallel with the long diameter of the bone and are separated by the partially liquefied stroma.
The calcareous salts are first deposited in the intercellular matrix leaving the cartilage cells in cylindrical cavities. But the cartilage cells and substances surrounding them also receive calcareous deposits, the cells contract, assuming irregular forms, and the septa become less distinct. Finally, a grayish mass is perceived, irregular and variegated by the presence of the rudiments of the Purkinjean corpuscles.
Dr. Burnett then proceeded to show the manner of the change of the cartilage cells into the Purkinjean or osseous corpuscles, a change which he had clearly observed.
Thus the whole process is simply one of substitution, with the modification of form consequent upon the replacement of a soft by a sclerous tissue.
These phases of formation, belong especially to the higher vertebrates. In the lower classes they are of a much less complicated character. Thus, in many fishes, there is no linear arrangement of the cartilage cells, as the concentric lamella do not exist, but their cells are ossified in situ
On the lower fishes we may conclude that there is
[end page 383 | begin page 384]
{{382.}}
bone cartilage, but not true bone.
{{Remarks of Mr. Agassiz}}
Mr. Agassiz said that he had believed naturalists, in considering organic tissues, to be altogether too much in the habit of looking at different tissues as if they were entirely distinct bodies, forgetful of the fact that all are derived from one yolk.
In considering the first formation of cartilage we must look to the formation and development of the dorsal cord. We find these cells differing from the blastodermic cells, in being larger but bearing no resemblance to cartilage cells, altho they form the basis from which the cartilage cells will be built up. He had carefully examined these cells, which however presented points of extreme difficulty, but had not yet succeeded in determining whether these cells were the identical ones which were to be transformed into cartilage cells, or whether, on the other hand, they were the mother cells from which the cartilaginous ells should derive their original
Mr. Agassiz further stated that he had examined the cartilage-like bones of fishes, of which Dr Burnett had spoken, and that he had found the same results.
{{Geological Survey of Canada}}
Dr A. A. Gould presented, in behalf of the Author, a report of the Geological survey of Canada by Mr. T. S. Hunt.
{{Hind’s Ecliptic Chart.}}
Mr. B. A. Gould Jr. presented in behalf of the Author, Mr. Bishops series of Ecliptic charts prepared by Mr. J. R. Hind.
{{Mr. Eustis on the use of a formula of mensuration}}
Mr Eustis gave an account of the use of a formula for the measure of the solidity of a prismoid and in still other cases of mensuration.
The ordinary formula for the area of a prismoid is 1/6h (B+B+4.m) where B&b represent the areas of the upper and lower bures respectively, M, the middle section, and h. the height.
The application of the formula for the mensuration
[end page 384 | begin page 385]
{{383.}}
of the sphere and the cone is alluded to in a recent No. of the Journal of the Franklin Institute. But still more remarkable cases are those of the paraboloid hyperboloid and ellipsoid of revolution in which the prismoidal formula, will be found to give precisely the same results as those obtained by the application of the ordinary formulas from the culculus
{{New Stereoscope}}
Professor Lovering exhibited a new stereoscope just received, and called the attention of the Academy to some points of detail, especially those arising from the difference of effect when the same drawing of a solid is versed in an erect, and in an inverted position.
Dr. Burnett commented on these facts as demonstrating the fact that the seat of vision is in the brain, and not in the retina.
{{Spider lines for micrometers}}
Mr. Gould, addressed some enquiries to Dr Burnett concerning the best spider-lines for use in the micrometers of Telescopes and Microscopes
A discussion ensued upon the qualities necessary in spider-lines for this purpose, in which Messrs Burnett, Eustis and Gould took part.
Dr. Burnett thought that the thread of the Attus on hunting spider, was the most desirable in all respects, having almost uniformly a diameter of just 1/9000 of an inch and being also free from viscosity. The attus is found, at this season of the year, on rail fences.
{{Resignation of Recording Secy.}}
The Recording Secretary that in consequence of his approaching departure from the city it would be out of his power to discharge the duties of his office after the quarterly meeting in November.
Professor Lovering moved that a small Table upon Castors raised and lowered be provided for the use of the Academy. Adopted.
[end page 385 | begin page 386]
{{384.}}
On motion of Mr. J. H. Abbot, the purchase of this Table was referred to a special committee consisting of the Committee of three formerly appointed for furnishing the present Hall with the addition of Professor Lovering & H. J. Bigelow.
{{Mr. Agassiz on the family of Cyprinodons.}}
Professor Agassiz presented a paper upon the family of the Cyprinodons.
{{Monthly meeting in Nov. dispensed with}}
On motion of Dr. Gray it was voted that the monthly meeting in November be dispensed with, on account of the occurrence of the Quarterly meeting
Adjourned
B. A. Gould Jr, Rec. Secy.
Three hundred & seventeenth meeting
1852. Novr. 2.
{{Special Meeting}}
The President in the Chair.
Present Messrs. J. H. Abbot, Appleton, Beck, J. Bigelow, H. J. Bigelow, J. I. Bowditch, H. j. Bowditch W. Channing, Felton, A. A. Gould, B. A. Gould, A. Gray, F. C. Gray, Greene, C. T. Jackson, Kneeland, Parsons, C. Pickering, O. Pickering Shattuck, Storer, Swett, Treadwell, Wigglesworth J. Wyman
{{Object of meeting}}
The President stated that he had called the Academy together to take measures relative to the course of Lectures just commenced. The audience had not answered to the expectations reasonably entertained, and it remained for the Academy to decide what steps should be taken in the premises.
A long discussion ensued, after which it was moved.
{{Committee appointed to solicit subscriptions to lectures.}}
That a Committee of 10 Fellows, be appointed for the purpose of soliciting subscriptions to the Academy’s course of Lectures.
[end page 386 | begin page 387]
{{385.}}
{{Debate}}
After debate in which the soliciting of Subscriptions was advocated by the President, Messrs. F. C. Gray Treadwell and Parsons and opposed by Mr. Gould, the Resolution was adopted.
The following Fellows were appointed to constitute the Committee
{{Committee appointed}}
Messrs. Wigglesworth
Appleton
Beck
Bowditch
W. Channing
A. A. Gould
J. Hayward
Parsons
Shurtleff
Storer.
{{Mr. Everett declines delivery of his lecture}}
A communication was received from Mr. Everett, informing the Academy that in a consequence of his approaching departure for Washington, it would be impossible for him to deliver the Lecture appointed for him in the Academy’s course.
The Committee on Lectures were requested to fill the vacancy in the list thus occurring.
{{Death of Mr. Webster.}}
Professor Felton reminded the Academy of the recent death of the Hon. Daniel Webster, Secretary of the United States, and Fellow of this body; and after an eloquent tribute to his memory, offered the following resolutions, which were seconded by Mr. F. C. Gray, and advocated by Mr. Parsons & unanimously adopted.
{{Mr. Felton’s Resolutions}}
Resolved, that the Fellows of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, deeply lament the decease of their late Associate, the Hon. Daniel Webster, Secretary of State of the U.S. By his death the Country is bereaved of her ablest practical Statesman and profoundest political Philosopher; Letters of Eloquence, have lost a most distinguished ornament; science is deprived of a great and versatile mind, which understood its progress, appreciated its value, recognized its dignity and mastered its results in the midst of professional labor & public cares, to which his energies were devoted almost to the last moment of his life
[end page 387 | begin page 388]
{{386.}}
Resolved, That the Fellows of this Academy tender to the family of their late eminent associate their most respectful sympathy in the private and public calamity.
{{Hour of meeting on 10th inst.}}
On Motion of the Recording Secretary the hour for the quarterly meeting on the 10th inst, be fixed at 8 ½ P.M. on account of the lecture, appointed for the same evening.
Adjourned,
B. A. Gould Jr.
Recg. Secy.
Stated Meeting.
Three hundred and seventy first Meeting
1852. Novr. 10th.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs. J. H. Abbot, Beck, Bigelow, Bouve, Cabot, W. Channing, W. F. Channing, Eliot Folsom, A. A. Gould, B. A. Gould A. Gray, Greene, Horsford, C. T. Jackson, Kneeland, Lovering, Peirson, Sherwin, Shurtleff Swett and Wigglesworth.
{{Letters}}
The Corresponding Secretary laid before the Academy letters from the Royal Society & Academy of Gottingen, Berlin, Vienna & Munich, containing notices of publications forwarded to the Academy.
{{Transmission of works intended for the academy.}}
At his request Prof. Jussiere of Paris has consented to request in behalf of the Academy and to send to Bossange, to be forwarded, such works published in Paris, as may previously have been voted to its Library.
Certain works received by the Smithsn. Instut. For the Academy had been accidentally stamped in Washington with the stamp of the Smithsn. Institution. The Duplicates intended for that Institution, will be forwarded to this Academy.
[end page 388 | begin page 389]
{{387.}}
{{Communication from R. Society of Northern Antiquaries}}
A communication from the Royal Society of Norther Antiquaries in Copenhagen, containing circulars, relating to the collection of materials for works upon the history of the old Norther Literature was laid before the Academy.
{{Reports of Committee on inviting Proprietors of the Athenaeum}}
Mr. Eliot in behalf of the Committee to whom was referred the question of inviting members of the Athenaeum to the meetings of the Academy made the following Report.
“The Committee of the Academy appointed to consider what proposition should be made to the proprietors of the Athenaeum, in relation to the Admission of the said Proprietors, to the sessions of the Academy, have attended to the business, an d ask leave to report, that in their judgment, it is proper and expedient to invite such members of the Athenaeum as may desire to attend our meetings, to a number not exceeding forty, and that tickets to that extent be placed at the disposal of the government of the Athenaeum for this purpose.
The Committee also recommend that the Proprietors of the Athenaeum be requested to inform the Academy of the number that may probably attend our meetings in consequence of this communication.
They propose the following vote
Voted, That the Secretary be instructed to prepare suitable tickets, to be delivered to the trustees of the Athenaeum, not exceeding forty in number, for the admission of proprietors of the Athenaeum to the monthly sessions of the Academy.
{{Amendment of Mr. B. A. Gould.}}
Mr. B. A. Gould, offered an amendment providing that a suitable number of Tickets, be also placed at the disposal of the government of the Antiquarian, Oriental and Historical Societies. Not seconded.
The vote was then passed.
{{Report of Committee on Lectures}}
Mr. Wigglesworth, in behalf of the Committee appointed at the last meeting, Reported that he had received $742, from the sale of tickets and knew of the sale of a sufficient additional number to make up the number to $800.
[end page 389 | begin page 390]
{{388.}}
{{Election of W. P. Dexter}}
Dr. W. P. Dexter was balloted for, and duly elected a Fellow of the Academy in the section of Chemistry.
{{Supposed poisonous compound}}
Prof. Horsford addressed some enquiries to Dr. C. T. Jackson, as to whether he had made farther experiments upon the subject discussed at a recent meeting of the Academy, regarding the existence of a new and poisonous compound in ordinary Chloroform.
Dr. Jackson stated that he had not made any further experiments, but had convinced himself that this substance which he supposed to be the torchloride of amyle, but which had not yet been analyzed existed in Chloroform, generally to the amount at least of a fluid ounce to fifty lbs, of Chloroform.
A Rat and a Turtle had been subjected to the experiments and had died without the manifestation of anaesthesia. The blood in both of those animals after death was uncoagulated, as in the case of the persons poisoned by Chloroform.
In conclusion he warned the Academy that in the present state of our knowledge, it was highly dangerous to use Chloroform, & should in all cases be dilated with sulphuric ether.
Dr. Peirson enquired why sulphuric ether should be used rather than Alcohol to dilute the Chloroform.
{{Mr. C. T. Jackson’s remarks.}}
Dr. Jackson stated that the vapor of Alcohol was not so nearly of equal specific gravity with the vapor of chloroform, and that the two vapors would not mix in inhalation. Besides this, sulphuric ether was not so likely to produce asphyxia, but would mitigate the deadly sedative effects of Chloroform
Professor Horsford said that following the process indicated in the newspapers he had obtained the body alluded to. He had analyzed the fluid obtained, and found it to be nothing whatever but the fusel-oil distilled over again. He did not find any thing approaching the character of a ter. chlorid of
[end page 390 | begin page 391]
{{389.}}
Amyle. He was very much astonished that after the singular statements of Dr. Jackson severely criticized as they had been, and calculated as they were to alarm not only Physicians but the whole community, Dr. Jackson should have taken no steps towards verifying or testing his results.
He had found the experiments of Dr. Jackson upon Animals capable of being easily accounted for, under the assumption that the Animals were stifled
The Academy must pardon him if he used too strong expressions, but he did not believe that gentlemen occupying the position of Academicians, had any right to trifle with the feelings of the community. He did not believe the substance which Dr. Jackson obtained to be a new one, or capable of doing any harm to any one.
Dr Jackson replied that his time had been occupied by other scientific engagements, and was not at his own disposal. The body obtained was not fusel-oil.
Dr. W. F. Channing mentioned that he had seen a recent paragraph, purporting to eminate from Dr. Simpson in which he expressed a belief that deleterious substances often exist in Chloroform.
Dr. Jackson stated that he intended to continue the researches, and should inform the Academy of the results, As regarded the –
Dr Peirson did not consider Dr. Jackson’s argument against an alcoholic solution as sufficient. Physicians were entirely dependent upon the chemists, and must look to them for the necessary investigations, but his own experience had shown him that Alcohol was very effectual and useful in cases where it was desirable to dilute Chloroform for inhalations.
{{Mr. Brown Lequard on artificial muscular irritability.}}
On Motion of Prof. Lovering Mr. Bron Lequard, of Paris who was present, was invited to address the Academy.
Mr. S. stated that he had succeeded in producing muscular irritability, i.e. life in the muscles
[end page 391 | begin page 392]
{{390.}}
after decomposition had commenced, by means of injections of Blood repeated every two or three hours. But the fact of what he wished to speak this evening was quite different. He had found that muscles separated from the body might be maintained in a state of rigidity by the injection of Chloroform. After an interval of several days blood might be again introduced expelling the Chloroform and reinducing the irritability of the muscles. In one case after the lapse of ten days muscular life had been restored, by the injection of blood, through the amount of blood required was much greater than after a smaller interval Irritability might also sometimes be introduced though more rarely
In reply to the question of Dr. Pickering Mr. S. stated that the blood must be as fresh as possible, though it was capable of producing the effect when an hour old. IN one case in Paris he had found that blood which had been drawn for two hours had sufficed
With regard to the proper kind of blood for transfusion he had found that fibrise was not necessary, so that the operation can be performed with defibrinated blood. Bischoff had discovered that in those cases where the blood of one animal was poison to another, this quality was due solely to the fibrin so that defibrinated blood may be used in all cases for transfusion without deleterious results
There is another interesting fact viz. that animals which have not been fed for a long time have more fibrin in their blood than others.
{{Recording Secretary}}
Dr. Samuel Kneeland was elected Recording Secretary.
Dr. J. H. Bigelow informed the Academy that Mr. Brown Lequard intended giving a course of Lectures in Boston.
[end page 392 | begin page 393]
{{391.}}
{{Days of meeting.}}
It was voted that when this meeting adjourned it adjourn to the next monthly meeting and that the meetings be on the first Tuesday of each month
Adjourned
B. A. Gould Jr.
Recg. Sec.
Three hundred and seventy second Meeting.
December 7th 1852
The President in the Chair.
Present Messrs J. H. Abbot, S. L. Abbot, Alger, H. J. Bigelow, J. Bigelow, Bouve, H. I. Bowditch, S. Cabot, W. Channing, Folsom, A. A. Gould, A. Gray, Horsford, C. T. Jackson, J. B. S. Jackson, Kneeland, C. Pickering, O. Pickering, Peirce, Peirson, Quincy, Rogers, Reynolds, Swett, Treadwell, Wigglesworth, Worcester, J. Wyman, M. Wyman, M. Brown-Leguard, and Prof. Winlock of Kentucky.
{{Letters}}
The Corresponding secretary laid before the Academy a letter from the American Oriental Society acknowledging the reception of Vol. IV. Part 2, of the Academy’s Memoirs: also a letter from the Director of the Imperial Public Library of St. Petersburg presenting to the Academy a copy of the Catalogue of its Oriental manuscript, subtitled: “Catalougue des Manuscrits et Xylographes Orientaux de la Biblioteque Imperiale.”
{{Report of Committee on the Bye-laws.}}
Mr. J. H. Abbot read the Report of the Committee appointed to ascertain the discrepancies existing between the Bye-laws as written in the Records of the Academy and those as last printed. He moved that a Committee of three be appointed to make a general revision of the Statutes of the Academy, and to take into consideration the above Report. It was voted that this Committee consist of Messrs A. Gray, J. H. Abbot and A. A. Gould.
{{Prof. Winlock on Errors in Observations on the Sun.}}
Prof. Winlock, of Kentucky, made a verbal report on errors he had discovered in Bradley’s and Bessel’s Observations on the Sun, illustrated by diagrams.
{{Prof. Peirce’s remarks.}}
Prof. Peirce observed that this was a very remarkable application of the method of least squares, leading to the discovery of such a small difference between the printed observations and the true result. He
[end page 393 | begin page 394]
{{392.}}
gave other examples of the detection of errors by the application of this method, showing that even errors are regulated by laws. He remarked that with all our accuracy the diameter of the sun is not yet known; the best way to ascertain this is by an eclipse, but even this is open to doubts.
{{Prof. Peirce’s Remarks.}}
Prof. Peirce alluded to several errors attributed to him in some foreign journals, the idea that the orbit of the comet of 1689 was the same as that of 1843, had been erroneously attributed to him, he believed also that astronomers will yet acknowledge that there are two solutions to the perturbating actions of Neptune on Uranus.
{{Prof. J. Wyman on the cranium of Mastodon.}}
Dr. J. Wyman offered some remarks on the internal structure of the cranium of the Mastodon, he had compared the foramina through which the nerves escape from the cranial cavity with those in the skull of the Elephant; those transmitting the trigeminus and facial nerves were of similar proportions in the two, and tended to show that the Mastodon, as well as the Elephant, was provided with a trunk, the large size of the nerves indicating a corresponding development of muscular fibre and of sensitive surface in the face.
The front of the cranial cavity, which has not been described, corresponded with the extraordinary type met with in the Elephant, having similarly narrow and contracted auterior lobes; having the transverse diameter of the encephalon exceeding the longitudinal. Besides Elephants and Mastodons, this last condition exists only in Cetaceans.
He remarked upon the transition from the genus Mastodon to that of Elephant, as shown by the teeth in the different species discovered by Falconer and Coutley in Asia; and upon the similarity in the forms of the brains, as showing a much closer affinity between the two genera than had generally been supposed to exist.
{{Remarks on the supposed poisonous substance existing in Chloroform.}}
Dr. Peirson inquired if Dr. Jackson had made any farther observations on the deleterious substance of the existing in chloroform, and asked why an ethereal was better than an alcoholic solution of chloroform.
Dr. Jackson had seen several experiments made since the last meeting on different samples of commercial chloroform, in which had been found considerable quantities of the compound of chlorine and amyle which he considers poisonous. He thinks sulphuric ether is the only in which view he is sustained by Dr. Hayes.
[end page 394 | begin page 395]
{{393.}}
{{Discussion on Chloroform.}}
entirely safe anaesthetic agent. The chloric ether first used here was a weak solution; concentrated chloric ether is chloroform; that now used here is about one –third chloroform in alcoholic solution. There are many products of decomposition yet to be studied, more volatile than the chlorinated oils. Alcohol is less volatile than chloroform, ether is more volatile than chloroform; by breathing the alcoholic solution you get little else than chloroform. The only advantage in the ethereal solution is the reduction of the bulk of the anaesthetic agent; in the proportion of one-fifth chloroform to four-fifths ether, the compound may be breathed without danger, if air is freely admitted to the lungs.
Prof. Horsford inquired if Dr. Hayes had repeated the experiments on animals, and had analysed the body in question.
Dr. Jackson did not know.
Prof. Horsford remarked that the question amounts to this, it is maintained that the cause of the fatal accidents from the use of chloroform is a fusel oil and chlorine compound formed in it; the natural inference, therefore, would be that of this could be removed or prevented this agent would be save. As far as these experiments show he does not see any proof that the chlorine compound is the cause of the fatal effects.
Dr. Jackson observed that chloroform, even our purest specimens, undergoes decomposition by sun-light, and even by diffused daylight, giving out a strong odor of chloride; a green product is formed, which he had not yet analysed. There are some very pure English varieties, which do not thus undergo decomposition.
Dr. M. Wyman inquired if the article obtained by Prof. Horsford was the same as that used by Dr. Jackson; Prof. Horsford replied that his was prepared according to the formula given in the newspapers. In reply to Dr. Wyman’s experiments with fusel oil, Dr. Jackson said that he wished to be distinctly understood that his compound is not fusel oil.
Dr. Peirson only wished to know which of the anaesthetic agents was the most effectual, safe, and convenient; he had never seen any dangerous effects from chloric ether; he had never perceived any change, or odor of chlorine in it; he had kept patents under its influence for hours at a time without the least inconvenience, a toleration seems to be established in the system by use. Chloroform seems to be generally given up in this vicinity as too dangerous; but he was unwilling to give up chloric ether unless it can be shown to be more dangerous than sulphuric ether. He does not believe any
[end page 395 | begin page 396]
{{394.}}
{{Discussion of chloroform.}}
anaesthetic agent is absolutely safe; he thinks, however, choric as safe as sulphuric ether.
Dr. Channing inquired if Dr. Perison had ever seen a case in which serious injury had been caused by sulphuric ether; from the use of chloric ether he had recently seen very dangerous symptoms. He had seen Chloroform used very freely in Scotland without any dangerous symptoms, in England there is a great prejudice against it, while on the Continent it is used almost to the exclusion of sulphuric ether. He did not believe it possible to cause death in the human subject by sulphuric ether vapor inhaled into the lungs.
Dr. Peirson replied that in one case he had seen a speedy death where sulphuric ether had been administered, though he thought the death was due to rather the shock of the operation (amputation at the shoulder joint) than to the anaesthetic agent. He has known chloroform used with great profusion without harm. The penetrating and suffocating odor of sulphuric ether, its comparatively slow operation, the great quantity necessary to be used, the headache and other unpleasant consequences attending its use, he thought very great objections to it; moreover he does not believe it may not cause death in some peculiarly sensitive constitutions.
Dr. Jackson, in reply to a question of Dr. Wyman whether the poison of chloroform is the fusel oil it contains, said that he believed it to be the chlorinated oils contained in it, though he was not positive. He stated that a person had been killed at Chelsea hospital by chloric ether, one-third chloroform in 90 per cent alcohol.
Dr. A. A. Gould mentioned a case of the same trifling operation, (the removal of a toe-nail) 15 years ago, in which death took place, without doubt from the shock of the operation, which is very painful.
Dr. Peirson observed that death from pain is not uncommon, and mentioned a case of simple pain in the hip which proved fatal. This source of error could be taken into account, as in the case of amputation at the shoulder joint, in making up tables of deaths under the use of anesthetic agents.
Prof. Peirce inquired if the supposed poisonous product was always a compound of amyle. Dr. Jackson replied that it was.
Dr. H. J. Bigelow though the death in these cases wad due both to ether and the shock of the operation; he mentioned a case of amputation of the thigh, in which sulphuric ether had been given, which terminated fatally in half an hour; yet this is no argument against sulphuric ether; it was the mere chance of the operation, which will terminate fatally in a certain
[end page 396 | begin page 397]
{{395.}}
{{Discussion of Etherization}}
number of cases under any circumstances; and this happened to be one of the unfortunate cases. There is strong evidence against chloroform, as we get it; chloric ether has produced death in a few cases; sulphuric ether has not, and is beyond question the safest.
Mr. Brown-Sequard has found that asphyxia produces tetanus, or tonic spasm; one symptom sometimes seen in etheurization is stertorous respiration with closure of the glottis; there is also a spasmodic contractions of the obicularis oris muscle, and also a contraction of the pupil; these he believes, with M. Brown-Sequard, to be the results of asphyxia. The fact of contraction of the pupil during profound narcotism is interesting, as in this state the pupil is almost always dilated.
M. Brown-Sequard observed that convulsions have been long known to occur in asphyxia; he maintains that they do not occur from the necessity of respiration (lesoir de respierer) but from the stimulus produced by carbonic acid in the venous blood; these convulsions will occur, though more feebly, even after the section of the great nerves.
Dr. Peirson mentioned a case of extreme contraction of the pupil in a case of tetanus, treated by a single grain of morphine applied to a blistered surface.
Dr. Jackson did not believe that anaesthesia is mere drunkenness, but dependent on some action of the nervous substance and the blood globules; he did not believe that the action of alcohol taken into the stomach was at all like that of ether taken into the lungs; in fact, partial intoxification is extremely unfavorable to the production of anaesthesia.
Dr. Peirson alluded to the great efficacy of chloric ether applied externally over painful parts of the body.
The Meeting was then dissolved
Saml Kneeland Jr.
Recording Secretary
[end page 397 | begin page 398]
{{396.}}
Three hundred and seventy third Meeting.
January 4th 1853.
The President in the Chair.
Present Messrs. S. L. Abbot, J. Bigelow, W. Channing, W. F. Channing, A. A. Gould, C. T. Jackson, Kneeland, Reynolds, Shurtleff, Storer, Swett, and Wigglesworth.
{{Dr. c. t. Jackson on Fusel Oil.}}
Dr. C. T. Jackson observed that the fusel oil of commerce contains only half amylic alcohol, the other half being common alcohol; in order to obtain it pure it is necessary to wash it, treat it with potash, and redistil [sic], hence we have a fruitful source of error in experiment with this oil. He mentioned cases of death in animals from small quantities of the pure oil, showing that it is of itself poisonous. He did not believe it dangerous in the doses given in medicine.
Dr. W. Channing made some remarks on meteorological phenomena noticed by him in a recent voyage to Europe; among others, the remarkable brilliancy of the nights in Russia compared with more southern latitudes; also the extreme dryness of the air.
Dr. A. A. Gould inquired if phthisis was prevalent in this dry air, depending as it does on coolness and moisture combined. Dr. Channing replied that he believed Russia was comparatively free from this disease.
{{Dr. W. F. Channing on the velocity of sound.}}
Dr. W. F. Channing gave an account of the experiments on the velocity of sound recently made in this vicinity by Capt. Wilkes. The discharge of the cannon was made to break the circuit in a telegraph wire, thus marking exactly the time of discharge and the observance of the sound, and avoiding the personal errors of watching for the flash and recording the exact time. He described an instrument of his invention for recording the first vibration of air from the cannon’s discharge. The results are not yet fully compared, so as to show the differences from the dryness or dampness of the air, difference of elevation, intervening hills, &c.
{{Donation of Hon. Jonn. Phillips.}}
The Treasurer announced a donation from the Hon. Jonathan Phillips of one thousand dollars to the general fund of the Academy. Having consulted with the late Treasurer, he had invested it in eleven shares of the Providence Rail Road Company’s Stock, and had received a certificate for their number of shares as
[end page 398 | begin page 399]
{{397.}}
belonging to the Academy.
{{Vote of thanks to Hon. J. Phillips.}}
Whereupon, it was unanimously voted:
“that the thanks of the Academy be presented to the Hon. Jonathan Phillips, for the generous contribution of one thousand dollars to its funds, for the purpose of promoting the progress of science.”
{{Proceeds of the Lectures of the Academy.}}
The President announced that the Academy would receive for its course of lectures about $700. above the expenses.
{{Lectures before the Lowell Institute by Members of the Academy.}}
He also announced, from a correspondence with Mr. Lowell that a course of twelve lectures would be given for the Lowell Institute by members of the Academy, the next year, for which the Academy would receive the sum of one thousand dollars.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
Samuel Kneeland Jr.
Recording Secretary.
Three hundred and seventy fourth Meeting.
Stated Meeting.
January 26th 1853. 3 ½ P.M.
The President in the Chair.
Present Messrs. J. H. Abbot, Appleton, Bacon, H. J. Bigelow, J. Bigelow, Bouve, H. I. Bowditch, J. I. Bowditch, Bowen, E. C. Cabot, W. F. Channing, Diswell, J. B. Emerson, Felton, Folsom, Gray, Hayes, C. Jackson Jr, C. T. Jackson, J. B. S. Jackson, Jenks, Kneeland, Lovering, Parsons, Peirce, C. Pickering, Quincy, Sherwin, Shurtleff, Treadwell, Walker, Wigglesworth, and J. Wyman.
{{Letters from M. Rokitansky and Royal Institution}}
The Corresponding Secretary laid before the Academy a letter from Prof. Rokitansky accepting membership of the Academy, also letters from the Royal Institution of Lieut Britain, and the Geological Society of London, acknowledging the re-
[end page 399 | begin page 400]
{{398.}}
ception of Vol. 4. Part 2, New Series, of the Academy’s Memoirs.
{{Investments of the Surplus Funds of the Academy}}
The Treasurer reported that he had invested the surplus funds of the Academy, and requested that the investment be confirmed. Whereupon it was voted: “that the Treasurer’s purchase of F. Skinner & Co’s acceptance of Ezra C. Hutchins Treasurer’s draft, for 2500 dollars, due 8th/11th July next, be confirmed.”
{{Report of the Committee on the late course of Lectures of the Academy.}}
The President, on behalf of the Subcommittee appointed last year to carry out the plan adopted by the Academy for a course of Lectures in Boston made the following report.
“That a course of twelve lectures by members of the Academy appointed for the purpose has been completed within the last three months in this city.
Through the liberality of John A. Lowell, Esqr. of this city, Trustee of the Lowell Institute, the Academy have been furnished with a lecture room, lights, attendance, and other accommodations, free of all expense.
It will appear by the Treasurer’s accounts that a gross sum has been received from the proceeds of these lectures, which, it is believed, will be sufficient, after payment of expenses, to relieve the Academy from its immediate liabilities.
The Committee are of opinion that the influence of this course of Lectures has been beneficial to the Academy, by bringing the institution into nearer contact with the community at large, by making better known its character and claims, and by awakening public sympathy and liberality toward the objects of its pursuit. And they are led to believe that a repetition of such a course in future years may be made both creditable and advantageous to the Academy.
{{Plan for a second course of Lectures.}}
Under this conviction the Committee have made application to Mr. Lowell for an arrangement by which one course of the Lowell lectures shall be delivered next year by members of the Academy appointed for the purpose, the proceeds of the course to be devoted to the objects of the Academy. To this application Mr. Lowell has returned an answer which leads the committee to believe that no obstacle will exist to carrying out the plan in a manner satisfactory to both parties.
The Committee therefore recommend the passage of the following votes by the Academy.
[end page 400 | begin page 401]
{{399.}}
{{Vote of Thanks to Hon. J. A. Lowell.}}
“Voted, that the thanks of the Academy be presented to John A. Lowell, Esqr. for the liberal and satisfactory manner in which he had caused them to be accommodated during the delivery of their course of lectures.
Voted, that the Academy will appoint twelve lecturers of their members to deliver one course of Lowell lectures on such subjects as shall be conformable to the objects of the Lowell foundation, and acceptable to the Trustee of the Lowell fund.
Voted, that a committee of [blank] be appointed with full powers to make the necessary arrangements with Mr. Lowell for the above purpose, and also to appoint the lecturers, subject to the approval of the Academy.”
{{Report of Committee on Lectures before the Lowell Institute.}}
{Committee.}
Jacob Bigelow
Saml. A. Eliot
Geo. B. Emerson
Boston. Jan. 20. 1853.
Report Accepted.
It was then voted to amend the second vote by erasing “twelve lecturers” and substituting “a suitable number of”, and to fill the blank in the 3d vote by inserting the number “five”.
The former committee, consisting of Jacob Bigelow, Saml. A. Eliot, and Geo. B. Emerson, with the addition of Prof. Treadwell and Prof. Peirce, were chosen.
The Report was then adopted, and the votes passed.
{{List of Members.}}
Prof. Lovering moved that the provisional list of members, printed for the use of the Academy, be adopted. Voted.
On motion of Prof. Gray, the list was referred to a Committee of three, for revisal, to report at a future meeting.
Prof. Gray, Prof. Parsons, and Mr. Folsom were appointed the committee.
{{Prof. Peirce on the Ericsson Engine.}}
Prof. Peirce made a communication on the Ericsson engine, which has been regarded as showing that head can be used over and over again as a motive power. The idea that power once used can not be used again he considered a fundamental rule, which has only a single exception, that of steam; and event his exception rests on two hypotheses, one assuming as certain the experiments which are said to prove it, and the other assuming that heat is power.
[end page 401 | begin page 402]
{{400.}}
{{Prof. Peirce on the Ericsson Engine.}}
In the first place he showed that this engine does not use the heat over and over again, and that when the air in the cylinders becomes expanded, in other words whenever work is done, (for no work is done while the piston is descending) heat is lost irrecoverably, and can only be resupplied by more fuel.
In the second place he showed that with the same amount of fuel, not so much work was done, nor was it so well done, as by steam. Still it was an exceedingly ingenious and well perfected method of using hot air as a motive power, and in certain cases may become quite a rival of the steam engine.
He gave a minute description of the different parts of the engine, illustrated by diagrams. In the large cylinder the pressure never exceeds five pounds to the square inch, and never can, unless the heat be raised above 550˚. Which is the maximum temperature said to be used in his engine, to get 15 lbs to the square inch he must heat his cylinder to 1000˚, or to a read heat. Prof. Peirce used 480˚ in his calculations.
This engine has 4 cylinders, 9 strokes a minute, 6 feet stroke, and 150square feet of piston; it is said to consume only 6 tons of coal a day. He calculated the working power of the engine, which is only 116 horse-power; he compared this with the Baltic steam-ship, with 2314 horse-power, 20times the power of Ericsson’s engine; to raise the Ericsson to the Baltic’s power, 120 tons of coal a day would have to be used, while the Baltic uses only 80; so that the economy of fuel, one of the great advantages ascribed to the Ericsson, is in reality in favor of steam vessels. The power of the Ericsson would be nothing against a head sea, and her speed of 8 miles an hour on her trial trip in less than steam vessels, of inferior model, made ten years ago. As yet the Ericsson engine has not only not surpassed steam vessels, but it has not even equaled them.
As to the alleged saving of heat, it loses 60˚ of heat at each stroke, which must be made up; the maximum heat in the wire-gauze apparatus is 30˚ below the heat in the cylinders; all the air in the cylinders mush have supplied to it 60˚ of heat. At least one-half a pound pressure, to the inch, and probably much more, is required to force the air through the wire gauze.
Dr. Bowditch alluded to the instrument called the “Respirator”, as analogous in its action to the wire gauze.
[end page 402 | begin page 403]
{{401.}}
{{Prof. Peirce on the Ericsson Engine}}
in Ericsson’s engine, in which the heat is often so retained as to be uncomfortable to the patient. Prof. Peirce observed that this apparatus of Ericsson was undoubtedly of great value for the working of this engine.
{{Prof. Treadwell on the same.}}
Prof. Treadwell remarked that this same analogy had been brought forward in 1847 in regard to Stirling’s engine, which had an advantage over Ericsson’s that it used the same air over and over again. Air has the advantage of one-half or two-thirds over steam in the matter of specific heat, and if it could be used as conveniently, without forcing pumps, &c, it would be far superior as a motive power; but as yet the chief obstacles have not been removed.
{{Dr. W. F. Channing on the same.}}
Dr. W. F. Channing observed that Prof. Peirce in his calculation had used the power necessary to double the speed in a given time as the cube, whereas in the published accounts it had been given
{about ¾ lb. working power to the inch}
as the square; and that this so little power had been left, [indication to insert marginalia here] that it seemed quite providential that the vessel had moved at all. To which it was replied that when the element “space” is added to the formula, the square becomes doubled, or the cube.
On motion of Prof. Lovering, it was voted that when this Stated Meeting adjourn, it be to the Meeting of the first Tuesday in February.
As there was not time for the transaction of other business the Meeting then adjourned.
Samuel Kneeland Jr.
Recording Secretary.
Three hundred and seventy fifth meeting.
February 1. 1853. The Academy met by invitation at the house of the President.
Adjourned Stated Meeting.
The President in the Chair.
Present Messrs J. H. Abbot, S. L. Abbot, H. J. Bigelow, J. Bigelow, Bouve, H. J. Bowditch, J. I. Bowditch, Bowen, S. Cabot, W. F. Channing, A. A. Gould, A. Gray, Greene, Hayes, C. Jackson Jr. J. B. S. Jackson, Kneeland, Lovering, F. C. Lowell, Peirce,
[end page 403 | begin page 404]
{{402.}}
Pierson, Rogers, Sherwin, Shurtleff, Storer, Swett, Treadwell, and J. Wyman
Prof. Lovering reported that the map of the Tornado at Medford was engraved, and that the Report by Prof. Eustis was in the printer’s hands, and would probably be finished in a few weeks.
{{C. Jackson Jr. on the Ericsson Engine.}}
Mr. Charles Jackson Jr, in reference to the discussion of the last meeting on the Ericsson engine, said that the calculation showed that the efficient pressure was ¾ of a lb. average. He did not believe that this was enough to overcome to more friction of the engine, and thought there must be an error in the facts on which the calculation, that gave this result, was based.
He believed the air engine working at about 500˚, of cutting off at ½ to 2/3 of the stroke, and give the same result as a non-condensing expansive steam engine working with 15 lbs. of steam.
Steam at that pressure having about the same weight as common air, but the latent heat of the steam being twice to 500˚ the air required, and the capacity of water for heat being hearby [sic] four times that of air, the steam engine required eight times as much fuel as the air engine did. Half the power of the air engine would be used in working the supply pump, leaving the air engine still four times better than the steam engine, even without any regenerator. The amount of heating surface required would be a great deal less with air than with water. At hot blast iron smelting furnaces, which he has observed, there was five times as much air heated to 600˚, as there was water boiled off for the engine, and yet the hot air ovens did not occupy one-tenth of the room the boilers required.
{{Prof. Treadwell on the same.}}
Prof. Treadwell remarked that it was a matter of every day’s observation that, as to the heat conducting surface of iron necessary with air and with water, the advantage was very much in favor of water, over 20 to 1.
{{Prof. Peirce on the same.}}
Prof. Peirce reaffirmed his statements of the preceding meeting, with a few modifications not changing his general results. He said that accurate measurements by the Coast Survey show that the actual speed of the Ericsson was only seven miles an hour, ,which, compared with the speed of the Collins Steamers, would make the Ericsson consume 25 per cent more fuel than the latter.
At the former meeting he had not considered the “cut off”, which gives a result more in favor
[end page 404 | begin page 405]
{{403.}}
Of the Ericsson, though this advantage is compensated by the error he made in favor of the Ericsson engine by taking the heat of the cylinders at 480˚, whereas the actual hat used was only 384˚. The “cut off” may be so short that the regenerator would be useless, the air going in and out at the same temperature, though more fuel would be required in this way. The shorter the “cut off”, the greater would be the theoretical power, provided [jar] could get the air in. The “cut off” in this engine is ¾ of the stroke; for 1/4 of the stroke these would be a pressure of 3/5 above an atmosphere, and for the other ¾ of the stroke only 1/5 above an atmosphere. One pound pressure would be required to force the air out through the wire gauze, instead of the ½ lb. previously maintained; and 1 1/5 lb. pressure to force it in.
{{Dr. W. F. Channing on the Ericsson Engine.}}
Dr. W. F. Channing remarked that the difference in the loss of power from paddles entering the water, (which is great in steam vessels,) and the less amount of friction, give more power to this engine. He thought that, deducting 1 lb. pressure (necessary to force the air through the wire gauze) in place of ½ lb. allowed by Prof. Peirce, [indication to insert footnote here] there would be a pressure of minus 7/20 lbs. to an inch inside the cylinder, or in other words that the engine was worked by an outside atmospheric pressure acting inwards.
{{Election of Prof. J. P. Cooke and Prof. Joel Parker}}
Prof. J. P. Cooke, and Prof. Joel Parker, of Cambridge, were elected Fellows of the Academy; the former in the Section of Chemistry, the latter in the section of Philosophy & Jurisprudence.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
Samuel Kneeland Jr.
Recording Secretary.
{{there is a pressure of only ¼ lb. left; and deducting from this 40 horse power (equivalent to 2/5 of a lb pressure, by Prof. Peirce’s calculation) for the loss from the paddles entering the water, and 1/5 lb. pressure for additional friction,}}
[end page 405 | begin page 406]
{{404.}}
Three hundred and seventy sixth Meeting.
Monthly Meeting.
March. 1st. 1853.
The President in the Chair.
Present Messrs. Bacon, J. Bigelow, E. C. Cabot, S. Cabot, W. F. Channing, A. A. Gould, A. Gray, F. C. Gray, Folsom, Cooke, C. Jackson Jr, Kneeland, Parker, Shurtleff, Swett, Treadwell, and Wigglesworth.
{{Letter from Judge Parker.}}
The Corresponding Secretary announced that he had received a letter from Judge Parker accepting membership of the Academy.
He also gave notice to the Librarian that he had sent a volume of the text of the voyage of the “Bonite” to Europe, for a pattern for the binding of the remaining volumes which had hitherto been delayed on this account.
{{Prof. Treadwell on the Ericsson Engine.}}
Prof. Treadwell observed that the speed of the Ericsson in her trip to Washington was about six geographical miles an hour. He mentioned that 100-gun ships, of a model far inferior to that of the Ericsson, had made nearly 12 miles an hour in trial trips to England with steam engines of 350 and 400 horse-power; this being twice the velocity of the Ericsson, the power required would be eight times that of the Ericsson, which was far from the power used. The Ericsson consumed 5 tons (and a fraction) of coral a day; to get double the velocity as in the English vessels, supposing the resistance the same (which it is not, on account of the vastly superior model of the Ericsson) about 45 tons would be consumed, which is more than was consumed by the steam vessels above mentioned. So that the experiment after all is not very promising in favor of the caloric engine.
{{Dr. W. F. Channing on the same.}}
Dr. W. F. Channing observed that it is admitted that there is a saving of about one-third of fuel in the caloric engine; that it must be an important improvement for stationary engines, even if it showed not be found compact enough for sea-going vessels. An article in the Scientific American gives to the Ericsson 250 horse-power.
Prof. Treadwell remarked that you could get very nearly as much power from the amount of coal used by the Ericsson employed in the generation of steam, on account of the far greater expansive power of the latter.
{{C. Jackson on the same.}}
Mr. Charles Jackson Jr. said that actual experiments by the
[end page 406 | begin page 407]
{{405.}}
Thermometer have proved that 360˚ of heat are saved by the regenerator, these being only 30˚ difference between the temperature of the air going out and that gong in.
{{Prof. Gray on Trichomanes.}}
Prof. Gray alluded to a very interesting botanical discovery in this country, viz, the finding of two species of Trichomanes in the North-West corner of Alabama; species of a group of ferns, of very delicate texture, usually confined to the moistest parts of the tropics or to islands having a moist air and equable temperature [indication to insert footnote here] (see below)
{{Hymenophyllum ciliatum}}
Though mentioned by Parsh, the [indication to insert marginalia here] was probably never seen by him, and this is the first time that the existence of a Fern of this tribe in the United States has
{{Trichomanes exhibited by Dr. Gray was}}
been ascertained beyond doubt. The small species of [indication to insert marginalia here] doubtless a new species, which he will describe hereafter; the other is probably the Trichomanes radicaus, found in the South Western parts of Ireland, and also widely scattered in the tropics. He mentioned that the latter is very frequently cultivated in the glazed cases invented by Mr. Ward;
without such
{{treatment it is uncultivable.}}
[indication to insert footnote here] The wide range of the ferns having been alluded to, a discussion arose on the difficult question of specific characters. Many supposed identical species of animals have been found on close examination and actual comparison to be different; and the same may be true of the cosmopolite ferns.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
Samuel Kneeland Jr.
Recording Secretary.
{{A Hymenophyllum, another genus of this group was enumerated by Wildenow, as a native of Pennsylvania, probably through some mistake.}}
[end page 407 | begin page 408]
{{406.}}
Three hundred and seventy seventh Meeting.
Monthly Meeting.
April 5. 1853.
The President in the Chair.
Present Messrs J. H. Abbot, S. L. Abbot, Appleton, Bacon, Beck, J. Bigelow, Bouve, H. I. Bowditch, W. Channing, W. F. Channing, Folsom, A. A. Gould, A. Gray, Greene, Horsford, J. B. S. Jackson, Kneeland, O. Pickering, Shurtleff, Storer, Swett, Wigglesworth, and J. Wyman.
{{Letters from Dr. W. P. Dexter. and W. Valtemare.}}
The Correspond Secretary read a letter from Dr. Wm. P. Dexter, accepting Membership of the Academy.
He also read a letter from M. Vatterware, presenting to the Society Parts 1&2 of Volume 6 of the “Memoires du Museum d’Histoire Naturelle”, of Paris. Also communicating the report of M. Silvermann, on the weights and measures sent by U.S. Government to French Government, [illegible] M. Vatterware. From the Museum l’Hist. Nat. Par.
{{Folsom on the formation of scientific names.}}
Mr. Folsom made some remarks on the propriety of the adoption by the Academy of some standard for the formation of new scientific names derived from foreign languages; and suggested that more care be taken in the pronunciation of Latin and other names, specific and generic, in the debates of the Academy. An informal discussion took place a various philological points, chiefly in regard to the rules to be followed in forming generic and specific names in natural history.
{{Prof. Horsford on “Leprosy in a House.”}}
Prof. Horsford made some remarks explanatory of a part of the 14th Chapter of Leviticus, in which is described the signs and treatment of “leprosy” in a house.
He alluded to the decomposition of sulphate of iron when subjected to decomposing animal matter, and its change into the sulphuret, or iron pyrites. This last oxidates very easily, and is the cause of the stains and other injuries often seen in stones used for building purposes; he mentioned several buildings which had thus been disfigured, and remarked that the Washington Monument would in course of time be defaced for this cause.
{{37th verse.}}
The leprosy is described as being
in the walls of the house, with hollow streaks, greenish or reddish, which in sight are lower than the wall” and the remedy is given, the removal of the affected stones, their replacement by others, and the scraping and plastering of the house.
He thought that the “leprosy of the house” alluded to was
[end page 408 | begin page 409]
{{407.}}
caused by the decomposition of this salt of iron; the greenish color being due to the presence of the sulphate, and the reddish to the carbonate of the peroxide of iron. The lime stone used for building in that locality he had found to contain iron pyrites.
He also alluded to a leprosy in clothing, arising from a spontaneous change in the improperly cleansed wool from which they were made.
{{Dr. J. Bigelow on Epidemics}}
Dr. Bigelow, alluding to a supposed connexion between leprosy and this change in the walls of the house, observed that the cause of epidemics is completely unknown, and that the reference of them to specific causes has always been in proportion to the ignorance of a people.
{{Prof. J. Wyman on arrest of development in Frogs from cold & darkness.}}
Prof. Jeffries Wyman made a verbal communication on the effects of physical agents on the development of life. He had repeated some of the experiments of Edwards on the influence of a low temperature and the absence of light on the development of frogs.
The tadpoles experimented upon were those of the common Bull-frog (Rava pipiens. L[illegible].). These under ordinary circumstances are hatched in the Spring, and acquire their full growth during the Autumn, when a few undergo their metamorphosis; but in the larger number this does not take place till the following Spring, the tadpole period lasting about one year.
Nov. 8th 1851 about thirty tadpoles, contained in a trough holding about a barrel of water, were introduced into a dark closet in a cellar; the water was occasionally changed, and they were well supplied with food, consisting of cauferae, leaves, grass, and some animal matters. The thermometer in the closet ranged from 33˚ to about 60˚ F. They measured, at the time of introduction, between three and four inches in length; as they were probably hatched in the spring, they were, therefore, about six months old
During the month of September 1852 (about 10 months after they were introduced nto the cellar) a few were removed to another trough, which, though under cover, was exposed to the ordinary light & the temperature of the air; these tadpoles soon exhibited signs of metamorphosis; their legs were developed and their tails absorbed.
The remainder have now been seventeen months in the cellar, and if (as ther can be but little doubt) they were hatched in the spring of 1851, the are now (April 1853) at
[end page 409 | begin page 410]
{{408.}}
{{Prof. Wyman on arrest of development in Frogs.}}
least nearly two years old. In the meantime they have not materially changed in size; the legs, which were rudiments when they were introduced, have not increased, and, as far as appears, the tadpoles have no tendency to metamorphosis.
Assuming the natural larva period to be one year, (and this corresponds with observation, that period has in this experiment been extended to nearly double its usual duration.
It was noticed that, when the thermometer was at its greatest depression, the tadpoles exhibited a much greater degree of activity than fully developed frogs, exposed in the same closet to the same degrees of light and heat. The tadpoles were frequently moving about when the frogs were wholly torpid.
{{Hour of Meeting.}}
On motion of Dr. Shurtleff, it was voted: that the hour of meeting be 7 ½ P.M.
The Librarian presented Arvine’s Cyclopaedia of Literature, in the names of Messrs Gould and Lincoln.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Samuel Kneeland Jr
Recording Secretary
Three hundred and seventy eighth Meeting.
May 3. 1853.
Monthly Meeting.
The Vice-President in the Chair.
Present Messrs J. H. Abbot, Cooke, Folsom, A. Gray, Horsford, J. B. S. Jackson, C. Pickering, Peirce, Sherwin, and Shurtleff.
The Corresponding Secretary was chosen to act as Recording Secretary in the absence of that officer.
The records of the last meeting were read.
{{Letters presented by Lieut. Gillis, from University of Chili}}
The Corresponding Secretary read a letter from Lieut. S. W. Gillis, U.S.N. presenting from the Council of the University of Chili, a copy of the “Anales de la Universitad de Chile”, which was laid on the table
[end page 410 | begin page 411]
{{409.}}
{{“Voyage de la Bouite” placed in the Library.}}
The Secretary stated that Mr. Hector Bossange had liberally replaced the imperfect copy of the “Voyage de la Bouite”, ordered of him by the Library Committee, by a new and complete copy, wanting only one volume of letter-press (Bontanique) which has not yet been published. The copy was placed in the Library.
{{Prof. Peirce & Treadwell on the Caloric Engine.}}
Prof. Peirce made a communication on the caloric engine, in reference to the relations of different gasses and vapors to heat.
Prof. Treadwell followed with some remarks on the same subject.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
Attest
Three hundred and seventy ninth Meeting.
Annual Meeting
May. 24. 1853.
President in the Chair.
{{Adjournment of the Annual Meeting.}}
The Academy met at 3 ½ P.M.; the attendance of Members being very small from the Inauguration of President Walker occurring on the same day at Cambridge, the meeting was adjourned to May 31 at 3 ½ P.M.
S. Kneeland Jr
Recording Secretary.
[end page 411 | begin page 412]
{{410.}}
Three hundred and eightieth Meeting.
Adjourned Annual Meeting.
May 31. 1853.
Vice President in the Chair.
Present Messrs. J. H. Abbot, S. L. Abbot, Agassiz, Beck, Bouve, Dixwell, Folsom, B. A. Gould, Jr, A. Gray, F. C. Gray, Guyot, G. Hayward, Jenks, Kneeland, Lovering, Paine, Peirce, C. Pickering, Shurtleff, Sparks, Swett, Treadwell, and Wigglesworth.
The Records of the last Annual, and the last stated meeting were read.
{{Letters from the Academy of Belgium, from Royal Soc. Of London, from Royal Institution of Great Britain.}}
The Corresponding Secretary announced that he had received letters, from the Royal Academy of Belgium, and the Royal Society of London, acknowledging the reception of Vol. 4. Part 2, of the Memoirs of the Academy, from the Royal Institution of Great Britain, acknowledging the reception of Vol. 2, of the old Series, of the Memoirs, and Vol. 2. Pp. 233 to 359 of the Proceedings of the Academy, a letter from M. Valtemare presenting, from the Secretary of the
Statistical Committee of Belgium 15 pamphlets on Political Economy and Statistics;
{{M. Valtemare on a uniform system of weights, measures, & currency.}}
also urging on the notice of the Academy the advantage of the adoption by all civilized nations of a uniform standard of weights & measures, and currency, and a letter from the Curator of the Museum of Practical Geology of London, presenting, from the British Government, through Sir Henry de la Beche, several valuable works on Geology published under his superintendance.
{{Report of Committee on the Lecturers for the 2nd course of Lectures.}}
The Committee of the Academy to whom was assigned, at the last stated meeting, the duty of engaging twelve lecturers for the course before the Lowell Institute during the ensuing write,
Report:
“That the following gentlemen, applied to by them, have consented to give the number of lectures opposite their names, and as the subject annexed:
Hon. Edward Everett: Introductory Lecture. On Grotius.
Prof. Asa Gray: 2 lectures. On the relations of Planets to the Sun.
Prof. Henry D. Rogers. On the Arctic Regions.
Hon. Joel Parker. On the Science of Law.
[end page 412 | begin page 413]
{{411.}}
Charles Jackson, Jr. Esqr On “What manufacturing is.”
Prof. H. L. Eustis. On the “Brittanica bridge.”
Prof. J. Lovering. 2 lectures: On “What is matter.” And “What are bodies.”
Augustus A. Gould M.D. On “Aquatic Life”
Prof. J. P. Cooke: On “Light.”
Prof. A. Guyot. (2 lectures) On “Psychological and Physical Characters of the Nations of Europe compared with those of the American people
{for the Committee, Jacob Bigelow, Chairman}
The Report was accepted.
{{Treasurer’s Report.}}
The Treasurer presented his Report; which was accepted. It is as follows.
Treasurer’s Report
Drs. American Academy Rumford Fund in a/c with Edw Wigglesworth Treas Cr.
[table]
The above account has been examined by the undersigned & found to be properly vouched and correctly cast. The evidences of the property therein Mentioned as remaining in the treas. hands have been shown to the undersigned & found correct.
(Signed) Charles Jackson Jr
[end page 413 | begin page 414]
{{412.}}
Dr. American Academy General Fund in a/c with Edw Wigglesworth Treas Cr
[table]
The above account has been examined by the undersigned & found to be properly vouched and correctly cast. The evidence of the property therein mentioned as remaining in the treas hands have been shown to the undersigned & found correct. (Signed) C. Jackson Jr.
{{On [Treas account] of surplus funds.}}
The following order, proposed by the Treasurer, was passed:
Ordered “That the Treasurer be authorized to loan or invest during the coming year any money belonging, or that may accrue to the Academy beyond the amount needed for its expenses.”
Messrs Bowen and C. Jackson Jr. were appointed a Committee to examine and audit the Treasurer’s accounts.
[end page 414 | begin page 415]
{{413.}}
{{Report of Publishing Committee.}}
Prof. Lovering read the Report of the Publishing Committee.
The Report was accepted.
Prof. Lovering announced that Vol. 5.Part 1. of the Academy’s Memoirs, and the Map of the Tornado at Medford, were completed and ready for distribution.
{{Choice of officers.}}
It was voted: that the Academy proceed to the choice of Officers for the ensuing year.
Voted: that the ballot boxes be closed at 5 o’clock.
Messrs B. a. Gould and Bouve were appointed Scrutineers.
{{Prof. Lovering on the death of Prof. J. Farrar.}}
Prof. Lovering alluded in an appropriate manner to the death of the late Prof. Farrar, and called the attention of the Academy to the important services he had rendered to science during a long and honored life. After enumerating his most important contributions to science, he proposed the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:
{{Prof. Lovering’s Resolutions.}}
Resolved: “That the Academy are deeply sensible of the loss they have sustained by the long illness and recent death of John Farrar L.L.D. formerly Hollis Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in Harvard College. Although his inspiring presence has not been with us for a period of yeas which now equals two-thirds of a generation, we still remember with gratitude his various official service to the Academy, and his valuable contributions to science, in the flower of his life. We remember still the poetical ardor with which he cultivated his favorite sciences, the fervor and enthusiasm with which he taught them, and the rare fascination and eloquence with which he discoursed upon them. We also remember the silent eloquence which beamed from his countenance in sickness and even in death. For his rich intellectual gifts and his Christian dignity and courtesy, which many of us enjoyed so long, we would ever hold him in grateful remembrance.”
Resolved: “That the Corresponding Secretary of the Academy be requested to communicate these proceedings to Mrs. Farrar, and to assure her of the sympathy which the members of the Academy feel for her in this her hour of heavy bereavement.”
{{Prof. Peirce on the death of Prof. Farrar.}}
Prof. Peirce alluded in terms of administration to the important services rendered to Mathematical Science by Mr. Farrar, and ascribed to him more than to any other man the adoption of the present admirable system of instruction in the Mathematical Sciences.
[end page 415 | begin page 416]
{{414.}}
{Prof. Treadwell on the death of Prof. Farrar.}}
Prof. Treadwell followed in some feeling remarks on the many beautiful traits in the character of Mr. Farrar, and especially on his readiness and willingness to communicate his varied knowledge, and to assist in every way in his power every follower of Science, however, humble, who might apply to him for advice and instruction.
{{Services of the late Prof. Farrar to the Academy.}}
Prof. Lovering stated that Mr. Farrar became a member of the Academy in 1808, and served it in many capacities. He was the Recording Secretary from 1811 to 1822, and in 1824; he acted on the Committee of Publication 15 years, from 1810 to 1823 and in 1828; he was Vice President in 1829 and 1830. He contributed the following papers to the Memoirs of the Academy.
In volume third, old series:
“Observations of the Comet of 1811.”
“Abstract of meteorological observations made at Andover by Rev. Jonathan French.
In volume 4th, Old Series.
Account of the violent and destructive storm of Sept. 23. 1815.
“An account of a singular electrical phenomenon, observed during a snow storm accompanied with thunder.”
Not the least important of the series rendered to science by Mr. Farrar was the translation and introduction into journal use is the American colleges of the best French text books in Mathematics, Physics, and Natural Philosophy; thus preparing the minds of teachers and pupils for a system of instruction in these branches superior to that which had hitherto been initiated from the English Universities.
{{Dr. B. A. Gould Jr. on the death of Sears C. Walker.}}
Mr. B. A. Gould Jr called the attention of the Academy to the decease of another of its members, the late Sears C. Walker, to whose labors Astronomical Science owes much of its recent advancement. Prof. Peirce spoke in the highest terms of the specific ability and attainments of Mr. Walker, and seconded the resolutions offered by Mr. Gould; which were as follows:
{{His Resolutions.}}
Resolved: “That the Academy have received with profound sorrow the afflicting intelligence of the death of their honored Associate, Sears C. Walker; by whose premature decease American Science has lost one of its ablest devotees, and this Academy one of its brightest ornaments.”
Resolved: “That in the opinion of this Academy the labors and enthusiasm of our late associate have signally contributed to the
[end page 416 | begin page 417]
{{415}}
recent advances of Astronomy and Physics in our own country, while his able and profound investigations have largely contributed to the science of the World.”
Resolved: “That we offer to the family of Mr. Walker the assurance of our sincerest sympathy in this their great bereavement.”
Resolved: “That a copy of these resolutions be communicated to the family of our deceased Associate.”
These resolutions were unanimously adopted.
{{List of Members.}}
Prof. Gray laid before the Academy a revised list of the Members; it was voted that this list be referred to the Recording Secretary for collation, and be by him transferred to the Publishing Committee for printing.
{{Report of Committee on Revising the Statutes.}}
Prof. Gray, for the Committee on Revising the Statutes, made a Report, recommending that it be printed for the consideration of the Members. The Report was accepted and the recommendation of printing adopted. It was then voted that the subject be referred back to the Committee, with the addition of the Chairman of the Publishing Committee, till the next Stated Meeting.
{{Officers chosen for 1853-4.}}
The Scrutineers reported that the following gentlemen were chosen Officers for the ensuing year: viz:
Jacob Bigelow, President;
Daniel Treadwell, Vice-President;
Asa Gray, Corresponding;
Samuel Kneeland Jr, Recording Secretary;
Edward Wigglesworth, Treasurer;
Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, Librarian.
{{Committees.}}
The following gentlemen were appointed members of the several standing Committees; viz:
{Rumford Committee.}
Eben N. Horsford
D. Treadwell
Joseph Lovering
Henry L. Eustis
Morrill Wyman
{Committee on Publications.}
J. Lovering
L. Agassiz
F. Bowen
[end page 417 | begin page 418]
{{416.}}
{Committee on the Library.}
A. A. Gould
B. A. Gould Jr
N. B. Shurtleff.
{{Council}}
The following gentlemen were chosen members of the Council for nominating Foreign Honorary Members, viz.
{Class I.}
[REDACTED]
[REDACTED]
[REDACTED]
{Class II.}
[REDACTED]
[REDACTED]
[REDACTED]
{Class III.}
[REDACTED]
[REDACTED]
[REDACTED]
{{Assessment.}}
On motion of Prof. Gray, it was voted that the Assessment for the ensuing year be five dollars.
{{Appropriations.}}
It was voted: That there be appropriated during the present year: for publications, $ nine hundred dollars from the Rumford Fund – for the purchase of books, three hundred and fifty dollars from the Rumford Fund, and three hundred form the General Fund, making six hundred and fifty dollars – and for General Expenses six hundred dollars from the General Fund.
{{Paper by de Jussieu.}}
Prof. Gray presented a paper entitled: “Carole a Linne ad Bernardum de Jussieu, inditae, et mutae Bernardi ad Linnaeum epistolae; ouraute Adriano de Jussieu.” Referred to the Publishing Committee.
{{Foreign Members Elected.}}
The following Foreign Honorary Members were elected.
In Class 1. Section 2. Prof. C. A. F. Peters, of Konigsberg.
In Class 3. Section 1. Prof. C. Mittermaier, of Heidelberg.
In Class 3. Section 2. August Boeckh, of Berlin.
In Class 3. Section 2. Prof. Lepsius, of Berlin.
In Class 3. Section 2. Chev. Bunsen, Prussian Ambassador at London.
In Class 3. Section 3. G. Grote, of England.
Wm Raymond Lee, proposed by Prof. Treadwell, F. C. Lowell, & C. Jackson Jr,
[end page 418 | begin page 419]
{{417.}}
was elected a Fellow of the Academy, in the Section of Technology and Engineering.
{{Meeting.}}
On motion of Prof. Agassiz, it was voted that the next monthly meeting of the Academy be helden [sic] the 3d Tuesday of June at 7 ½ P.M.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
Samuel Kneeland Jr
Recording Secretary
Three hundred and eighty first Meeting.
Monthly Meeting.
June. 21. 1853.
The President in the Chair.
Present Messrs Agassiz, Alger, J. Bigelow, Burnett, Emerson, A. A. Gould, B. A. Gould, A. Gray, Horsford, Kneeland, Peirce, O. Pickering, Swett, Treadwell, Prof. Bache, Superintendent of the Coast Survey, and Mr. Adamson of the Cape of Good Hope.
{{Letter from Wm Raymand Lee and Judge Walker}}
The Corresponding Secretary read a letter from Wm Raymond Lee, Esq. accepting Membership of the Academy; and a letter from Judge Walker, of Cincinnati, acknowledging the reception of the Resolutions passed at the Annual Meeting of the Academy on the death of his brother, Sears C. Walker, Esq.
{{Agassiz on Cyprinodonts.}}
Prof. Agassiz made a communication on the family of Cyprinodonts, of which he had discovered some new generic forms and 12 new species, in a recent visit to the Southern States. The differences between the sexes are often so marked in this family of fishes, that the males and females have been described as distinct genera. At a former meeting he had mentioned an error of this kind, and he was now able to correct another.
{{Poecilia and Mollienisia.}}
Poecilia and Mollienisia, described as distinct genera by Cuvier and Valenciennes, he had ascertained to be male and female of the same species, the former being the female and the latter the male when young, both sexes look exactly alike.
{{Heterandria nov. gen.}}
He had established a new genus Heterandria, in
[end page 419 | begin page 420]
{{418}}
which the sexual differences were very remarkable; the position and shape of the ventrals and other fins being quite different, which he showed by diagrams. The habits of these fishes, living in immense numbers, crowded together in very shoal water, enabled him to explain a specimen represented in the 5th volume, 41th plate, of his “Fossil Fishes,” in which the great number of individuals was remarkable; and the knowledge of the sexual differences render unnecessary any hypothesis to account for supposed displacements of fins, or the occurrence together of different species.
{{Jugonectes. Nov. gen.}}
He had also established a new genus Jugonectes, in which no sexual differences existed.
{{Dr. Burnett on the Segmentation of cells.}}
Dr. W. I. Burnett rad a paper on “the signification of the segmentation of cells, and its relations to the phenomena of Reproduction.”
{{Prof. Agassiz’s remarks.}}
Prof. Agassiz observed that there was only an analogy between the segmentation of simple cells and the segmentation of the obrum, and went on to show the difference of the phenomena presented in the two cases.
{{Prof. Agassiz on the “buds” in the bodies of Aphides.}}
As to the egg-like bunches, mentioned by Dr. Burnett,as found in the bodies of Aphides, and consider by him as “buds”, and not as true “eggs”, Prof. Agassiz could not agree with him. From the absence of peduncles, these free cells had not the first characteristic of buds, and he was inclined to consider them rather as true eggs.
{{Eggs in turtles.}}
He mentioned the instance of turtles in which there are three kinds of eggs in different stages of fecundation or growth, some to be laid this season, and others after a lapse of 1 or 2 years, which have received their fertilizing influence from the mate this long period in advance.
{{Two kind of females in bees & crabs.}}
Speaking of the development of eggs he alluded to the fact that in bees there are two kinds of females produced from eggs which, in the beginning, present no differences; every female bee might become a queen if properly fed and cared for, but from want of the proper surrounding influences most of them become sterile. In some Species of crabs he had found also two kinds of females, fertile and sterile, though, unlike the bees, existing in about the same numbers.
{{B. A. Gould Jr. on the “Personal Equation”.}}
Mr. B. A. Gould Jr. made some remarks on the means of diminishing the Personal Equation, or the best method of getting rid of personal errors in Transit Observations made by different observers. He quoted M. Arago, form the Comptes Rendus, for Feb. 14. 1853, in which he claims priority for the method of employing the senses of sight and touch to diminish the Personal Equation instead of sign and hearing as usually employed; this method of tapping at
[end page 420 | begin page 421]
{{419.}}
{{B. A. Gould Jr on the Personal Equation.}}
the instant the star passed the threads of the instrument dates back to 1843.
Mr. Gould mentioned a similar method employed at Philadelphia some time between 1828 and 1832. The best way, he believed, was that employed in our Coast Survey, by the Electric Clock, by breaking the circuit by a tap of the of the finger at the instant of the transit.
The problems: why sight and hearing should be less accurate than sight and touch – why observers should differ from each other – and why the same observer should differ from himself in the same manner of observation – are exceedingly difficult to solve; they involve the consideration of temperament, physiological conditions, state of the health, mechanical dexterity, &c which make the subject exceedingly intricate.
Prof. Bache, Prof. Peirce, Prof. Agassiz, and the President made remarks on the same subject.
{{Time of Meeting.}}
The Meeting was then dissolved: to meet at the Quarterly meeting in Augsut.
Samuel Kneeland Jr
Recording Secretary
{{Stated Meeting}}
Three Hundred and eighty second Meeting.
Stated Meeting.
August 10th 1853, at 3 ½ P.M.
The Vice President in the Chair.
Present Messrs. Burnett, Folsom, A. A. Gould, A. Gray, G. Hayward, Kneeland, O. Pickering, Sherwin, Shurtleff, Storer, Treadwell, and Wigglesworth.
{{Letters from Chev. Bunsen and G. Grote.}}
The Corresponding Secretary read letters from Chevalier Bunsen and G. Grote, acknowledging their election as Foreign Honorary Members of the Academy.
{{Committee on holding social meetings.}}
On Motion of Dr. Hayward, a Committee of five was appointed to consider the subject of holding social monthly meetings “during the ensuing winter, to report at an adjournment of this meeting.
The President, Dr. Hayward, Prof. Peirce, Prof. Agassiz, and Dr. Storer were appointed the committee.
[end page 421 | begin page 422]
{{420.}}
{{Adjournment.}}
It was voted that when the Academy adjourn, it be to the second Tuesday of October ,the day coinciding with the monthly meeting; this vote was reconsidered, and it was voted, on motion of Dr. Hayward, that the adjournment be to the fourth Wednesday of September at 7 ½ P.M.
{{Death of Adrian de Jussieu.}}
Dr. Gray called the attention of the Academy to the death of one of its foreign Honorary Members, Adirian de Jussieu, of Paris.
Adjourned to Sept 28. 1853.
Samuel Kneeland Jr.
Recording Secretary
{{Adjourned Stated Meeting.}}
Three Hundred and eighty third Meeting.
Adjourned Stated Meeting.
Sept. 28. 1853.
The President in the Chair.
Present Messrs. Bacon, Beck, J. Bigelow, H. I. Bowditch, Burnett, W. Channing, Folsom, A. A. Gould, B. A. Gould Jr, A. Gray, Guyot, G. Hayward, Hunt, C. Jackson Jr, Kneeland, Peirce, Shurtleff, Storer, Swett, and Treadwell, and by invitation, Dr. Marshall Hale, and son, of England, and Grier B. Duncan, Esq. of New Orleans.
{{Letters from August Boeckh and R. Lepsius.}}
The Corresponding Secretary read letters from August Boeckh and R. Lepsius, acknowledging their election as Foreign Honorary Members of the Academy.
{{Report of Committee on Social Meetings.}}
The President, Chairman of the Committee appointed at the last Meeting to consider the subject of social meetings for the approaching season, made the following report:
“That it is expedient that Social Meetings be held on the second Tuesday of each month, at the houses of each members as may desire to receive the Academy, beginning on the second Tuesday in November.”
Jacob Bigelow,
Chairman.
The Report was accepted.
After some discussion on the question of adopting they Report, in which the President, and Messrs Bowditch, Gray, Guyot, Jackson, Peirce, Swett, and Treadwell took part, it was voted that
[end page 422 | begin page 423]
{{421.}}
“it be laid over to the next Meeting.”
{{Report of Committee on the Revised Statutes.}}
The Report of the Committee on the Revised Statues for the Academy was read for the second time. After a long discussion, in which the President, and Messrs Folsom, A. A. Gould, B. A. Gould, Gray, Peirce, Swett and Treadwell took part, it was voted that the Report be recommitted to a Committee of the Whole.”
{{Committee of the Whole.}}
The Academy then resolved itself late a Committee of the Whole. On motion of Prof. Peirce, a committee of three was then appointed to examine the Record, and print such documents as they may think expedient to enlighten the Academy on the subject of the Revision of the Statutes, and the proposed changes in the New Statutes as recommended in the Report. Messrs Folsom, Peirce, ad B. A. Gould Jr. were appointed the Committee. The Academy, in committee of the Whole, then adjourned to Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 3. P.M.
In ordinary session, it was then voted that when this stated meeting adjourn it be to the monthly meeting on the second Tuesday in October.
{{Jacob Winlock and Thomas Hill elected Fellows.}}
Prof. Joseph Winlock, proposed by Benjamin Peirce and B. A. Gould Jr; and Rev. Thomas Hill, proposed by Benjamin Peirce and Thomas Sherwin; were elected Fellows of the Academy in the Section of Mathematics.
{{Errors in formula for Transit Observatory}}
Mr. B. A. Gould Jr communicated to the Academy the fact that there exists an error in the formula given in the blanks for the reduction of Transit Observations; and that all the observations in this country, and also the Greenwich Observations, are incorrect by the amount of this error, the maximum of which amounts to 1/3 of a second time.
{{Prof. Gray on new Genera of Polynesian Plants.}}
Prof. A. Gray laid before the Academy a paper entitled “Characters of some new Genera of Plants, mostly from Polynesia, in the collection of the U.S. Exploratory Expedition under Capt. Wilkes.” (In continuation of those communicated May 4th, 1852; Proceedings Vol. 2. P 325.)
{{Adjournment.}}
Adjourned to Oct. 11th at 7 ½ P.M.
Samuel Kneeland Jr
Recording Secretary
[end page 423 | begin page 424]
{{422.}}
Three Hundred and eighty fourth Meeting.
Adjourned Stated Meeting.
Oct. 11. 1853.
The President in the Chair.
Present Messrs. S. L. Abbot, Beck, J. Bigelow, Burnett, Emerson, A. A. Gould, A. Gray, G. Hayward, Hill, C. Jackson Jr, Kneeland, C. Pickering, Swett and Tuckerman.
{{Letter from Imp. Academy of Russia.}}
The Corresponding Secretary presented a letter from the Imperial Academy of Sciences of Russia, acknowledging the reception of vol 2, pp. 233-359 of the Proceedings of the Academy.
{{Report of Committee on Social Meetings.}}
The Report of the Committee on Social Meetings of the Academy, was taken from the table, and, after some remarks of Messrs Emerson, Gould, Gray, and the President, adopted. A committee, consisting of Messrs C. Jackson Jr. Dr. Cabot, and D. H. I. Bowditch, was appointed to make the necessary arrangements.
{{Dr. Burnett on the Development of the Aphides.}}
Dr. W. I . Burnett read a Memoir entitled “Researches on the development of the Aphides”; the object of which was to show that the viviparous reproduction here observed was not sexual, but only a singular form of gemmiparity; the hitherto supposed eggs being in reality only “buds”.
An Abstract of the Memoir will be given in the Proceedings.
{{Election…}}
Dr. Samuel G. Howe, nominated by [REDACTED], was elected a Fellow of the Academy in the Section of Philosophy and Jurisprudence. Dr. Samuel Parkman and Dr. Benjamin E. Cotting, nominated by [REDACTED], were elected Fellows of the Academy in the Section of Medicine and Surgery.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
Samuel Kneeland Jr
Recording Secretary.
[end page 424 | begin page 425]
{{423.}}
Three hundred and eighty fifth Meeting.
Special Meeting.
Oct. 12. 1853. at 3. P.M.
The President, and afterwards Prof. Parsons, in the Chair.
Present Messrs. J. H. Abbot, J. Bigelow, Burnett, Dixwell, Folsom, B. A. Gould, A. Gray, Kneeland, Lovering, Parsons, O. Pickering, Tuckerman, and Worcester.
{{Object of the Meeting.}}
The President stated that this meeting of the Academy, in committee of the Whole, was called for the special purpose of acting on the Reports made by the Committees on the Revision of the Statutes of the Academy.
{{Mr. Folsom’s Report on the “Laws of the Academy are in force.”}}
Mr. Folsom, chairman of the committee appointed in Committee of the Whole to arrange and print the existing laws of the Academy to serve as a basis for revision of the Statutes, made a Report accompanied by printed copies of the “Laws of the Academy now in force.”
The Report was accepted.
Dr. Gray then moved that the Report of the original Committee, of which he was Chairman, be taken up seriation and acted upon. Mr. Gould opposed this motion, and hoped that the Report of the sub-committee on the “laws of the Academy now in force” would be acted on rather than the Statutes as revised and modified by the original Committee.
Dr. Gray observed that as the Statutes were taken up in order, whatever was new or modified would be stated for acceptance or rejection by the Academy; and, as this Committee of the Whole must report to the Academy, its action on the Report would not be final.
{{Dr. Gray’s Report adopted.}}
Dr. Gray’s motion was carried. The Statutes were then taken up and read in order. After several amendments they were received and unanimously adopted by the Committee, as reported by the chairman. The Committee then rose, when it was voted to report the Statutes, as amended, to the Academy at the Stated Meeting in November.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Samuel Kneeland Jr
Recording Secretary.
[end page 425 | begin page 426]
{{424.}}
Three hundred and eighty sixth Meeting.
Monthly Meeting
Nov. 8th. 1853
The Academy by invitation at the house of the President; Dr. Hayward, and afterwards the President in the chair.
Present Messrs. J. H. Abbot, S. L. Abbot, Bacon, J. Bigelow, J. I. Bowditch, Burnett, W. F. Channing, Cotting, Eustis, A. A. Gould, Guyot, G. Hayward, Hill, Horsford, C. Jackson Jr, J. B. S. Jackson, Kneeland, Lovering, Storer, Swett, Treadwell, and J. Wyman.
{{Letter from the Academy of Archeology of Belgium.}}
A letter was read from the Academy of Archeology of Belgium, at Antwerp, presenting the 7th volume of their Annuals, requesting an exchange of publications and a mutual election of the Corresponding members.
{{Dr. J. Wyman on arrest of development in frogs. (v. p. 407).}}
Prof. J. Wyman made some farther remarks on the effect of low temperature and darkness n arresting the development of tadpoles. The experiment, at the time of his first observations, (see page 407) had lasted for about 17 months; now, at the end of two years, some are living in the same condition, showing no disposition to undergo metamorphosis.
{{Dr. Hayward on Hydrophobia.}}
Dr. Hayward related the case of a boy who had recently died from perfectly marked hydrophobia, commencing just thirty days after the bite of the dog. The wound, which was near the angle of the eye, was thoroughly cleansed by suction and cauterized with nitrate of silver, and in a few days seemed quite well; pain in the wound came on after a month; the boy became irritable, and much disturbed by cold air and water; attempts to swallow produced convulsions; stupidity soon came on, and death took place apparently from effusion in the brain.
This disease is perfectly distinct from tetanus – in tetanus, the mind is unaffected, and deglutition is perfect except during the paroxysms; the spinal nerves are the seat of the disease, and death ensues from asphyxia – in hydrophobia, not only the spinal nerves, but the modula oblongata and the brain are affected. There are many cases of hydrophobia reported, but genuine cases are quite rare.
{{Dr. A. A. Gould on a family of “bleeders.”}}
Dr. A. A. Gould mentioned the cases of a family of “bleeders,” in which this idiosyncrasy of profuse and uncontrollable he-
[end page 426 | begin page 427]
{{425.}}
mmorhage from trifling wounds was hereditary for four generations. The cases had come under his own observation. Every one of the males was a “bleeder”, but not one of the females, there was also the usually observed tendency to rheumatic pains in these individuals.
{Dr. Burnett on the structure of Muscle.””
Dr. Burnett read a paper on the “intimate structure of muscle”, in which he combatted Matieu Barry’s idea that animal fibre is composed of twin spiral filaments. He considered the spinal arrangement as an accident and not an essential character; he exhibited specimens under the microscope in confirmation of his views.
{{Dr. Wyman on the same.}}
Dr. Wyman observed that the same course of development mentioned by Dr. Burnett as occurring in the formation of muscular, or cells arranging themselves in linear series then forming fibrillae and striae, he had noticed in the scale of animal life; as you ascend from the Polyp, where there is nothing but cells, to the higher forms of life, the linear arrangement, the fibrillae and the striae successively make their appearance in the muscular structure.
{{Dr. Storer on the death of J. E. Teschemacher.}}
Dr. Storer alluded to the sudden death of J. E. Teschemacher Esq, a Fellow of the Academy, and spoke in the highest of terms of his attainments in Natural Science, especially Mineralogy, Geology, and Botany; and of the quality which made him in every respect a most estimable man.
{{Dr. Gould on the same.}}
Dr. Gould observed that in addition to his purely scientific attainments, Mr. Teschemacher was an excellent linguist, and eminent for his knowledge of Horticulture and Agriculture. His latest investigations had been to ascertain from what kinds of plants coal has been formed; his collection of specimens illustrating his point was astonishingly large and rich, and his death will be a very great loss for this little known and little cultivated branch of Natural SCIENCE.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
Samuel Kneeland Jr
Recording Secretary.
[end page 427 | begin page 428]
{{426.}}
{{Stated Meeting}}
Three hundred and eighty seventh Meeting.
Stated Meeting
Nov. 9th 1853.
The President in the Chair.
Present Messrs J. H. Abbot, Agassiz, Bacon, J. Bigelow, J. I. Bowditch, Cotting, B. A. Gould, A. Gray, Greene, Kneeland, Peirce, Quincy, Rogers, and Shurtleff.
{{Letters from…}}
The Corresponding Secretary read a letter from Prof. Mittermaier, of Heidelberg, acknowledging his election as Foreign Honorary Member of the Academy; also from Rev. Thomas Hill, Dr. S. Parkman, and Dr. B. E. Cotting, severally acknowledging their election as Fellows of the Academy; a letter from Dr. S. G. Howe declining membership of the Academy; and letters from the Smithsonian Institution and the Corporation of Harvard College acknowledging the reception of Vol. 5. Part 1. of the Academy’s Memoirs.
{{Meetings for scientific discussion on the last Tuesday of every month.}}
Prof. Peirce moved “that the Academy hold meetings for scientific discussion, on the last Tuesday of every month, at their Hall.” After remarks in support of this motion by Profs. Peirce and Agassiz, and Mr. B. A. Gould Jr, it was unanimously adopted.
{{Catalogue of the Library, new regulations concerning Library.}}
Mr. B. A. Gould Jr announced that a complete catalogue of the books and pamphlets in the Academy’s Library had been made by the Recording Secretary; and reported some new regulations as made by the Committee on the Library for the circulation, return, and safe keeping of the books: the Report was accepted.
Report on file.
{{Revised Statutes not taken up for want of requisite number of members present.}}
The Report of the Committee of the Whole on the Revised Statutes of the Academy could not be acted upon for want of the requisite number of members present, as at least 18 affirmative votes are necessary for the enactment of any proposed alterations or additions. It was accordingly moved by Prof. Peirce, and voted, that when this meeting adJourn it be to Thursday Nov. 17th at 7 1/2. P. M.
{{Mr. B. A. Gould on the death of M. Arago.}}
Mr. B. A. Gould Jr, alluded to the recent death of M. Arago, a Foreign Honorary Member of the Academy, and offered the following preamble and resolutions:
“Whereas when men who have conferred benefits upon their race,
[end page 428 | begin page 429]
{{427.}}
{{Mr. B. A. Gould Jr’s Resolutions on the death of Arago.}}
or extended the domain of Science, are removed from the world, it is but fitting that those who appreciate their services; and especially public bodies, should join in doing honor to their memory:
Resolved, that the Academy has received information of the decease of its illustrious member, Arago, with a profound sense of the loss sustained by science and by humanity, and desires thus to express its sentiments of respect for the memory of the distinguished scientific investigator and philanthropist.
Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the family of the deceased.”
The Resolutions were unanimously adopted.
{{Prof. Agassiz on new types of cartilaginous fishes in U. States.””
Prof. Agassi made a verbal communication on some new types of cartilaginous fishes which he had discovered on the coast of the United States, which were especially interesting for the study of the relations existing between fossil and living species. American contrasts strongly with Europe in the number of existing species of animals which also exist in a fossil state; the old types are so much more numerous here, that this continent to the paleontologist has quite an old-fashioned appearance.
The Port Jackson Shark is the only fossil type of its family now represented by living species in the old world.
He had found on our coast eight genera of cartilaginous fishes not noticed before.
The genus Characharias is not found fossil, and the living species are few. The genus Odontaspis, found fossil as low as the chalk, has two representatives on our coast, one in Long Island Sound, the other on the coast of North Carolina; to this he thinks the Squalus Macrodon of Mitchell belongs; to this genus belong most of the fossil teeth of our tertiary deposits; many of these previously considered as belonging to the genus Lamna, he was now, from examination of living representatives, able to refer to their true genus Odontaspis. The old genus Lamna he had divided into Lamna proper and a new genus Oxyrhina. Of the genus Galiocardo, geologically very important, with teeth serrated & curved backwards, he had obtained a species as far south as South Carolina; fossils of this genus are found in deposits as early as the cretaceous; the genus Galeus has teeth without serrations. The large teeth found at Gay Head and Marshfield belong to the genus Carcharodon; Dr. Andrew Smith found a representative of this genus at the Cape of Good Hope; Prof. Agassiz had received a
[end page 429 | begin page 430]
{{428.}}
{{Sharks.}}
jaw from Nantucket and some teeth from Cape Cod, belonging to this genus, this, then, is antoher of the old types found on or coast; it differs specifically from Carocharias; the differences do not depend on the position of the teeth in the jaw as had been proved by actual comparison, though this comparison will reduce the number of established species of fossil Carcharodon.
{{Rays.}}
He also discovered new genera of Scates. Of the trace fossil genera Myliobatis, Zygobates, and Actobates, he first is found living in the old world, while the second and third are unknown there except as fossils; all these genera have been found living in North and South America.
Of the genus Raia, of which there are vast numbers in Europe, the number is diminished in America by at least one third.
{{Prof. Peirce on a new principle in Analytical Mechanics.}}
Prof. Peirce made a communication on a new principle in Analytical Mechanics, which he thinks will cause an entirely new view to be taken of the whole subject; by it the most difficult problems can be solved without formulae. The idea of this principle was first alluded to by Lagrange; it has been brought forward in regard to gravitation by Gauss.
{{B. A. Gould Jr on the velocity of telegraphic signals.}}
Mr. B. A. Gould Jr made a communication on the velocity of Telegraphic signals. In his experiments, which, however have not been as numerous as he could wish, there has been a considerable difference of velocity under circumstances apparently nearly the same; 10˚ or 12˚ pf temperature would sometimes cause unexpected results. Most observers, among others the late Sears C. Walker and Matteucci, believe that the galvanic current does not uniformly pass through the wire alone, but with less velocity also through the earth; in other words, between any two places the current would pass through the channel which would be the shortest in point of time. Mr. Gould thinks the current passes through the wires and not through the ground, and that the last only completes the theoretical circuit without forming any means of communication.
{{Candidates for Foreign Honorary Members.}}
Sir William Hamilton, of Edinburgh, and Dr. [blank] Van Siebold, of Breslau, were reported by the Council for Nomination, as candidates for Foreign Honorary Members.
Adjourned,
Samuel Kneeland Jr.
Recording Secretary.
[end page 430 | begin page 431]
{{429.}}
Three hundred and eighty-eighth Meeting.
Adjourned Stated Meeting.
November 17th 1853. 7 1/2 P.M.
The President in the Chair.
Present Messrs. Appleton, Bacon, J. Bigelow, J. I. Bowditch, W. F. Channing, Cotting, C. H. Davis, Dixwell, Folsom, B. A. Gould, A. Gray, F. C. Gray, Greene, J. P. Hall, Kneeland, Lawrence, Lovering, Peirce, Quincy, H. D. Rogers, Savage, Sullivan, Treadwell, Prof. W. B. Rogers, and Dr. Le Coute of Georgia.
{{Report on the Revised Statutes.}}
Prof. Peirce maintained that the Report on the Statutes was not properly before the Academy, only thirteen members having been present at the Committee of the Whole; he maintained that the requisite member was not present, and that there could not, therefore, have been any action for the Academy in a matter involving a change in the Statutes.
The President ruled that the quorum required for the ordinary business of the Academy was sufficient for the transaction of business in Committee of the Whole, and that the Report was properly before the Academy.
Mr. Quincy then moved that the Report be taken up, and each article be considered separately. Voted.
Dr. W. F. Channing then moved that the Report be laid upon the table. Vote not carried.
{{Report accepted. and laid on the table.}}
The Report was then taken up, ready by chapters, and, with a few amendments, accepted.
On the question of the adoption of the Report thus amended, considerable discussion took place; it was finally voted to lay it upon the table.
{{Communication from Mr. C. Brian}}
A communication was received from Mr. C. O. Brian, requesting permission to publish in a scientific periodical, about to be established, in Cambridge, the proceedings of the Academy. The communication was referred to the Committee of Publication.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
Samuel Kneeland Jr.
Recording Secretary.
[end page 431 | begin page 432]
{{430.}}
Three hundred and eighty-ninth Meeting.
Second November Meeting.
Nov. 29. 1853.
Dr. Charles Beck in the Chair.
Present Messrs. S. L. Abbot, Agassiz, Beck, H. I. Bowditch, J. I. Bowditch, Burnett, Eustis, A. A. Gould, J. B. S. Jackson, Kneeland, Parkland, Peirce, C. Pickering, W. B. Rogers, Storer, Swett, Treadwell, Winlock, and J. Wyman.
{{Dr. Burnett on the development of organs.}}
Dr. Burnett made a communication on the development of organs, especially those of glandular structure; in which he traced the progress from a mass of cells, arranging themselves in linear series, through the various stages of lateral saccations or diverticula, and the dichotomous ramifications diverting and sub-dividing to form the intricate structure of the organs, for instance, the water, first formed, undergoes this multiplied ramification till it forms the glandular structure of the kidney. This arborescent character of organic development, homologous perhaps with the branching of polyps, reduces the process of development to an extremely simple formula.
{{Prof. Agassiz on the same.}}
Prof. Agassiz observed that the heart, which he had studied especially in fishes, makes its first appearance as a mass of apparently homogenous cells; the interior cells gradually soften, forming a cavity, the walls being at the same time proportionally solidified. He did not perceive the homology of the ramifications described by Dr. Burnett to the branching of polyps; the buds of a polyp are not hernia sacs communicating primarily with the parent stew, but solid [tuberoles] formed on the outside, gradually becoming hollow, and communicating only secondarily with the main trunk.
Prof. Wyman asked if in the development of the liver, the cells were first formed, and the tubes extended form the intestine to meet them, as Bischoff maintains. Dr. Burnett had made no observation on this point in the Vertebrated animals.
{{Prof. Agassiz on a new Cestracion, now living in China.}}
Prof. Agassiz made a communication on a new living species of Cestracion from China, and on some fossil teeth of sharks of this family which he had received from the carboniferous formation of Indiana. From the examination of those specimens, he thinks that all the genera but one, which he
[end page 432 | begin page 433]
{{431.}}
made long ago from the scanty materials in Europe (only a single few and some dried skins) will stand; of the species he is not so confident.
{{Prof. Agassiz on Cestracion zebra}}
The new species, from its distinct bands, he would call Cestracion zebra. It is characterized by a square-shaped head, resembling that of Ostracion, the nostrils open into the mouth by a strong fissure, the mouth is small, more anterior than usual; there are singular cheek-like projections on the sides of the head, the body is massive, and much elevated on the back; the dorsal fins much falcated, especially the second, the gill-fissures are usually in advance of the pectorals, but in this species the pectorals begin anteriorly under the 3d gill-fissure, the spiracles open below the eyes, the caudal fin has its lower division two-lobed, the lower lobe looking like a second anal fin. The specimen, which he thought full-grown, was about 1 ½ feet long. The teeth in front differ much from those on the sides and back of the mouth; they are quite small in front, gradually becoming larger, and then again smaller, the anterior teeth are trilobed; the lobes gradually diminish backwards, become flat, and then rounded on their upper surface, there is a ridge on the median line, the remains of the three cusps. In the New Holland species, the front teeth have the median cusp much the longest, the back teeth being much the broadest.
{{Prof. Agassiz on fossil sharks’ teeth from Indiana.}}
Prof. Agassiz compared these teeth with the fossil teeth he had received from Indiana. The teeth of the genus Psammodus resemble the back teeth of Cestracion, and are marked by numerous minute points, those of the genus Strophodus resemble Cestracion, having also a central prominence, in the genus Orodus, the teeth are undulated, like the second form in Cestracion, but with lines radiating from each of the three cusps, in the genus Helodus (perhaps to be suppressed) the teeth have a prominent tuberole, like the anterior teeth of Psammodus; another reason for suppressing the former genus is that it is always found with the latter, in the genus Petalodus, the teeth are much compressed and spreading, with a narrow root.
These are the same genera as are found in Europe; the specific identity he had not yet determined. Other European sharks, having no living representatives, are also found here, the genus Ctenoptychines, the whole margin
[end page 433 | begin page 434]
{{432.}}
of whose teeth is serrated, the genus Hybodus, with cylindrical teeth, longitudinally striated, like those of Saurianus, from the folds of the enamel, the genus dendroclaous, having large dorsal spines, sometimes 2 feet long, which are always found with the teeth. Speaking of the gigantic species which must have borne these spines, he remarked that it was neither the first nor the last created members of any class in the animal kingdom which were the giants of that class; but rather those created at the middle epochs.
{{Prof. Peirce on the “collision of solid bodies.”}}
Prof. Peirce made a communication, illustrated by diagrams, on the “collision of solid bodies.” He believed that the speculations hitherto brought forward were radically defective, and comparatively useless; the collision of atoms had hitherto been only considered, instead of combinations of atoms.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
Samuel Kneeland Jr
Recording Secretary.
390th Meeting
First December Meeting
December 13th. 1853.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of John A. Lowell, Esq. The President in the chair.
Present Messrs J. H. Abbot, Agassiz, Appleton, Bacon, J. Bigelow, Bouve, J. I. Bowditch, S. Cabot Jr, Cooke, Cotting, Emerson, A. A. Gould, A. Gray, Guyot, Hayes, G. Hayward, Horsford, C. Jackson Jr, C. T. Jackson, Kneeland, Lawrence, Lovering, J. A. Lowell, Parkman, C. Pickering, Quincy, H. D. Rogers, W. B. Rogers, Shaw, Shurtleff, Swett, Treadwell, Walker, J. Wyman; and Rev. Mr. Muir of Glasgow.
{{Mr. Cole’s bequest of books.}}
The Corresponding Secretary announced a valuable bequest of books on the Infusoria from the late Thomas Cole Esq, of Salem, a Fellow of the Academy, consisting of Ehrenberg’s
[end page 434 | begin page 435]
{{433.}}
great work, Kurtzing’s Pheologia, Muller’s Animalcula infusoria, Johnston’s Zoophytes, and Girod-Chantraus’ Decherches dimiquest et microscopiques sur les canferves, Bisses , Trenelles, &c.
{{Resolutions on the bequest of Mr. Cole.}}
On motion of President Walker, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:
Voted “That the American Academy feel very sensibly the kind remembrance of their lamented associate, Mr. Cole, in the valuable legacy now received, and would express their sincere thanks to Mrs. Cole for the delicate generosity with which she had invested the expressed intentions of her lamented husband with the authority of a bequest.”
Voted “That the Librarian be directed to affix to the volumes now presented a statement that they are a bequest from their late Associate, Mr Thomas Cole.”
{{Report on Mr. O. Brian’s communication.}}
Prof. Lovering made a verbal report on the letter of Mr. C. O. Brian, requesting an abstract of the Academy’s proceedings, which had been referred to the Publishing Committee. He did not see any objection to furnishing such an abstract, thereby expressing the willingness of the Academy to grant the request, without implying any sanction or recommendation of the Journal he was about to establish. It was voted that the “Secretary be allowed to furnish to Mr. C. O. Brian such portions of the Records of the Academy as he may think proper.”
{{Dr. Wyman on a Mastodon from South America.}}
Prof. Wyman exhibited the lower jaw of a Mastodon from South America, brought from Chile by Lieut. Gilliss. This animal ranged through the whole of the continent from 5˚ North latitude to 40 ˚ South Latitude, it has been found at great elevations; in 34 ˚ S. at the height of 1400 feet above the level of the sea; in Quinto, Humboldt found it at the height of 7200 feet; Mr. Darwin says it has been found on the limits of perpetual snow, in these cases the land has been elevated since the deposition of the remains.
The number of species found here is doubtful. Cuvier made three, M. angustidens, M. Humboldtu, and M. Andiene; one of the last two being small, the other larger De Blainville maintained that there was only a single species. It is not reasonable that M. augustidens should be found
[end page 435 | begin page 436]
{{434.}}
here; from the figures given by Falconer and others. Dr. Wyman thinks there are two species; all the teeth found are referable to two signs, one about 6 ½ inches long, the other from 9 to 10 inches. The jaw he exhibited confirmed the view that there are two species, one of which is of small size; it was of small size, and yet was that of an adult animal, as shown by the 6th molar. He had also another tooth, differing so much from the others that perhaps a third species might be made out. It would not be strange if two species were found here; as, in India, according to Falconer, 8 or 10 species are found in a limited district.
{{Flowers of the Misletoe.}}
Dr. C. T. Jackson exhibited a branch of the Misletoe, with the flowers, obtained from an oak tree of North Carolina.
{{Dr. C. T. Jackson on the Coal at Deep River North Carolina.}}
Dr. C. T. Jackson gave some account of the copper and gold mines of North Carolina; some of the copper mines are old gold mines which were worked till they became unprofitable from the presence of water; now, improved machinery permits them to be worked with profit. The principal copper ores are the yellow and gray sulphuret.
He gave some details on the coal region on Deep River, N. Carolina; the coal is very bituminous, containing little Sulphur, and excellent for the manufacture of gas. He thinks there is a true coal basin; the strata dip down at an angle of about 20˚, then become horizontal, and as he believes, rise again at about the same angle. He is inclined to think this a portion of the Lias or Oolitic group; scales of gavoid fishes, fish and saurian coprolites, minute fossil shells resembling Cypris, are found in great abundance. The plants are not numerous, except in the grindstone grit under the coal; they resemble the plants of the Lias of Europe, some bones, said to be Sauriau, and perhaps Chelonian, have been found.
{{Prof. W. B. Rogers on the same.}}
Prof. W. B. Rogers remarked that the age of the Deep River coal probably is the same as that of Eastern Virginia. The lithological characters are the same; the fossil plants, shells, and fish found, are the same in the two regions. The topographical relations of the two regions are also the same. He does not believe that there is a coal basin at Deep River, but merely layers, one over the other, all dipping out
[end page 436 | begin page 437]
{{435.}}
the same angle, running down and thinning out against the rocks below; he doubts if any great amount of coal exits there.
{{Prof. W. B. Rogers on the age of the New Red Sandstone.}}
On a recent visit to the new red Sandstone of Virginia he found the same fossils as in the coal measures; and the same in the new red Sandstone of Pennsylvania. He concludes that all these formulations are very nearly of the same age, and more recent than is generally supposed; he believes they belong to the Leas formation.
Dr. Jackson was not certain of the existence of a true coal basin there, though he thought there was as much evidence of it as is generally found; he had not, however, observed the dip at the other extremity of the basin corresponding in angle with that at Deep River.
{{Prof. Agassiz on the same.}}
Prof. Agassiz remarked that the age of this deposit was very interesting to him; the fishes did not agree either with those of the Trias of Southern Germany or the Lias of England, but seemed intermediate between the two; he was inclined to think that the new Red Sandstone of this country belonged to a group intermediate between the Trias and the Lias, of which there was no representative in Europe.
Prof. H. D. Rogers observed that this would indicate a more recent age for the bird tracks of the Connecticut sandstone.
{{Prof. Agassiz on the footmarks of the Potsdam Sandstone.}}
Prof. Agassiz remarked in reference to the footmarks of the Potsdam Sandstone, which Prof. Owen had described as those of turtles, and which he at the same time maintained were those of crustaceans, have now been admitted to belong to the latter; so that there is no evidence that bones of reptiles have been found below the coal.
Prof. H. D. Rogers alluded to bones of reptiles having been found in Germany in strata equivalent to the carboniferous limestone, one degree older than the coal. Prof. Agassiz doubts that these are reptilian bones.
Dr. Hayes connected the coal deposits of the two States by the additional fact that the chemical constitution of the accompanying rocks, according to his own examination, is the same.
{{Prof. Agassiz on the fishes of the Tennessee river.}}
Prof. Agassiz presented a list of fishes found in the Tennessee river, in all 33 species, and of several genera not found in Europe. He mentioned the fact that many ex-
[end page 437 | begin page 438]
{{436.}}
clusively American species, found in the Southern States from Virginia downwards, are not found in the more northern States; he indicated several localities of small extent which have fishes exclusively their own, so that any former communication of rivers could not explain their limited geographical distribution. The genera are common over extended localities, but each region has its representative species.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
Samuel Kneeland Jr
Recording Secretary.
Three hundred and ninety first Meeting.
Second December Meeting.
December 27th 1853.
The Academy met their Hall, the Corresponding Secretary, and afterwards the President, in the Chair.
Present Messrs. J. H. Abbot, Agassiz, J. Bigelow, Cooke, A. Gray, J. B. S. Jackson, Peirce, C. Pickering, H. D. Rogers, W. B. Rogers, Swett, and Wigglesworth.
The Recording Secretary being absent, Mr. J. H. Abbot was appointed Secretary pro tem.
It was voted that the reading of the records of the last meeting to deferred till a later period in the meeting.
{{Prof. Cooke on new chemical apparatus.}}
Prof. Cooke exhibited and described some apparatus contrived by him for excluding the action of atmospheric air during the process of filtration. By means of it this process may be conducted either in a confined portion of air, in vacuo, or in any gas. He stated that the apparatus is especially valuable in the process of separating alumina and sesquioxide of iron from the alkaline earths; he described his method of effecting a complete separation of the alkaline earths from these substances at the first precipitation.
{{New Mosses by W. S. Sullivant}}
Prof. Gray presented a communication entitled “Notices of new species of Mosses from the Pacific Islands; by William S. Sullivant.”
[end page 438 | begin page 439]
{{437.}}
{{Prof. W. B. Rogers on an optical phenomenon.}}
Prof. W. B. Rogers called the attention of the Academy to the different explanations which have been given of the two vertical beams of light which are seen stretching, the one upwards and the other downwards, from a luminous point, as a candle, when we view it with the eyes nearly closed. He said he had been accustomed to refer the phenomenon to reflection from the surfaces of the two eyelids, the lower surface reflecting the incident rays upwards through the eye, and the upper in the opposite direction. He added that a similar explanation had recently been suggested by M. Trouessart in the Completes Renus. He further stated that the 7th number of Poggendorff’s Annalen contains an explanation of the phenomenon by H. Meyer of Leipsic, in which he refers the vertical beams to refraction by the moisture of the eye moulded into a convex form by capillary attraction, and lying in the angle of junction of each eyelid with the cornea. Professor Rogers described several ingenious experiments devised by him with a view to test these opposite hypotheses, and which prove that the hypothesis of reflection cannot be true, and render it highly probable that Meyer’s explanation is correct.
{{Prof. Peirce on the Relations of Curves.}}
Prof. Peirce made a communication on the relations of curves of which the equations are (P=0, 2=0, in which the functions are derived from the equation f(x+y√-1)=P+2√-1.
Prof. Agassiz added some remarks in which he pointed out some interesting analogies suggested by Prof. Peirce’s communication in certain organic forms in the vegetable and animal kingdoms.
{{Prof. Cooke on a new arrangement of chemical elements into groups.}}
Professor Cooke called the attention of the Academy to some remarkable relations he had discovered between the atomic weights of the elements, and to some new facts which a knowledge of these relations had led him to observe. He considered the common classification of the elements as not founded on correct principles. Disregarding the distinction of metals and metalloids, and guided chiefly, though not exclusively, by the mode of combination and crystalline form, and bringing together those elements which bear the closest relations to each other, he had arranged the elements in six groups, the properties of each of which are closely related to each other, while they differ widely from those of any other group. The elements of any one group are, for the most part, isomorphous, and form similar compounds.
[end page 439 | begin page 440]
{{438.}}
{{Prof. Cooke on a new arrangement of chemical elements into groups.}}
Arranging the elements of any one group according to their relative affinities, and commencing with the strongest, he had found that the physical properties follow the same progression. As in organic chemistry differences of properties correspond to fixed differences of composition, he had noticed that, in like manner, in these series of inorganic chemistry similar differences manifest themselves in differences of atomic weights. In the series in which he had classified the elements, the differences between the atomic weights of the consecutive members of any one series is always a multiple of some whole number. In one case it is 9, in another 8, in another 6, and in another 5. He stated that there are some discrepancies between the atomic weights, as at present determined, and those required by his theory; and that though, in most cases, they are within the limits of actual error, in other there is a residual. These remarks Prof. Cooke illustrated very fully by referring to the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, and bismuth. He showed that these elements have the same mode of combination; that they not only unite with the same number of atoms, but that the resulting compounds have similar properties, and form parallel series with the elements. He stated reasons for believing that phosphorous, antimony, and arsenic exist in the allotropic states. He had succeeded in crystallizing arsenic in regular octohedrons, which belong to a new allotropic state of arsenic; which metal in this state differs in color, weight, and chemical properties from common arsenic. He thought there could be little doubt that the members of the nitrogen series are doubly isomorphous, forming two isomorphous series, one rhomic and the other monometric; and that it was highly probable that the residuals he had noticed in some of the elements might be owing to a difference in the atomic weights of those elements in their two allotropic states.
An interesting discussion followed Prof. Cooke’s communication, in which Profs. W. B. Rogers, H. D. Rogers, and Perice, took part.
{{Prof. Agassiz on the Law of distribution of organic forms.}}
Prof. Agassiz made a communication on the Fundamental Law of Distribution of Organic Forms, Further remarks on the same subject were made by Prof. H. D. Rogers in respect to its geological relations; by Dr. Pickering, who described the method he had followed in his researches respecting the distribution of animals; and by Prof. Peirce.
The meeting was then dissolved.
“Jos. Hale Abbot.”
Rec. Sec. pro tem.
[end page 440 | begin page 441]
{{439.}}
Three hundred and ninety-second Meeting.
January 10. 1854.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of Hon. Nathan Appleton.
The President in the chair.
Present Messrs. J. H. Abbot, Agassiz, Appleton, J. Bigelow, Bouve, H. I. Bowditch, J. I. Bowditch, Bowen, Cooke, Cotting, Emerson, A. A. Gould, A. Gray, Hayes, Hill, Horsford, C. Jackson Jr, Lawrence, Longfellow, Lovering, F. C. Lowell, C. Pickering, Wigglesworth, and Winthrop.
The Corresponding Secretary, by appointment, acted as Recording Secretary, after the reading of the Proceedings of the last meeting by J. H. Abbot, the Secretary pro tem. of that meeting.
{{Dr. Hayes on the natural disappearance of marsh-gas.}}
Dr. Hayes made a verbal communication on the disappearance of marsh-gas (light carburetted hydrogen) in nature, this occurring, he had ascertained, by its spontaneous combustion, converting it into carbonic acid and water at ordinary temperatures, event at 32˚F. He had ascertained the same fact in respect to carbonic oxide also.
Remarks on this communication were made by Profs. Cooke and Horsford.
{{Prof. Cooke on a hexagonal prismatic crystal of arsenic.}}
Prof. Cooke, in continuation of the subject presented by him at the preceding meeting, exhibited a crystal of arsenic in the form of a truncated hexagonal prism, and illustrated its characters.
{{Dr. Pickering and Prof. Agassiz on the distribution of animals.}}
Dr. Charles Pickering, at the request of Prof. Agassiz, exhibited a map illustrating the distribution of quadrupeds over the earth; and Prof. Agassiz exhibited and compared with this a map which he had just prepared, illustrating the distribution of animals generally.
{{2nd monthly meeting passed over.}}
On motion of Mr. Treadwell it was voted that the second monthly meeting of the present month he passed over, on account of the occurrence of the quarterly meeting ont eh day succeeding.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
“Asa Gray”
Rec. Secretary
pro. tem.
[end page 441 | begin page 442]
{{440.}}
Three hundred and ninety third Meeting.
Jan. 23rd. 1854.
Quarterly Meeting.
The Academy met at their Hall. The President in the chair.
Present Messrs. J. Bigelow, J. I. Bowditch, J. P. Cooke, Cotting, Emerson, Folsom, A. Gray, Horsford, Lovering, J. A. Lowell, Paine, Parkman, C. Pickering, Quincy, Sherwin, Swett, and Treadwell.
{{Resignation of Prof. Peirce.}}
The Corresponding Secretary read a letter form the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, acknowledging the reception of Vol. 5, Part I. of the Memoirs of the Academy. Also a letter from Prof. Peirce, announcing that he had withdrawn from the American Academy, and requesting that his name be taken from the list of Fellows.
{{Committee on Lectures before the Lowell Institute.}}
Messrs Treadwell, Emerson, and Eliot were appointed a Committee to arrange for a course of lectures before the Lowell Institute the next season.
{{Amendments of the Statutes.}}
On motion of Dr. Gray the accepted report of Statutes of the Academy was taken from the table, and the following amendments moved and adopted.
{{Chap. 8.}}
Chap. VIII. Art. 2. Add, “seven fellows shall be sufficient to constitute a meeting for scientific communications & discussions.”
{{Chap. 9.}}
Chap. IX: additional article:
6. Each Section of the Academy is empowered to present lists of persons deemed best qualified to fill vacancies occurring in the number of Foreign Honorary Members or Associate Fellows allotted to it; and such lists, after being read at a stated meeting, shall be referred to the Council for Nomination.
{{Chap. 11.}}
Chap. XI. Of Literary Performances: to be added.
1. The Academy will not express its judgment on literary or scientific memoirs or performances submitted to it, or included in its publications:
And to erase the same from the Standing votes.
{{Chap. 9.}}
Chap. IX. Art. 2. Line 2nd after “signed by them,” insert “specifying the section to which the nomination is made.”
{{Chap. 3.}}
Chap III. Art. 2. Add “It shall also be the duty of this Council to exercise a discreet supervision over all the nominations
[end page 442 | begin page 443]
{{441.}}
and elections, and to exert their influence to obtain and preserve proportion in the number of Fellows and Members in each of the sections.”
{{Farther action postponed to the Annual Meeting.}}
Voted, That the farther consideration of the subject be postponed to the Annual Meeting.
{{Committee on printing additions to the catalogue and on lighting the table.}}
Mr. Folsom proposed a plan for printing the additions to the Library as they accrue with a small form of type, and a hand press, and pointed out its advantages. The subject was referred to a committee consisting of the Librarian, Mr. Folsom, and Dr. Gray.
The same committee were requested to take order in respect to lighting the table in the Academy’s Hall.
{{Prof. Horsford on a mode of rendering gutta percha elastic.}}
Prof. Horsford made a communication upon a mode of rendering gutta percha elastic by the action of Sulphur and oxide of lead, so as to render it useful as a substitute for India-rubber for ear-springs and other purposes where elasticity is required, an important desideration on account of the increased price of india-rubber. He had succeeded in this endeavor, but the substance was not equal in value to vulcanized india-rubber. Specimens of gutta percha thus prepared, with various degrees of elasticity, were exhibited.
The meeting was then dissolved.
“Asa Gray”
Rec. Secretary pro tem.
Three hundred and ninety fourth Meeting.
February. 14. 1854.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of Danl. Treadwell, Esq. in Cambridge.
The President in the chair.
Present Messrs. Beck, J. Bigelow, G. P. Bond, J. I. Bowditch, Bowen, Dixwell, Emerson, A. Gray, Horsford, C. Jackson Jr, J. B. S. Jackson, Parkman, Phillips, C. Pickering, Shurtleff, Treadwell, J. Wyman, and M. Wyman.
[end page 443 | begin page 444]
{{442.}}
The Corresponding Secretary acted as Secretary, and read the Record of the proceedings of the last Meeting.
{{Dr. J. Wyman on the electric organs and nervous system of the Torpedo.}}
Dr. J. Wyman exhibited to the Academy a dissection of the brain, nerves, and electric organs of the Torpedo occidentalis. Storer, which is occasionally captured at Provincetown, Cape Cod, and adjoining localities, during the month of November. As regards its anatomical structure, it does not differ materially from the European species. Dr. Wyman estimated the number of plates, or laminae composing the two batteries, at between 250.000 and 300.000; the number of prisms was about 36 to the square inch. He was able to trace the minute structure of the laminae with the microscope; and he found the ultimate distribution of the nerves to be the same as described by Wagner. Each ultimate nerve-fibre on reaching the laminia divides into a series of branches which unite and form a complete capillary net work over the surface of the plate, but from these branches others are given off into which the “white substance” of Schwann does not enter. These last branches also divide; but at the point of division a large nucleated cell is generally found; and the fibres proceeding from this terminate in exceedingly slender minute points, which seem to be lost on the general surface of the plate.
{{Mr. Dean, on the amylaceous articles of food.}}
Prof. Horsford read a paper by his pupil Mr Dean, embodying the results of a series of experiments on the nutritive value of various amylaceous articles of food, estimated from the percentage of nitrogen they respectively contain.
Some remarks were made upon this by the President & Dr. Gray.
{{Prof. Horsford on ferruginous in crustations in the cochituate waterpipes.}}
Prof. Horsford also exhibited specimens of the ferruginous incrustation of the Cochituate water-pipes, which in some places had occurred to such an extent as to diminish their caliber one sixth, and the flow of water as much as 20 per cent. He thought the incrustation did not proceed now at so large a rate as at first.
The President, and Messrs Treadwell and C. Jackson made various enquiries; but the reason why some pipes were more acted upon them others were not elicited.
{{Dr. Gray on a Spongilla from Cochituate water pipes.}}
Dr. Gray exhibited specimens of a Spongilla, taken
[end page 444 | begin page 445]
{{443.}}
from the Cochituate water pipes, in which, at some places, especially where there is no rapid flow, this production is said to form with great rapidity.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
“Asa Gray”
Rec. Secretary pro tem.
Three hundred and ninety fifth Meeting.
Feb. 28. 1854.
The Academy met at their Hall. The President in the chair.
Present Messrs. Beck, J. Bigelow, Bouve, J. I. Bowditch, W. F. Channing, Cooke, Folsom, A. A. Gould, A. Gray, C. Pickering, O. Pickering, Sherwin, Shurtleff, & Treadwell.
The Corresponding Secretary acted as Secretary, and read the record of the proceedings of the last meeting.
{{Prof. Cooke on a new classification of chemical elements.}}
Prof. Cooke submitted a memoir upon a subject which he had brought before the Academy at a former meeting, viz: On some new relations between the properties of the elementary bodies and the atomic numbers representing them. This was illustrated by a new classification of the elements in natural groups.
{{Dr. Channing on magneto-electric machines.}}
Dr. W. F. Channing stated that he had recently assisted in measuring the electricity evolved from two large magneto-electric machines in Providence, which gave a product equal to a very extensive galvanic batteries; showing that this source of electricity was even able to replace eventually the galvanic battery as an economical source of power.
{{Prof. Cooke on the constant evolution of hydrogen from an alloy of zing and antimony.}}
Prof. Cooke communicated the fact that an alloy of zinc with a small quantity of antimony, after having been acted upon by dilute sulphuric acid, and then washed free from acid and left in water, continued to evolve pure hydrogen for the space of two months at the ordinary temperature of the air, in pretty large quantity at the temperature of 60˚ or 70˚ F, in lesser quantity but
[end page 445 | begin page 446]
{{444.}}
without interruption at 32˚. Prof. Cooke conjectured that this was owing to the zinc being thrown from the passive to an active state by by [sic] the actin of the acid and of the antimony; but Dr. W. F. Channing attributed it to the galvanic action developed by the acid in partly detaching the crystals or particles of the antimony from the zinc, so as to form galvanic circuits.
{{Prof. Cooke on models of the Kohinoor diamond.}}
Prof. Cooke stated that he was informed by Prof. Shepard, of Amherst College, that he had caused some models of the Koh-i-noor diamond to be prepared in London and sent to this country, and that sets, i.e., a model of the uncut and the cut diamond, might be had by institutions wishing to possess them, at the cost of $32.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
“Asa Gray.”
Rec. Secretary pro tem.
Three hundred and ninety sixth Meeting.
March 14. 1854.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of George B. Emerson Esq.
The President in the Chair.
Present Messrs. J. H. Abbot, S. L. Abbot, Bacon, J. Bigelow, Bouve, Bowen, W. F. Channing, Cooke, Emerson, Eustis, Folsom, A. A. Gould, A. Gray, Hayes, G. Hayward, J. B. S. Jackson, Kneeland, Lawrence, Lovering, Paine, Parkman, C. Pickering, O. Pickering, H. D. Rogers, Sherwin, Shurtleff, Swett, Treadwell, Winthrop, and J. Wyman.
{{Letters from Prof. Peters, Museum of Practical Geology &c}}
The Corresponding Secretary laid before the Academy a letter from Prof. Peters, of Konigsberg, acknowledging his election as Foreign Honorary Member of the Academy, a letter from the Museum of Practical Geology, London, acknowledging the reception of the New Series of the Academy’s Memoirs to Vol. 5. Part 1. and Vols 1 and 2 of the Proceedings, letters from the Royal Institution, the British Museum, the Linnean Society, the Society of Antiquaries and Chev. Bunsen, Loudon, acknowledging the reception of Vol. 5. Part 1. of the Academy’s Memoirs, & pp. 233 to 359 of Vol. 2. Of the Proceedings, and a letter from the Academy of Natural
[end page 446 | begin page 447]
{{445.}}
Sciences, Philadelphia, acknowledging the reception of Vol 5. Part 1. of the Academy’s Memoirs.
{{Prof. Treadwell and the “Measure of Force.}}
Prof. Treadwell made a communication “On the measure of Force.” In the Newtonian theory the measure of force is the mass multiplied by the velocity, was the momentum; by the theory of Leibnitz and his followers, it is as the mass multiplied by the square of the velocity. The philosophers who have maintained the first theory are chiefly English, those who favor the latter theory chiefly Continental. The object of the communication was to render intelligible by a simple illustration the truth of the second theory.
Prof. Eustis confirmed his results by the ordinary method of analysis.
{{Dr. Hayes on a Photometer.}}
Dr. Hayes exhibited and described a modification of the Photometer invented by Ritchie, by which the illuminating power of two flames can be directly compared.
He alluded to the different methods by which the attainment of an accurate measurement had been sought for, by intercepting light and comparing shadows, and pointed out the objections by them; concluding by expressing his opinion that Bunsen’s node, in its adaptation by Mr. King, with the improvements of Mr. Lewis Thompson, gives the nearest approximation to corrections which has been attained.
The instrument exhibited, in the arrangement of the two mirrors and admission of light from the two flames, was essentially Ritchie’s. But the modification which renders it a more accurate indicator, and more generally useful, consists in reversing the position of the mirror-plates, and removing the oiled paper, so that the two beams of reflected light are projected downward in a small darkened chamber upon a printed page. Two rectangles of light, side by side, are thus made to illuminate a page, the printed lines on which pass across the chamber and have the same words recurring within the lighted space from each flame. The page is viewed through a partly opened leaf in front, and being at a convenient distance from the eye, a slight inequality in the light on either side is readily seen.
In making the experimental comparisons, the centre of one mirror in the instrument was placed at 120 inches from a gas flame by moving the light pedestal supporting it, and on which
[end page 447 | begin page 448]
{{446.}}
{{Dr. Hayes on an improved Photometer.}}
it slides. A spermaceti candle burning 128 grains per hour, contained in a spring stand, was placed in line on an adjusting support. Motion of either the instrument or candle allowed the line of direction to be found and maintained constant during the experiment. The candle was allowed to burn until the projecting wick dropped its light ash away from the candle.
He alluded to the fact that the color afforded by the two beams of light was different; and this was apparent on the page, that from the gas-light being nearly white, while a brown tint was given to the page by the flame of the candle. He stated that, as the light of flames is due to the ignition of solid matter, the illuminating power of any combustible cannot be inferred from its chemical composition, and although, as a general rule, those gasses or vapors which deposit solid, finely divided matter by heat are found to be the best for illumination, yet the introduction of finely divided solid matter into flames composed of hydrogen or atmospheric air will produce luminous effects with the same variations in color. In observing the page, as illuminated by the two rectangles of light, the eye soon accustoms itself to judging of the sharpness of the outline of the letters, irrespective of the color of the paper, and by retiring backward slightly, the vanishing of the letters as either side is distinctly marked, and the candle can be adjusted to produce equality. The distance of the gas light from the centre of one mirror being constant, the ratio of the light is learned by dividing the square of the gas distance by the square of the candle distance.
The illuminating power of the gas burned in this city had been the subject of his experiments, from which he obtained the result that (for the last 9 months) the light from one burner is equal to that of about 20 candles. The best solid material for illumination is the sperm candle; the illuminating powers of wax & sperm candles areas 12 to 16.
{{Prof. Gray on the age of Wollingtonia gigantean.}}
Prof. Gray made a communication on the age of a large California Coniferous tree, Wellingtonia gigantean. From the examination of a portion of the wood from the specimen now a exhibition in Philadelphia, from comparison with the wood of other trees produced form the same family, and the fact of the more rapid growth of the young tree, he is of the opinion that the tree does not antedate the Christian Era. This tree measured 322 feet in length; the diameter of the trunk being 29 feet, 2 inches, 14 ½ feet, 12 ½ feet; and 5 ½ feet, at the height of 5, 18, 25, and20 feet respectively.
[end page 448 | begin page 449]
{{447.}}
{{Mr. Paine on the Eclipse of the Sun, May 26. 185.}}
Mr. Paine made a communication on the eclipse of the Sun, which will take place, May 26. 1854. This will be visible, and generally large throughout the United States, and actually annular in part of the Territories of Washington and Minnesota, of Vancouver’s Gland, of Canada West, and of the States of Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, & Massachusetts. The path of the central eclipse touches our continent near Cape Flattery, thence passed over Vancouver’s Island, British Oregon, Minnesota, Southern part of Isle Royale in Lake Superior, to Ogdensburgh N.Y. thence over Middlebury Vt. Hanover, Sanbornton, Gilmanton & Rochester. N.H. to the ocean at Cape Neddock in York, Maine; where it leaves the earth in Lat. of about 36˚, Long. 52˚, having in 3h. 41m. 21s., the time of its continuance on the Earth, seen over 145 ½ degrees of longitude and 56 of latitude; it first enters upon the earth in the North Pacific Ocean, near the Caroline Islands, in lat. Of about 6 1/2˚ N. & Long. 197˚N. The duration of the ring, where central, is from 4 to 4 ½ minutes. The limits of the ring are about 70 miles north and south of the central path above mentioned. In Boston, the eclipse beings at 4h. 27m. 12s and ends at 6h. 47m .33s.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
Samuel Kneeland Jr
Recording Secretary
Three hundred and ninety seventh Meeting.
March 28. 1854.
Second March Meeting.
The Academy met at the Hall. The Vice Pres. & afterwards
The President in the chair.
Present Messrs. Bacon, Beck, J Bigelow, J. I. Bowditch, Cooke, Emerson, A Gray, Kneeland, Lovering, Paine, Parkman, C. Pickering, W. B. Rogers, Storer & Treadwell.
{{Trustees of Astor Library.}}
The Corresponding Secretary read a letter from the Trustees of the Astor Library acknowledging the reception of Vol 5. Part I. of the Academy’s Memoirs, & Vols 2 & 3 (as far as published) of the Proceedings
{{Rev. Chas. Brooks on the Weather Law.}}
and a letter from Rev. Chas. Brooks on the Weather Law.
Prof. Lovering exhibited a Bioscope, an optical instrument for giving the motions of life to pictures, and illustrating the great advancement of optical science. This instrument combines the three important
[end page 449 | begin page 450]
{{448}}
{{Prof. Lovering on the Bioscope}}
modern discoveries of the Daguerreotype, the Stereoscope, & the Phenakisticope. The Daguerreotype gives a perfect picture, without solidity or motion, the Stereoscope suggests the idea of solidity without motion, the Phenakisticope imparts life by motion.
The Bioscope obtains perfect figures from the Daguerreotype. By a stereoscopic arrangement of mirrors adapted to both eyes, the figures acquire solidity; and by the revolution of the Phenakisticope, the figures exhibit the motions of life. It requires some practice to see all that the instrument is capable of showing, and the combination admits of considerable improvement.
{{Prof. W. B. Rogers on the natural coke found in the vicinity of Richmond, Va.}}
Prof. W. B. Rogers made a communication on the natural Coke found in the vicinity of Richmond, Virginia. This coke is almost entirely free form volatile or bituminous matters, being less puffy than ordinary coke, but less compact than anthracite. In the vicinity of the coal seams are dykes of trap rock. 120 feet below the surface there is a bed of trap rock, 25 feet in thickness; below this is a clay state almost vitrified, commonly called “basalt”, which has assumed a columnar crystallization, below this are alternating beds of sanel stones & states. Then, at the depth of 60 feet below the trap, there are 10 or 12 feet of this coke, having occasional traces of vegetable remains, and at the bottom of the bed having a small amount of bituminous matter, 20 feet below this is a half coky coal, and 15 feet below this, the ordinary bituminous coal of the country. These strata plainly indicate the graduation & elimination of the heating action in a downward direction. It is very curious that in the beds of carboniferous state above the trap, there is not indication of this metamorphic action; there are even seams of coal above it, the veins of injected material must have been thrown up from beneath, the heating action extending from the interposed trap in a downward direction. This series of strata is therefore interesting as proving that there were periods of igneous activity during the deposition of these formations.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
Samuel Kneeland Jr.
Recording Secretary.
[end page 450 | begin page 451]
{{449.}}
Three hundred and ninety eighth Meeting.
April 11. 1854.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of Hon. Robert C. Winthrop.
The President in the chair.
Present Messrs. J. H. Abbot, Appleton, Bacon, J. Bigelow, Bouve, H. I. Bowditch, S. Cabot, W. F. Channing, Cooke, Dixwell, Emerson, Eustis, Folsom, A. A. Gould, A. Gray, Hayes, J. B. S. Jackson, Kneeland, Lawrence, Lovering, F. C. Lowell, Paine, Parkman, C. Pickering, Shurtleff, Swett, Treadwell, Winthrop; and by invitation Gov. Washburn.
{{Letters}}
The Corresponding Secretary read a letter form the Geological Society of London, acknowledging the reception of Vol. 5. part 1. of the Academy’s Memoirs. Also letters from the “Verein fur vaterlandische Naturkunde” at Wurtemberg, and the “Societe des Sciences naturelles de Cherbourg” requesting an exchange of publications with the Academy; the latter Society had already sent one volume of its publications in 8vo.
{{Prof. Lovering on an instrument for producing great velocity in optical instruments.}}
Prof. Lovering exhibited a model of an instrument for producing great velocities in experiments, particularly in Optics. The motion is produced by a spring acting upon wheels, and may be very suddenly diminished or increased. With it he performed several experiments by the rapid revolution of variously printed cards, as of mixing the prismatic colors, and any two complimentary tints to form white. The instrument is of practical use to painters in mixing colors, as the effect of mixing any two colors may be at once seen. Dove, of Berlin, has used this instrument in showing that when the eye has rested for a certain time on a bright color and then is turned to a white surface, the retina becomes insensible to the first color and sees instead its complimentary color, thus green appears orange, blue appears yell, &c; this was also shown.
{{Dr. Hayes: the fluid of the India rubber tree.}}
Dr. Hayes exhibited some of the juice of the India rubber tree, preserved from decomposition by a patent process. By the addition of a weak alkali to the recent juice, a substance prone to acetons fermentation is so changed that the formation of acid is prevented. This has led to many new applications of
[end page 451 | begin page 452]
{{450.}}
{{Dr. Hayes on pure India rubber.}}
this useful substance. He exhibited specimens of perfectly pure India rubber obtained from this milky juice; the consistence of the latter is between that of milk and cream; it yields from 48 to 52 per cent. of solid India rubber.
What he wished particularly to draw the attention of the Academy to, was the fact that this substance, in its normal state, is perfectly transparent; it is curious that from this entirely opaque fluid a transparent India rubber should be obtained by simple dessication. He exhibited a glass vessel coated inside and outside with this material, which did not in the least diminish the transparency of the glass, and was recognized only by the touch, he had found that a considerable number of coatings did not diminish the transparency.
{{Dr. Kneeland on the views of Messrs Nott and Gliddan in “Types of Mankind.”}}
Dr. Kneeland read an abstract of the views of Messrs Nott and Gliddan, as given in a work just published, entitled “Types of Mankind,” in which the strongest arguments are given in favor of the theory of the original diversity of the human races; based in a great measure on the proofs derived from the Egyptian monuments that at least four human races have remained distinct in and around the Valley of the Nile from ages anterior to 3500 years B.C., and consequently long anterior to any alphabetic chronicles, sacred or profane. The first part of the book ending with the conclusion “that there exists a genus Homo, embracing many primordial types or species.” The second and third parts of the work are upon the portions of Scripture which bear upon the origin of mankind.
{{Dr. Gould on fossil human bones.}}
Dr. Gould alluded to the alleged fossil human bones from the upper part of Florida, and expressed the opinion of himself, and others who had visited the localities, that they had no claim to be considered as fossil bones.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
Samuel Kneeland Jr
Recording Secretary.
[end page 452 | begin page 453]
{{451.}}
Three hundred and ninety-ninth Meeting.
April 25. 1854.
The Academy met at their Hall.
The President in the Chair.
Present Messrs. Bacon, J. Bigelow, Bouve, Horsford, Jenks, Kneeland, J. A. Lowell, C. Pickering, Shurtleff, Swett, and Treadwell.
{{Letters}}
Letters were read from the Ethnological Society of London, Rear Admiral Smyth, and the Breslau “Akademie der Naturforscher” acknowledging the reception of Vol. 5 part 1. Of the Academy’s Memoirs, letters from the K. K. geologische Reichsaunstalt of Vienna, and the Academie Royale des Sciences de Stockholm, acknowledging the reception, the former of Vol. 4 Part 2, and the latter of Vol. 5. part 1. Of the Academy’s Memoirs, and transmitting also donations of their publications in exchange, and letters from the Royal Institution of London, the “Akademie der Wissenschaften” of Vienna, and the Royal Danish Academy of SCIENCES OF Copenhagen, presenting their publications.
Prof. Horsford presented a paper, offered to the Academy at a former meeting, ,and since revised and modified “On the value of the different kinds of vegetable food” by John Dean.
{{Prof. Horsford on the metal Aluminum.}}
Prof. Horsford also exhibited specimens of the metal Aluminum ,to sow its malleability, silvery lustre, and other physical properties. It was first obtained by Sir Humphry Davy, and has recently been prepared by Wobler’s method, as a more extended Scale by Deville of Paris. It is obtained from common alum most conveniently, from 15 parts of which are about 35 parts of aluminum can be obtained by a very expensive process; it is made by decomposing the chloride of aluminum by potassium. Its weight is 2.56.
{{Prof. Gray on new genera of Plants of the U.S. Exploring Expedition.}}
Prof. Gray presented a paper entitled “character of new genera of plants, mostly from Polynesia, in the collection of the United States Exploring Expedition under Capt. Wilkes (continued) by Asa Gray. M.D.”
The Meeting was then dissolved.
Samuel Kneeland Jr.
Recording Secretary.
[end page 453 | begin page 454]
{{452.}}
Four hundredth Meeting.
May. 9. 1854.
The Academy met at their Hall. The President in the Chiar.
Present Messrs. S. L. Abbot, Bacon, J. Bigelow, A. Gray, F. C. Gray, Greene, Holmes, Kneeland, O. Pickering, Shurtleff, Swett; and by invitation Signor Bendelari, of Naples.
{{Donation from F. Delessert, of Paris and Prof. Melloni, of Naples.}}
The Corresponding Secretary announced a valuable donation of books from M. F. Delessert of Paris, which would be presented at the next meeting. He also presented, in the name of Prof. Melloni, of Naples, a Foreign Honorary Member of the Academy, a pamphlet by himself on the “Magnetism of Rocks.”
{{Prof. Gray on the Wollingtonia gigantean.}}
Dr. Kneeland brought to the Academy a large piece of the bark of the Wellingtonia gigantean, 18 inches thick; and a lithograph of one of these immense trees taken in San Francisco, California.
Prof. Gray remarked that the bark resembled that of the Southern Cypress, being, however ,less fibrous and stringy. He believed that there would be found on this tree two kinds of leaves, as in the deciduous Cypress.
These specimens gave rise to an interesting discussion on the age of this tree, and its peculiar characters as far as known, and on the size and age of large trees generally.
{{Meeting of 4th Tuesday dispensed with.}}
Prof. Gray moved that the Meeting of the 4th Tuesday of May be dispensed with, on account of the proximity of the Annual Meeting. Voted.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
Samuel Kneeland Jr.
Recording Secretary.
[end page 454 | begin page 455]
{{453.}}
Four hundred and first Meeting.
May 30th 1854.
Annual Meeting.
The Academy met at their Hall at 3 ½ P.M.
The Vice President in the chair in the absence of the President.
Present Messrs. J. Hale Abbot, Bacon, Beck, Cooke, Cotting, Dixwell, Folsom, B. A. Gould, A. Gray, Guyot, Horsford, C. T. Jackson, J. B. S. Jackson, Lovering, Paine, Parsons, O. Pickering, Wigglesworth, M. Wyman.
Professor Cooke was appointed Recording Secretary pro tem.
The record of the preceeding Stated Meeting was read by the Corresponding Secretary.
{{Letters from the Societe Imeriale des Sciences &c a Lille & from Dr Galle Director of Breslau Observatory with acknowledgmts.}}
The Corresponding Secretary read letters from the Societe Imperiale des Sciences de l’Agriculture, et des Arts a Lille, and from Dr. Galle, Director of the Breslau Observatory, acknowledging the reception of Vol. V. part I of the Academy’s Memoirs &c.
{{Card Catalogue}}
Prof. Lovering from the Committee on Publications, and Dr. Shurtleff, from the Library Committee, made verbal reports of the operations of these Committees: the latter announcing that a complete card-catalogue of the library had been prepared.
{{Treasurer’s Report.}}
The report of the Treasurer was read, and the statement of accounts (as subjoined) ordered to be entered on the records.
Treasurer’s Report.
Dr. American Academy (Rumford Fund) in a/c with Edward Wigglesworth Tr. Cr.
[table]
[end page 455 | begin page 456]
{{454.}}
[table cont.]
Boston, May 27, 1854
The above account has been examined by the undersigned & found properly vouched & correctly cast. The evidences of the property mentioned as remaining in the Treasurer’s hands have been shown to the undersigned & found correct. (signed) Charles Jackson jr.
Dr. American Academy (General Fund) in a/c with Edward Wigglesworth Treas. Cr.
[table]
[end page 456 | begin page 457]
{{455.}}
[table]
Boston, May 27 1854
The above account has been examined by the undersigned & found properly vouched & correctly cast. The evidence of the property mentioned as remaining in the treasurer’s hands have been also examined & found correct
(signed) Charles Jackson jr.
{{Report of Committee on Lectures.}}
The chair reported from the Committee raised to consider the subject of lectures for the present year, that the Committee deemed it inexpedient to arrange for a course of lectures for the ensuing winter; and the Committee was discharged.
[end page 457 | begin page 458]
{{456.}}
The chair announced that the Academy has sustained the loss of the following members by death during the last two years: viz,
{{Members deceased during the last two years.}}
of Fellows.
Samuel Putnam.
Andrews Norton.
J. E. Teschemacher.
John Farrar.
John Davis.
A. L. Pierson.
J. Tilden.
G. C. Shattuck.
of Associate Fellows.
Prof. E. H. Courtenay.
Sears C. Walker.
Isaac Bates.
Danl. Webster.
Horatio Greenough.
Foreign Honorary Members.
Leopold von Buch.
Adrien de Jussieu.
Fischer de Waldheim.
M. Arago.
“Making in all seventeen. The Academy has already, in many instances, recorded its appreciation of the character and services of these distinguished associates. No eulogy upon them, therefore is now required of us. We cannot however read over these names, collectively, without reflecting upon the great amount of varied learning and of intellectual and moral power represented by them. Nor can we remain without some shade of anxiety when we look to the community about us, to find those worthy to become their successors.”
{{Foreign Members Elected}}
Sir Wm. Hamilton, Professor of Logic in the University of Edinburgh, was elected a Foreign Honorary Member in Class III. Section I.
Prof [blank] von Siebold of Breslau was elected a Foreign Honorary Member in Class II. Section III.
{{Dr. B. A. Gould in regard to mistake in the record of Sept 28/53 of some remarks made by him}}
Dr. B. A. Gould mentioned that his attention has been directed to a paragraph on p. 48. Of the current volume of Proceedings, in which some remarks by him at the meeting of September 28, 1853, had been singularly misapplied in the record. Had he been present when the records were read, or at home when they were printed such a statement could not have occurred. To astronomers no disavowal
[end page 458 | begin page 459]
{{457.}}
would be needed, still he desired for the credit of the Academy at least, to place the fact of such misreport on its records. His communication which was an oral one, referred to the use of certain formulas of reduction; and different portions of a conversational discussion had been confused by the Secretary in such a manner as to occasion the extraordinary statement given in the record.
The draft of Statutes and Standing Votes of the Academy, as amended at the last stated meeting, was taken from the table, and had a final reading.
{{Prof. Gray’s motion in regard to the no. of Foreign Honorary Members.}}
Prof. Gray moved to amend Sect. 4 of Chapt. I. by striking out the word seventy-five in the first line, and inserting sixty, so as to fix the number of Foreign Honorary Members at the latter number. The amendment being objected to by Messrs. Lovering, Parsons, and Folsom, the motion was withdrawn.
The statutes and standing votes as they stand in the accepted draft were then enacted by an unanimous vote; eighteen fellows voting in the affirmative.
{{Votes upon the States & standing votes}}
Voted, also by 18 affirmative votes; that all statutes and parts of statutes inconsistent with the above, are hereby repealed.
Voted, that the statutes and standing votes just enacted be printed under the direction of the Committee on Publications.
{{Revised List of Members of Academy to be printed.}}
Voted, that the same Committee print also a revised list of the Members of the Academy.
Voted, that the subject of awarding an additional payment to the late assistant Librarian, and of appointing and arranging the compensation of an assistant Librarian for the current year, to act also as an assistant to the other Officers of the Academy, be referred to the Committee on the Library, with full power to act on the same, and that the sum of three hundred and sixty dollars be appropriated to this purpose for the ensuing year.
The Librarian was added to this Committee by a subsequent vote.
The election of Officers was held in the usual form, Mr Dixwell and Dr Shurtleff having been appointed
[end page 459 | begin page 460]
{{458}}
Scrutineers: and the following were chosen.
{{Election of Officers.}}
Jacob Bigelow M.D., President
Danl. Treadwell Esq., Vice President
Asa Gray M.D., Corresponding Secretary.
S. L. Abbot M.D., Recording Secretary.
Edw. Wigglesworth Esq., Treasurer.
N. B. Shurtleff M.D., Librarian.
{{Council of Nomination.}}
The Council of Nomination
{of Class I.}
[REDACTED]
[REDACTED]
[REDACTED]
{of Class II.}
[REDACTED]
[REDACTED]
[REDACTED]
{of Class III.}
[REDACTED]
[REDACTED]
[REDACTED]
The following Committees were appointed on nomination from the Chair.
{{Committees}}
{Rumford Committee]
E. N. Horsford.
Danl. Treadwell.
Joseph Lovering.
Henry L. Eustis
Morrill Wyman.
{Committee on Publications.}
Joseph Lovering
Louis Agassiz
Francis Bowen.
{{Committee on the Library}}
A. A. Gould
B. A. Gould Jr.
J. P. Cooke Jr.
Seven nominations for resident Fellows were read.
Voted, that a meeting for scientific communications
[end page 460 | begin page 461]
{{459}}
Be held on the last Tuesday of June at 7 ½ o’clock PM.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Josiah P. Cooke Jr. Recg. Secy. (pro tem)
Four hundred and second Meeting.
June 27, 1854.
The Academy met at their Hall.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs J. H. Abbot, Appleton, Cooke, A. A. Gould, Asa Gray, Shurtleff and the Recg. Secretary.
{{Letters from Societies}}
The Recording Secretary read communications from the Societe du Museum d’Histoire Naturelle de Strasbourg, the Societe de Geographie of Paris, and the Academie des Scences, Arts et Belles Lettres de Dijon, acknowledging the receipt of the last Part of the Memoirs of the Academy, from the Smithsonian Institution & the American Philosophical Society acknowledging the receipt of the Proceedings of the Academy; from the K. Bayerischen Akad. Der Wissenchaften [sic], the Societe du Museum d’Histoire Naturelle de Strasbourg, the K. Sachsische Gesellschaft der Wissenschaften presenting their own & other publications to the Academy.
Prof. Cooke read a Memoir on Stibiotrizincyle and Stibiobizincyle, two new compounds of Zinc and Antimony, with some remarks on the decomposition of water by the alloys of these metals.
At Prof. Cooke’s request his Memoir was referred to the Publishing Committee
Mr Joseph H. Abbot offered some views of his own as to the probable upward currents produced in a cumulus cloud by the repulsion of particles during the evolution of Electricity. Some objections to the theory advanced were offered by Professors Cooke & Gray.
Dr. A. A. Gould in behalf of the Library Committee reported in favor of a gratuity of $100. To Dr. Samuel Kneeland for extra services during the past year. After some conversation on the subject, the matter was left in the hands of the Committee, they being already possessed of full powers to act in the premises.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot Recg. Secy.
[end page 461 | begin page 462]
{{460.}}
Four hundred and third Meeting.
August 9. 1854.
Stated Meeting.
The Academy met at their Hall.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs Treadwell, Walter Channing, Cotting, A. A. Gould, Horsford, Lovering, Shurtleff, Storer, Jeffries Wyman, Beck and the Recording Secretary, consisting a quorum for scientific purposes, but not for the usual business of a Stated Meeting.
At the request of the Treasurer, the following note was laid before the Academy and unanimously adopted.
Voted, That the Secretary be directed to inform the Executors of our late esteemed Associate Dr. Geo. C. Shattuck, that the Academy have received his bequest, a share in the Cocheco-Manufacturing Company, and to express their grateful sense of this mark of his regard.
Prof. Horsford in behalf of Prof. Gray, laid before the Academy, a paper entitled “Plantae Thurberiance”; some new Genera and Species of Plants discovered in New Mexico, S.W. California, and Sonora, by Geo. Thurber Esq., a Member of the late Mexican Boundary Commission,” The Mss. Not being at the present time in the hands of Prof. Gray, he asked permission to lay the paper before the Academy by title, with the privilege of referring it to the Committee on Publications, whenever it should come into his possession. Permission was granted accordingly.
Prof. Horsford exhibited an obstruction which had been removed from a wooden pump-log at the Water Cure Establishment of Brattleboro, Vt, formed of a compact mast of small root fibres entirely closing the tube of the log. It was 3 feet in length, & was developed from a slender fibre of the root of a neighbouring tree which had penetrated by a small crevice at a join tin the log. The log had been 2 years in the ground.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot Recg. Secretary.
[end page 462 | begin page 463]
{{461.}}
Four hundred and fourth Meeting.
Sept. 12. 1854.
Monthly Meeting.
The Academy met at their Hall.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs H. J. Bigelow, Cooke, Cotting, Folsom, A. A. Gould, Asa Gray, Hayes, C. T. Jackson, Lovering, J. Wyman & the Rec. Secretary.
{{Letters from Sir Wm Hamilton &c.}}
The Corresponding Secretary read letters from Sir Wm. Hamilton accepting his appointment as Foreign Honorary Member: from the American Oriental Society acknowledging the donation of the Memoirs of the Academy, Vol 5. Part 1.; and from Dr. Walter Channing resigning the Fellowship of the Academy.
Dr. Hayes presented a pamphlet “Reminiscences of Glass Making by Deming Jarves,” accompanying the donation by some remarks on that Art. He stated that at the present time te United States in the manufacture of Flint-Glass is before all other Countries both in the quality and quantity of the article produced.
Dr. Hayes also presented the report of the Committee of the Franklin Institute, with one of his own appended, on E. G. Pomeroy’s new process of coating Iron with Copper, and exhibited iron spikes coated by the process described.
Prof. Lovering exhibited to the Academy Plateau’s new Instrument the Anorthoscope, and explained its construction.
Prof. Wyman said that since the previous meeting, in consequence of the remarks then made in the form of the image produced by the sunlight in passing through apertures of various shapes and sizes, he had examined the pupil of the eye in various animals with reference to the point in question. Prof. W. described this as it exists, of various shapes, but had found by experimenting with apertures of similar shapes cut in card, that the image of the sun transmitted through them remained always the same, with the exception of a greater or les penumbra at the circumference.
Dr. C. T. Jackson gave an account of the recent.
[end page 463 | begin page 464]
{{462.}}
discovery of Gold at Bridgewater, Vt. Where it is found in a vein of Quarts, 18 ½ foot thick, in company with Sulphuret of Lead, Silver and Copper pyrites. One Ton of reduced lead from this locality yields over $600 worth of Gold.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot Rec.g Sec.y
Four hundred and fifth Meeting.
Oct. 10. 1854.
Monthly Meeting.
The Academy met at their Hall.
The Corresponding Secretary in the Chair.
Present, Messrs J. H. Abbot, Agassiz, Appleton, Eliot, Felton, A. A. Gould, Lovering, Parkman, Pickering, Sparks, Swett, Walker and the Recording Secretary.
Prof. Agassiz called the attention of the Academy to the recent decease of one of the Fellows, Dr. Waldo I. Burnett, as follows:
Mr President & Gent. Of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences.
I rise to perform a sad duty, which but for my absence I would have performed sooner. The American Academy of Arts & Sciences has sustained a severe loss by the death of its associate Dr. W. I. Burnett, who after a protracted illness expired of consumption. Dr. Burnett had hardly yet entered upon the stage of active life when disease began to shake his constitution, but such was his devotion to science, such his zeal & perseverance that in a state of health which would have prostrated most men, he was unceasingly active & industrious. The consciousness of the probably short duration of his life, of which he spoke occasionally & always with the greatest calmness seems to have been a powerful stimulus for him to leave nothing within his reach and one which might advance the cause of science & secure for himself an honorable place among its devotees. In this respect his short life has been most exemplary. He not only made his way by himself, but he devoted every moment of his time to the increase of his knowledge rather than to the improvement of his worldly condition. His efforts were crowned with the fullest success, & the papers he has communicated to the Academy, & one which is already
[end page 464 | begin page 465]
{{463.}}
published in its Transactions & his other scientific contributions will ever bear testimony to his industry & skill. He was one of the few among us extensively conversant with the whole range of foreign publications upon the subjects with which he was engaged. In his intercourse with his fellow laborers in the field of science he was modest, unpretending & ever willing to aid others. As a friend he was true & open. All these amiable & distinguished qualities make his departure from among us a real loss to all true lovers of science.
I move therefore that the Academy pass the following resolutions as expressive of its sense of his great moral worth and scientific eminence.
Resolved: That the Academy feels deeply the loss of its distinguished Associate Dr. Waldo I. Burnett who by his untiring industry, his great scientific accomplishments & his amiable personal qualities, stood prominent among the rising generation of scientific men in America.
Resolved: That the Academy will cheerfully undertake to print in its Transactions whatever papers he may have left in a condition fit for publication
Resolved: That the American Academy tender to the family of Dr. Burnett its sincere sympathies for this irreparable loss.
Resolved: That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family of Dr. Burnett & printed in the public papers.
The resolutions were seconded by Dr. S. L. Abbot and unanimously adopted.
Prof. Lovering called the attention of the Academy to the recent & sudden death of Macedoine Melloni, one of the Foreign Honorary Members of the Academy & a distinguished physicist, and offered the following resolutions which were seconded by Prof. L. Agassiz & unanimously adopted.
Resolved: That the American Academy of Arts and Sciences has heard with deep regret of a sudden death of its illustrious Foreign Honorary Member, Macedoine Melloni.
Resolved: That the Academy fully appreciates the high services which Melloni has rendered to the physical sciences by his brilliant discoveries in Thermotics, which he has exalted to an eminent rank among the oldest & best cultivated fields of research; and that it recognizes in him not only an early, long
[end page 465 | begin page 466]
{{464.}}
and deep passion for the study of nature, but also remarkable experimental skill, displayed alike in the contrivance & use of new instruments as well as unusual excellence of style & caution of mind in communicating his discoveries.
Resolved: That the American Academy unites with the other scientific associations throughout the world in deploring the sudden going down of one of its most brilliant lights, while in its meridian splendor.
The resolutions were seconded by Prof. Agassiz, who together with Prof. Gray, bore witness to the great scientific eminence & moral worth of the deceased. The resolutions were unanimously adopted.
Prof. Agassiz gave the result of some of his recent observations on the phenomena accompanying the first appearance of a circulating system in the higher animals.
He remarked that Physiologists had hitherto believed that in Vertebrata the circulation commences by the formulation of true blood which flows from a cavity formed by a group of structure cells which unite to form the heart, by currents, which become gradually enclosed by similar structure cells forming the blood vessels. The circulating fluid from the commencement had been regarded as true blood. Recent investigations had convinced him that this is not the case. The primitive fluid in the blood vessels is not blood, but liquid albumen. This fact he had formerly demonstrated in the embryo chick and turtle, & he had recently noticed it in the embryo of the Lophinus piscatorisu or Devil fish. Owing to the transparency of the fluid the currents were at first made out with great difficulty, but when closely watched became evident by the separation of particles from the walls of the channels & their circulation in the current, which were distinctly seen. The albumen is that in which the yolk cells of the ovum swim, & the first blood corpuscles are transformed yolk cells. The blood at first contains besides its proper corpuscles, structure cells, pigment cells &c. In observing the embryo of Lophinus piscatorisu, after attentively watching the primitive circulating currents during four hours, Prof. Agassiz saw the blood globules starting & a true blood circulation fully established where before there had been merely a transparent, fluid albumen, without granules.
Prof. Agassiz also stated that he had been recently studying
[end page 466 | begin page 467]
{{465.}}
the development of the osseous system in the earliest stage in an embryo fish, & had come to some new conclusions concerning it. In the higher Vertebrata the earliest development of this system is seen in the Chorda dorsalis, which appears in the embryo at a very early period, & consists of a row of nuclei of vertebrae, not yet ossified. In fishes a row of transverse arches or stripes has been seen, & has been regarded as the representative of the Chorda dorsalis in its earliest stage in that class of animals. Careful observation of this structure in the Embryo of Lophinus piscatorius had shown him that this opinion is incorrect. These vertebral divisions under a high power were found to consist of striated muscular fibres, & in fact to indicate the outlines of the muscular bands crossing the fish. There was no proper Chorda dorsalis at this period. The young fish lived three days & moved about freely in the water, & up to the time of their death presented no trace of a true dorsal cord.
Prof. Agassiz remarked that it is a singular circumstance, in connection with the movements of the genus Mactra, that it has the power of elongating its foot to 4 or 5 times its usual length without its becoming narrower. On the contrary it becomes rather broader. On examining this organ when extended to its utmost, he had found it to be filled with holes visible to the naked eye. Through these openings water is introduced as the foot is elongated & its sudden expulsion gives motion to the shell. As there is a communication between the foot & the general cavity of this mollusk, the question occurred to Prof. Agassiz whether the salt water is capable of mingling with the general circulation. Milne Edwards had recently expressed the opinion that in Mollusca the circulation is of so loose a character that the blood may enter the general cavity of the animal & be reabsorbed into the proper circulating system. He himself was one of the few who had been willing to adopt Prof. Edwards’ views. In Mactra, when the foot is extended, the opening is direct from the foot to the central cavity.
By seizing the animal while its foot was extended, before it had an opportunity to contract it, & catching the fluid that escaped Prof. Agassiz had been able to discover under the microscope in it unquestionable evidence of the presence of blood, by the existence of numerous blood corpuscles. It was evident therefore that salt water may have access to the circulation of these animals At the earliest period of their development it mingles freely with it. Prof Agassiz had demonstrated to the eye in the most satisfactory manner, by colored injections, the existence of the
[end page 467 | begin page 468]
apparatus described by him. The exact modus operandi by which water was introduced & expelled was not quite clear to him, as there are no muscular fibres particularly related to the openings. They exist between the openings however. He had obtained several ounces of water from the foot when extended.
Dr. A. A. Gould remarked that in Natica similar openings exist by which water is introduced & expelled in large quantities, yet no motion is the result. He was inclined to regard the motion of Mactra as due to the straightening of the curved foot by muscular contraction.
Prof. Agassiz replied that in Natica the fluid is expelled in all directions, whereas in Mactra it is driven out only in one direction. Probably the motion was due to both causes, that assigned by Dr. Gould, and the expulsion of water also.
Prof. Agassiz stated that water enters very largely into the composition of Medusae. During the past summer he had obtained a specimen weighing 30 pounds. The whole animal when dried remained only as a film no thicker than wrapping paper, and weighed less than half a pound. In this weight also is included that of the salt which had not yet been extracted. All the weight leost by drying must have been that of the contained water.
Prof. Gray presented a Note on the Characters & Affinities of Varvcea Bouth; also of Rhytidandra Gray. The paper was referred to the Publishing Committee.
Voted that the monthly meeting for November be omitted.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot. Recg. Secy.
[end page 468 | begin page 469]
{{467}}
Four hundred and sixth Meeting.
Nov. 8th 1854.
Stated Meeting
The Academy met at their Hall.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs J. H. Abbot; Bacon; Cook; Cotting; Folsom, A. A. Gould; B. A. Gould; A. Gray; F. C. Gray; Hayes; C. Jackson Jr; J. B. S. Jackson; Kneeland; Lovering; C. Pickering; O. Pickering; Shurtleff; J. Wyman; and the Recording Secretary.
The Corresponding Secretary read letters, from the New York Historical Society inviting the Fellows of the Academy to be present on the occasion of the celebration of its semi-centennial anniversary on the 20th of November next, from Lieut. Maury of the National Observatory, Washington, dated Oct. 21st. announcing the discovery by Mr James Ferguson, Assistant Astronomer of that Observatory, of a new Asteroid, to which he had given the name of Euphrosyne, and inclosing its approximate Ephemeris, with the last observations upon it, from the Academie des Sciences, Arts et Belles Lettres de Caen, dated January 29th, 1854. acknowledging the donation of the 1st Part of the 5th. Volume of the Academy’s Memoirs, and transmitting a volume of its own publications, and other books.
On motion of Mr. Folsom, voted, that the Academy proceed to ballot for Fellows. Prof. Jeffries Wyman and Dr Kneeland were chosen Scrutineers.
Dr. Silas Durkee, nominated by [REDACTED], was chosen a Fellow of the Academy.
Hon. B. A. Curtis, nominated by [REDACTED] was elected a Fellow of the Academy.
Hon. Rufus Choate nominated as a Fellow in the Section of Philosophy and Jurisprudence, by [REDACTED], was elected.
Dr. Charles E. Ware, nominated as a Fellow in the Section of Medicine and Surgery, by [REDACTED] was elected.
Rev Ephraim Peabody, nominated as a Fellow in the Section of Philosophy and Jurisprudence, by [REDACTED], was elected.
Dr. Thomas M. Brewer, nominated as a Fellow in the Section of Zoology and Physiology by [blank]
was elected.
[end page 469 | begin page 470]
{{468.}}
Prof Loring announced, in behalf of the Committee of Publications, that one hundred copies of the Revised Statutes and By Laws had been published distinct from the Memoirs of the Academy and were ready for distribution among the Fellows.
Prof. Lovering also moved that the sum of $900. be appropriated for the publications of the Academy during the current year commencing at the Annual Meeting; also, that the sum now due Mr. Sonrel for plates be paid from the Treasury. Voted accordingly.
Dr. A. A. Gould moved that the sum of $650, be appropriated to the Library for the current year. Voted.
Mr. Edw. Wigglesworth moved that the sum of $700. be appropriated to defraying the general expenses of the current year. Voted.
Dr. B. A. Gould gave an account of the Comet recently observed at Newardk, N.J. by Mr Van Arsdale, together with his own and the observers calculations upon its orbit, by which he had been led to the conclusion that it is identical with the comet of [blank]
Dr. Hayes alluded to the opinion which has been held by some, that springs flow more freely before rain. His attention had been recently called to the subject by hearing on reliable authority that in California this phenomenon is observed some weeks before the annual rains. He inquired if any gentleman present could explain it.
Prof. Lovering said that in a paper read before the American Association for the promotion of Science during the session at Cleveland it had been attributed to variations in Atmospheric pressure such as produce changes in the Barometer, operating in the same way; and he regarded the explanation as a very rational one.
Dr. Jeffries Wyman stated he had been engaged in making some experiments with a view to ascertain, if possible, the cause of contractility in some vegetable tissues, as in the capsules of the Common Balsam and Echynocistis lobate. In these it is well known that when the seeds are ripe the seed vessel bursts open, scattering them to a considerable distance. It was Dutrochet’s theory that this action is due to the sudden
[end page 470 | begin page 471]
{{469.}}
transfer of fluid from the inner to the outer cells of the capsule. Dr. Wyman had demonstrated the impossibility of this, by dissecting away the outer layers of cells without impairing at all the contractility of the capsule. He had himself come to the conclusion that the motion is due to the spontaneous contraction of the cells on the contracting side, in the way that motion is produced in the hydroid polyps. In the contracted capsule the cells on the contracted side are found to be shortened while those on the opposite side are elongated. In the Balsam capsule the process is so rapid that the process of contraction in the cells cannot be watched, but in that of the Echynocistis the motion is so gradual that the change can be observed under the microscope. When gradually subjected to the action of anaesthetic agents the capsules lose their contractility, but when suddenly placed under their influence an immediate contraction is the usual result.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot Rec.g. Secretary.
Four hundred and seventh Meeting.
Dec. 12th. 1854.
Monthly Meeting.
The Academy met at their Hall.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs Appleton, J. I. Bowditch, Bacon, Brewer, Cotting. Durkee, Asa Gray, Horsford, Chas. T. Jackson, Lovering, Peabody, Chas. Pickering, Sherwin, Shurtleff, Swett, Chas Ware, Wigglesworth, and the Recording Secretary. Dr. Seyfarth of Gottingen introduced by Prof. Horsford.
The Corresponding Secretary read letters from the Royal Society of Sciences at Gottingen, dated July 2nd, 1854; Die Konigliche Akademie der Wisschenschaften zu Berlin; dated Sept. 9th ’54; Det Kongelige Danske Videnskabernes Selskab, dated April 27th, ’54; Das Bibliotekariat der K. Bayer. Akademie der Wissenschaften, dated July 30 ’54 La Universidad de Chile, Oct 12th, ’54, acknowledging the receoption of the Memoirs &c of the Academy. From the Academie Royale des Sciences a Amersterdam, Sept. 7th; Det Kongelige Danske Videnskabernes Selskab, March 27th; Der K. Akademie der Wissenschaften
[end page 471 | begin page 472]
{{470.}}
zu Wien, March 11th, July 22nd, Aug 29th, 1853, and July 18th, ’54; Die K. Preussiche Akademie der Wissenschaften, Sept. 9th, 1854, presenting their various publications; from the K. Bayer Akeademie der Wissenschaften, July 30th, ’54, asking that missing numbers of the Society’s publications in its possession may be supplied, and requesting that duplicates of the Memoris and Proceedings may be furnished them, as the first copies of all works received from abroad in exchange or as gifts must be given up to the Imperial Library: from Hon. Rufus Choate, Hon. R. R. Curtis; Rev Ephraim Peabody; Drs. Chas. E. Ware, Silas Durkee and T. M. Brewer, acknowledging their election as Fellows of the Academy.
On motion of Col. Swett, voted,
That the Academy accede to the request of the Royal Bavarian Academy of Sciences.
Dr. Durkee read a paper on the Common Mosquito., Culex pipiens, giving a description of the microscopic structure of its proboscis &c, with an account of its development and habits of reproduction.
The Treasurer read a note from the Trustees under the will of the late Samuel Appleton announcing that they had assigned to the Academy as their share of a bequest of Mr. Appleton for various public Institutions, the sum of ten thousand dollars, and submitted the following preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted.
Whereas the American Academy of Arts and Sciences has received notice form the Executors of the will of the late Samuel Appleton, that they have transferred to this Society stocks amounting to ten thousand dollars, from the fund left for distribution by Mr. Appleton.
Voted, that the Academy accepts with much gratification this contribution to the cause of Science from one who found his happiness in acts of beneficence, and that our thanks are due to the Executors of his will for the direction which they have given to his bounty. [The letter of the Executors above mentioned is recorded on page 541.]
Prof. Lovering proposed a change in Soleil’s Polarizing apparatus for projection, and exhibited a wood-cut illustrating
[end page 472 | begin page 473]
{{471.}}
it. He also mentioned that he had found that the sounds produced by a humming top follow the usual law of the production of harmonic sounds. As might be supposed the air actus upon the hole in the top, just as the breath does upon the embouchure of a flute. If a very small top be used two sounds are heard; one at first, followed by an interval of silence, succeeded by a second sound, the next lower harmonic, which is the only sound usually heard; for with larger tops a sufficiently rapid motion cannot be readily communicated for the production of the first sound.
Prof. Lovering alluded to Newton’s processes for producing a white light by the combination of the prismatic colors. He also suggested a new method by which the same effect might be produced, viz, by causing a ray of light to pass through a water prism upon a screen. If this prism be supported upon a foot, a slight jar communicated to the foot is found to cause sufficient vibration of the fluid to produce a complete mixing of the colors in the screen, and a white light is the result.
Mr Sherwin alluded to a phenomenon accompanying the recent burning of a large building in Cambridge. The appearance to him at the distance of several miles was that of a tall column of light elevated about 20˚ above the horizon, appearing at first like some extraordinary meteoric phenomenon. It might be accounted for he thought by a series of reflections from clouds at different elevations or perhaps by mirage. In 1811 he had seen a similar appearance 24˚ high which proved to have been caused by the burning of a paper mill 40 miles off.
Prof. Horsford exhibited specimens of Cochituate water together with the various products of his recent examination and analysis of it.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot Recording Secretary
[end page 473 | begin page 474]
{{472.}}
Four hundred and Eighth Meeting.
Dec. 26. 1854.
Monthly Meeting.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of the President.
The President in the chair.
Present: Messrs J. H. Abbot. Bacon, Beck, Brewer, Channing, Cooke, Durkee, Eustis, Felton, A. Gray, Hayes, Jas. Hayward, Lovering, Peabody, O. Pickering, Shaw, Swett, J. Wyman, and the Recording Secretary.
Present by introduction of Prof. Gray Brace of New York.
Prof. Felton at the invitation of the President gave an account of the present aspect of Greece from personal observation during a recent visit to that country. He represented its condition as being extremely interesting, from the promise which it gives of literary scientific development. He spoke of the Schools and University, the public press, the condition of the language, and the prevailing spirit of the people as giving ground for the most sanguine for the most sanguine expectations of the regeneration of that classic land.
Dr. Wm. F. Channing stated that, in the absence of other matter before the Academy, he would report some observations on a class of phenomena, which, while they could not certainly at present be brought within the scope of exact knowledge, yet had important relations to physical science and were exercising a wide influence on the public mind in this country and Europe. He referred to the so-called spiritual manifestations. He wished to report merely phenomena and the deductions which he had been obliged to make from them, without going into an investigation of causes. The following instances might represent the class of physical phenomena. He had in one experiment, placed a chair in the middle of a room upon a carpeted floor, in broad daylight, with the request that it might be moved. There were present two other persons, one of whom was a professed medium. In a few moments the chair suddenly appeared to jump forward a foot and instantly back again into its former place. Dr. Channing was nearer to it than any other person and the conditions were carefully examined to avoid deception. In another instance a table surrounded by five ladies, one of them a professed medium, was rocking violently from side to side. He was promised that if he would place himself upon the table he should be thrown off. Making the experiment while the ladies all stood and joined hands, [underline] no one touching the table [end underline], the table rose with his weight upon it, swaying from side to side, and finally
[end page 474 | begin page 475]
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gave one or two spasmodic jumps, as if in effort, though ineffectual, to unseat him. As illustrative of another class of phenomena, Dr. Channing stated that during his experiments, thoughts which had suggested themselves to him at that moment, and even proper names known only to himself, had been spell [sic] out by means of physical indications commonly used for that purpose. He had therefore been obliged to make the following deductions;– 1st that there is physical agency or force exhibited in these phenomena, acting apparently in the neighbourhood of a sensitive or diseased human organization, not apparently referable to any known force;– 2nd that this force is directed intelligently and is connected with a power of thought reading or what is equivalent to it. Beyond this he had not sufficient evidence to arrive at any conclusion. He referred to the case of Angelique Cottin in Paris, in 1846, in which Arago was reported to have expressed himself as disposed to credit the existence of a new force, connected with the nervous system.
Dr. Channing attached importance to the whole subject especially from its connection with the laws of the vital force, and with the mechanism of vitality. He believed that the science of the Principle of Life was open to research and would yield the most valuable results to investigation, especially as it was the connecting link between the physical and the higher sciences.
Prof. Felton quoted a statement of Liebig to himself, that after a careful investigation of the subject he was satisfied it was “all humbug,” and proceeded to express his own views corroborative of that opinion. He was followed by the President, Dr. Hayes, Prof. Eustis and Mr. Swett, who all expressed their dissent from the views advanced by Dr. Channing, giving their reasons therefor. No action was taken upon the subject.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot Recording Secretary
[end page 475 | begin page 476]
{{474.}}
Four hundred and ninth Meeting.
January 9th. 1855.
Monthly Meeting.
The Academy met at their Hall.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs Abbot, Bacon, Channing, A. A. Gould, F. C. Gray, Hayes, Horsford, J. B. S. Jackson, C. Pickering, O. Pickering, W. B. Rogers, Peabody and the Recording Secretary. Prof. Brown of Dartmouth Col. Introduced by Prof Horsford.
Dr. Hayes read a paper on the present condition of the Cochituate water.
Dr. Bacon exhibited under the microscope specimens of Cyclops and Daphnia in Cochituate water, containing globules of oil evident to the eye, and the undoubted source of the present impurity in Cochituate water as suggested by Dr. Hayes. The globules were of various colors, some of them being of bright orange, almost red, others of a brilliant blue.
Prof. Horsford exhibited the organic matter obtained from 36 barrels of Cochituate water, also similar matter taken from the main aqueduct.
Prof. Horsford remarked that the Protosalts of Manganese are sometimes colorless and sometimes red. This color has been attributed to a trace of Cobalt combined with it, while the pure Manganese has been considered colorless. He had found that the pure ore is in reality red, while when combined with Nickel the compound is colorless.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot Recording Secretary
[end page 476 | begin page 477]
{{475.}}
Four hundred and tenth Meeting.
Jan. 31st. 1855.
Stated Meeting.
The Academy met at their Hall.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs J. H. Abbot, Agassiz, Beck, Channing, Bacon, Cooke, H. I. Bowditch, J. I. Bowditch, Durkee, A. A. Gould, Hayes, Horsford, Lowell, Peabody, Pickering, Paine, W. B Rogers, H. D. Rogers, Shurtleff, C. E. Ware, Mr David A. Wells present by invitation.
In the absence of the Recording Secretary, Dr. A. A. Gould was chosen Secretary pro tem.
The records of the preceding meeting were read and being amended by Dr. Bacon were approved.
A letter from Prof. Lovering was read, communicating in behalf of Prof. Gray, by title of a paper by Mr William Sullivant, entitled notices of some new species of mosses in the collection of the United States Exploring Expedition under Capt. Wilkes, and requesting that it might be placed in the hands of the Publishing Committee, which was agreed to.
Prof. Cooke suggested that the papers contributed to the Academy’s Memoirs be printed as soon as possible after they are submitted to the Publishing Committee, with the date of publication upon them, in order to secure priority of discovery and observation to their Authors; and that extra copies may be furnished them for distribution at once. Referred to the Pub. Committee.
The Academy proceeded to ballot for Fellows, Drs Bacon and Chas. E. Ware were appointed Scrutineers.
Geo. Livermore Esq. nominated by [REDACTED] was elected a Fellow.
Prof. Horsford read a joint communication by Frederick Wohler and John Dean on Tellurmethyle.
Prof. Agassiz made a communication on the alternate generation of Oceanica tibulosa and Thaumantias showing that they arise from Polyp-like stalks known as Campanularia and Syncorine, and mentioning some interesting particulars concerning these Medusa-like forms, which he proposed to embody in full in a paper to be presented at a future meeting.
Prof. W. B. Rogers made a communication on the subject of Binocular Vision, giving his own explanation of the phenomenon
[end page 477 | begin page 478]
{{476.}}
and illustrating it by the aid of the Stereoscope.
The communication was followed by remarks from Prof Agassiz, Dr. Pickering, Dr. Channing and the President in various phenomena connected with the laws of vision.
Dr. Durkee exhibited filterings from the water of a lake in Haverhill showing animal forms containing oil, similar to those found in Cochituate water at the present time.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot Recording Secretary
Four hundred and eleventhMeeting.
Feb. 13th. 1855.
Monthly Meeting.
The Academy met by invitation at the house of J. I. Bowditch Esq.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs J. H. Abbot, Bacon, G. P. Bond, J. I. Bowditch, Brewer, Cooke, E. S. Diswell, Folsom, A. A. Gould, Asa Gray, J. B. S. Jackson, Paine, O Pickering, C. Pickering, Swett ,C. E. Ware and the Rec. Secretary
The Corresponding Secretary read a letter from Mr. Geo. Livermore accepting the fellowship of the Academy, also from the Librarian of the British Museum, dated Nov. 25th, 1854, from the Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, London March 1854, Zoological Society London, Oct 23d, 1854, Royal Institution, London Oct 13. 1854, Societe de Physique et d’Histoire Naturelle de Geneve, Nov 17. 1854, Society of Antiquitaries, London Nov 17. 1854, K. Sachische Gesellschaft der Wissenschaften, Leipzig Oct 30. 1854, acknowledging the receipt of copies of the Memoirs and Proceedings of the Academy.
Mr G. P. Bond presented in behalf of Col. Emory of the U.S. Topographical Engineers a paper entitled, Discussion of Observation for Isodynamic, Isogenic, and Isodinal curves on and near the line of the Boundary Survey made in 1949-50-51-52, by order of Mr. H. Emory, Astronomer of the Boundary Commission; being a continuation of the Article on the same subject in the 5th. Vol. of the Academy’s Memoirs.
Mr Bond also exhibited some diagrams of the Planet Saturn and mentioned various interesting facts concerning it, viz, that
[end page 478 | begin page 479]
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the inner edge of the rings is constantly approaching the planet itself; that the ball is seen through the rings which are consequently transparent; that the color is different in different parts of the rings, the equatorial regions being white, the temperate region reddish, and the polar bluish. He also mentioned that the shadow of the ball upon the ring can be seen on both sides of it, being on one side rather faint, but on the other quite decided. This anomalous appearance he first noticed in Oct. 1852, and as yet he could give no satisfactory explanation for it nor for the singular shape of the shadow, the convexity of which was towards the ball instead of from it, as it might be expected to be. His observations were made with the great Cambridge Refractor in the years. 1852-54-55.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
S.L. Abbot Recording Secretary
Four Hundred and twelfth Meeting.
March 13th. 1855.
Monthly Meeting.
The Academy met at their Hall.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs J. H. Abbot, Bacon, Beck, Durkee, A. Gray, F. C. Gray, A. A. Gould, Hayes, Lovering, C. Pickering, O. Pickering, W. B. Rogers.
Letters were received form the Librarian of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania dated Feb. 27th, presenting to the Academy in the name of that Society a copy of “Braddock’s Expedition” and one of Mason and Dixon’s Line; from the Societe Linneene de Normandie dated Nov7. 1854, acknowledging the receipt of the Proceedings of the Academy Vol III to p. 104.
Prof. Lovering alluded to the fact that at a previous meeting the opinion of Arago had been referred to as favorable to making the subject of “Table Moving”, so called, a matter of scientific investigation. Since that meeting he had himself examined the writings of Arago and had found nothing to justify such a conclusion; on the contrary, he declared himself satisfied that the appearances in question are founded in imposture.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot Recording Secretary
[end page 479 | begin page 480]
{{478.}}
Four hundred and thirteenth Meeting.
April 10th. 1855.
Monthly Meeting.
The Academy met at their Hall.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs J. H. Abbot, Agassiz, Bacon, Beck, J. I. Bowditch, Brewer, Cooke, Cotting, Durkee, A. A. Gould, A. Gray, Hayes, Hunt, C. T. Jackson, C. Pickering, Shaw, Sherwin, Shurtleff, Swett, C. E. Ware. Present by invitation Rev. Dr. Forrester of Halifax, Rev. Mr Muir of Boston, Mr Logan of Canada, and Mr Russell of Edinburgh.
The record of the preceding meeting was read and approved.
Prof. Agassiz confirmed from his own knowledge the statement of Prof. Lovering at the preceding meeting concerning Arago’s opinion of the so called “spiritual manifestations”. And yet he said, notwithstanding the unanimous opinion of the Committee of the French Academy to which the subject had been referred, that the whole thing is a matter of imposture, the authority of that learned body and that great philosopher is constantly appealed to as favorable to the alleged reality of the appearances in question.
Prof. Agassiz made a communication on the subject of the Classification of Polyps. He remarked that Cuvier included under Polypi what are now known as Hydroids and Bryozoa. Milne Edwards has demonstrated that the latter are not Polypi, but the lowest order of Mollusks, and he called the Mulluscoids, their structure not being truly radiate. Polypi and Hydroids are now grouped together and are called Antozoa by Ehrenberg. He has divided them into two groups, Zoocoralia – those which are free, and Phytocoralia – those which are attached. Under these groups, however, he has made a very unnatural distribution of species, since the young and the adult of the same species must be separated and put in different orders. Prof. Agassiz exhibited in illustration a specimen of Manicina areolate from Florida. Milne Edwards subdivided Polypi into Actinoids, Aleyonoids and Serpularia, a division based on the arrangement of the tentacles; but Dr. Dana has shown that the first two form one group and Serpularia another. Prof. Agassiz is of opinion that the Hydroids should be removed from the class Polypi and referred to Medusce. The are pedunculated Medusce in the same sense that Crinoids are pedunculated Starfish, Polypi are placed by Dana in two Orders the Actinarians and Aloyonoids. Prof. Agassiz thought he had detected indications of superiority and inferiority of structure, founded on the structure and position of the tentacles. Thus in Gorgonia
[end page 480 | begin page 481]
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these are definite in number and position, being two in the long axis, and in three pairs on the sides, while in Actinoids there is not the same regularity of number and position. The former should be regarded as ranking higher than the latter. Amon Actinoid Polyps the structure of some is simple, while others are compound individuals. The former would seem to stand highest on the scale, whereas they are in reality the lowest, as their tentacles are indefinite in number and position. Among the Actinoids are species provided at first with one mouth, which afterwards contracts and divides into two, each being surrounded by its row of tentacles, the animal being thus double above, but single below, and the division may be repeated so that the number of mouths shall be four, belonging apparently to as many individuals, while in reality they are but one, being united below. Such peculiar structure naturally leads to the question, what defines the individual in this case; the possession of a single mouth, or in the union of all the branches below. In Meandrina a number of mouths are surrounded by a single row of tentacles, and there is one common digestive cavity. In the Madrepores which spring from a single egg, the polyp stalk preserves its position at the top of the stem, while buds are pushed out from the stem below, constituting a community of individuals subordinate to the principal one. Among the Alcyonoids a community of individuals is based on a simple disc, each with its own set of tentacles, and all communicating with a common cavity, and having in common the power of changing their position and moving about freely, exhibiting a new kind of individuality, a community moving as a single individual. Among the Polypi then the compound individual presents the higher type. Alcyonia is higher than Actinia, and this position accords with the revelations of geology, the former never occurring as a fossil, while the latter has built up all the coral formations of past geological epochs. According to Dana the Actinoids bud in two ways, some dividing at the top constituting one natural group, others budding laterally, making another group Prof. Agassiz regards the Madrepores as the highest on account of their tentacles being definite in number, while those that bud and become free, (the Caryophyllians) rank below them. This order of arrangement corresponds to the geological succession from below upwards; and every coral reef rising from the bottom of the Ocean shows in its various stages a succession of species strictly in accordance with the same general plan.
Prof. Agassiz remarked that the study of this class of animals is greatly embarrassed by difficulties growing out of the fact that the general features vary so much in individuals of the same species,
[end page 481 | begin page 482]
{{480.}
so that these features cannot be so much depended upon as characteristic as their intimate structure. He was inclined to believe that many of the genera of this class, as laid down by Naturalists, are based on evanescent characters, being taken from the young in different stages of development.
Dr. A. A. Hayes exhibited a specimen of wax obtained by boiling from the leaves of a large South American shrub. In its properties it seems to connect the waxes with the resins. Specific gravity 1000. Melting point 148 ½ degrees. It is slightly soluble in boiling alcohol, very slightly so in Ether, its proper solvent being Benzole. Its odor resembles that of the Clove pink. The substance was brought to this country for the purpose of mixing it with tallow for the manufacture of candles in tropical climates, to give solidarity, but it is found to be quite uninflammable and therefore unfit for the purpose.
Mr. J. H. Abbot exhibited profiles of two routes for the Pacific Rail-road drawn by order of Government; also profiles of the highest grades of all the working railroads of the United States. He also exhibited a mineral form from a California digging, taken twenty feet below the surface. The mineral was probably either nearly pure silex or alumina.
Mr. Hunt made a communication on the chemical la of equivalent volumes. He showed that the law applies to all solid bodies that are homaeomorphous
Dr. Durkee exhibited under the microscope the circulation of the starch granules in the cell of Chard
Letters were read from the Societe Imperiale des Sciences de Lille, presenting a volume of its Memoirs for 1853; from the Council of the British Association, presenting Reports of its First and Second Meeting, from the Royal Society, acknowledging donations of the Academy’s publications and asking for missing numbers; from the Societe de Geographie, acknowledging the receipt of the Academy’s publications; from the Boston Society of Natural History, acknowledging the same.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot Recording Secretary
[end page 482 | begin page 483]
{{481.}}
Four hundred and fourteenth Meeting.
May 8, 1855
Monthly Meeting.
The Academy met at their Hall.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs Agassiz, Bond Jr, Channing, Durkee, Asa Gray, A. A. Gould, Holmes, C. T. Jackson, J. B. S. Jackson, Peabody, Chs. Pickering, C. E. Ware, Wigglesworth, & the Recording Secretary. Dr. Marrisal of Belgium by invitation.
Prof Agassiz stated that since the preceding meeting he had received 150 specimens of coral, the examination of which had satisfied him of the truth of his observation at the previous meeting, that many of the species described by authors are but immature specimens of species passing under another name. Dr. A. A. Gould who had examined the specimens, confirmed Prof. Agassiz’s statement.
Dr. C. T. Jackson read the following extracts from a letter of M. Elie de Beaumont, dated Paris March 23d. 1855.
“You will see in the Comptes Rendus, that M. Gaston Plante has discovered at Meudon, near Paris the remains of a gigantic bird, which is nearly as large as those which left their footprints in the new red sandstone (Gresbijarres) on the borders of Connecticut River. This unexpected discovery will excite perhaps an interest among the American Geologists, in as much as it will diminish the incredulity with which many persons have opposed, during a long time, (and erroneously as I think) the interesting discovery of Ornithicrites.”
“We have established in Paris a meteorological Society on a plan analogous to that of the Geological Society, & shall seek to bring together & publish and compare the meteorological observations made in all countries of the world, & shall be very happy to have Collaborators in America, & to exchange publications with the Scientific Societies of Boston.
Prof. Agassiz said that he was inclined to doubt whether all the so-called Footprints of Birds in the Connecticut river Sandstone were in reality produced by Birds. Possibly they may have been made by animals of a type not now existing, in their organization coming between Reptiles & Birds. He was inclined to this opinion from having noticed that in many of the tracks the impression of the so-called hind toe is rounded off, without any trace of the imprint of a nail, giving it much more the appearance of a heel mark. Among the impressions that of a so-called tarsus is apparent, and it is an unusual circumstance for Birds to support themselves upon this joint in walking, the only species
[end page 483 | begin page 484]
{{482.}}
In which this takes place, being the Cypselus or Swift.
Prof. O. W. Holmes exhibited a new microscope by Naschet, constructed upon a very small & compact scale, & yet available for working purposes, the highest power being about six hundred diameters.
Mr. G. P. Bond stated that he had found that the horizontality of the axis of the Great Equatorial at Cambridge is subject to a regular disturbance, its position going through a succession of changes almost uniform every year. This he ascribed to the unequal action of temperature upon the two supporting pillars. The western pier rises from March to September, and is depressed during the remainder of the year. Mr Bond exhibited a diagram, shewing by a series of curves the rate of elevation & depression through different months, for the past five years. The amount of departure from a horizontal position is 1/1000 of an inch in all.
Mr. Bond said he had been making some investigations to ascertain whether the attraction of the Moon has any effect on the motion of a pendulum, and consequently upon the rate of a clock. He had found this last to be changed to the amount of 9/1000 of a second daily. At the Equator the moon’s attraction changes the weight of a body 1/7.000.000 of the whole, yet this force is sufficient to produce the vast phenomena of the tides.
On motion of Prof Gray it was voted. That the Library Committee be authorized and desired to cause the busts of the late Presidents of the Academy Dr Bowditch & Mr. Pickering, to be properly mounted upon stands or brackets in the Library room of the Academy.
The Corresponding Secretary announced the receipt of letters from the Academy of Sciences at Turin, & the Societe Hollandaise des Sciences a Haarlem acknowledging the receipt of the Academy’s publications; from the Commission Generale pour la reconnaissance Geologique de la Neerlande presenting the second volume of its Memoirs.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot Recording Secretary.
[end page 484 | begin page 485]
{{483}}
{{Annual Meeting}}
Four hundred and fifteenth Meeting.
May 29. 1855.
Annual Meeting.
The Academy met at their Hall.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs Agassiz, G. P. Bond, J. I. Bowditch, Bowen, Cooke, Cotting, Durkee, Folsom, A. A. Gould, B. A. Gould, A. Gray, F. C. Gray, Horsford, C. T. Jackson, Kneeland, Lovering, Paine, W. B. Rogers, Shurtleff, Swett, Walker, C. E. Ware, J Wyman & the Recording Secretary.
The Corresponding Secretary read letters from the Haiserlich-Konigliche Geologische Reichesanstalt, Wien Oct. 22. 1854; Societe Royale des Antiquaries du Nord, Copenhagen Oct. 25. 1854; Linnean Society London, Nov. 10. 1854; Kaiserliche Akademie der Wissenschaften, Wien Dec 27. 1854; Royal Society, London, Jan. 25. 855; k.k. Sternwarte Prague, Feb. 25. 1855; acknowledging the receipt of the Academy’s pbulications from the Societe de Geographie, Paris, Oct. 30. 1854; Academie Royale des Sciences, Turin, Nov. 24, 1854; Observatory at Breslau, Nov29. 1854; Kaiserliche Akademie der Wissenschaften, Wien, Dec 27. 1854; Royal Society, London, Feb. 24. 1855. acknowledging the receipt of the Academy’s publications and requesting that missing numbers may be supplied; l’Administration Imperiale des Mines, St. Petersburg, May 1. 1854; La Commission generale pour la Reconnaissance Geologique de la Neerlande, Harlem, Oct. 20. 1854; Kaiserliche Leopoldinisch-Carolinische Academie der Naturforscher, Breslau, Nov. 20. 1854; Kaiserliche Akademie der Wissenschaften, Vienna, Oct. 18. & Nov. 20. 1854; Naturhistorische Verein der Preussischen Rheinlande und Westphalen’s, Bonn, Jan. 24. 1855, presenting their various publications; Societe Hollandaise des Sciences, Harlem, July 1854; Bibliothekariat der K. Bayerischen Akademie der Wissenschaften, Munich, Dec 23. 1854, acknowledging the receipt of the Academy’s publications and presenting their own; Societe Imperiale des Sciences &c de Lille, 1855, presenting its Memoirs for 1854, & requesting that missing numbers of the Academy’s publications may be supplied; Konighliche Gesellschaft der Wissenschaften zu Gottingen, Feb. 26. 1855, announcing the death of Carl Friedrich Gauss; from Dr. B. A. Gould Jr. announcing that the Director of the Royal University Observatory at Konigsberg had been authorized to present to the Academy an entire series of the Observations at that Institution during 28 years, and would transmit all its official publications hereafter, also acknowledging the receipt of the Academy’s Memoirs Vol V. Pt. 1. and the Map of the Tornado.
The Treasurer presented his report for the year which was certified
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{{484.}}
by the Auditing Committee. It is as follows, and was accepted.
Treasurer’s Report.
Dr. American Academy (Rumford Fund) in a/c with Edward Wigglesworth Tr. Cr.
[table]
Boston May 25 1855. The undersigned have examined the above account and have found it vouched and cast correctly and have seen the evidences of all investments.
(sgd) Charles Jackson Jr.
Thos. T. Bouve
Dr. American Academy (General Fund) in a/c with Edward Wigglesworth Treas. Cr.
[table]
[end page 486 | begin page 487]
{{485}}
[table cont.]
Boston, May 25th 1855. The undersigned have examined the above account and found it vouched and cast correctly, and have seen the evidences of all the investments.
(sgd) Charles Jackson Jr
Thos T. Bouve
The Committee on the Library reported; that agreeably to the vote of the Academy authorizing them in conjunction with the Librarian to obtain an assistant Librarian and to fix his salary; they secured the services of Dr. Francis Dana at a salary of $30. per month.
Dr .Dana has devoted his whole time to his duties – quite to the satisfaction of the Committee. He has entered all additions to the Library on the Entry Book, and transcribed their titles to the Cards for the Catalogue, as they have been received – has copied the Recordings for the Recording Secretary & has again transcribed them for the Publishing Committee – has aided the Treasurer in collections & disbursements – has collated the periodicals & had them bound – has issued the notices for meetings – and has been in attendance for the delivery & reception of books, usually from 10 to 5.o.clock.
During the year the books have been arranged upon their shelves, somewhat according to their subjects, in positions where they may permanently remain, and their places have been marked in the books and on the cards. At the same time the cards have been carefully compared with the titles of the volumes, and many new ones have been added. The Alphabetical Catalogue is now available, and in such a condition that a complete Index of subjects or of any particular subject may at anytime be easily made from the Cards, without any further handling of the books, and if a Card is added for every book received, and is now the invariable custom, the Catalogue may be considered as perpetual and always complete.
On an examination, the books are found well preserved, number of books taken from Library during year 210, and only a single volume missing or unaccounted for, Vol ix. 2nd Ser. London Journal. 1832. The number of volumes added by purchase during the year has
[end page 487 | begin page 488]
{{486}}
been 7 folios: 29 4los: 98 8vos: 1 mo: 3 16mo=138 volumes.
by donation, 27 folios; 46 4los; 50 8vos; 4 12mos=127 “
Parts of volumes & pamphlets by purchase,
6 folios; 6 4tos; 114 8vos = 126
by donation,
1 fol; 101 4tos; 240 8vos; 4 12mos. = 346
making in all Volumes & parts 472/737
It has been the aim of the Committee to purchase all works relating to Light & Heat, so as to accumulate a Collection as complete as may be on those subjects, in order to carry out the original intention of Count Rumford from whose fund the means for the purchase of books are chiefly derived, and agreeably to the act of Chancery by which the avails of this fund were in some measure diverted from their object as literally expressed by the donor. Next, it has been a point to avoid purchasing expensive scientific works which are known to be in other Libraries in the City. It has also been an especial object to have complete sets of the Transactions of Scientific Societies and scientific periodicals, and much has been accomplished during the past year in obtaining missing numbers to complete volumes.
More text books have been passed by unless specially applied for. All the works for which any Fellow has expressed a wish (and there is a Book in which all works desired may be at any time applied for) have been ordered, though in some instances it has thus far been impossible to procure them.
For a few years past it has also been thought advisable to purchase one or more works annually which it is important should be found in every scientific community, and which are yet too expensive for private means. In this way have been added the voyages of the Astrolabe and of the Bonite, and during the present year the Mikrogeologie of Ehrenberg, and the great pathological work of Lebert. The Annales de Chimie et de Physique, and the Annales des Mines have been obtained complete to 1854, & have been bound as well as several series of important astronomical works. The Committee has also placed on sale some of the duplicate volumes, and a number of them have been sold at good prices. The amount expended, 625.92.
The Academy has availed itself of the facilities offered by the Smithsonian Institution scientific associations in general, as a distributing agent, and most of our exchanges are now made through that channel. We cannot forbear to allude to the
[end page 488 | begin page 489]
{{487.}}
great degree of certainty in reaching their destination, the very little trouble at a very trifling expense this method of exchange affords over the old method by the Custom House on which we were formerly dependent. For this our grateful acknowledgments are due.
At the last revision of the ByLaws the customary power to determine the rules for the use of the Library was taken from the Library Committee; but as no new rules have been suggested by any one, it has been presumed that the old rules were satisfactory, and that they have accordingly been enforced.
All which is respectfully submitted.
{Library Committee.}}
Augustus A. Gould
B. A. Gould Jr.
Josiah P. Cooke Jr.
The report of the Committee was accepted.
Prof Agassiz referred to the allusion in the Report, to the Smithsonian Institution and expressed in strong language his sense of the indebtedness of the Scientific world for its enlightened efforts to diffuse knowledge, particularly as a medium of exchange of publications. In conclusion he moved that the thanks of the Academy be presented to the Smithsonian Institution for its efficient agency in effecting for the Academy its exchanges with Foreign Societies and Individuals. Unanimously Adopted.
The Committee of Publication reported; That the appropriation for printing &c made for the last year was $.900.
The Committee have drawn on the Treasurer as follows,
For engraving the plates to Dr. Storer’s last
Part of the Memoir on Fishes $353.62.
For the paper & press work to the Plates 71.75.
For printing Memoirs & Proceedings 173.76.
For 40 Reams of Paper 124.80.
Bal on hand, 176.17
$900.
The Committee have printed 80 pages of Proceedings, now ready for distribution; and 80 pages of Memoirs, containing paper by Dr. Storer on Fishes. Botanical Paper by Dr. Asa Gray.
The Report was accepted.
Prof. Lovering in behalf of the Committee recommended that the sum of $900 be appropriated for the publications of the ensuing
[end page 489 | begin page 490]
{{488.}}
year. At the suggestion of Prof. Gray. $1000 was substituted for 900 and the appropriation was voted accordingly.
On motion of Dr. A. A. Gould, it was voted. That the sum of $700. be appropriated for books and bindings during the ensuing year.
On motion of the Treasurer, it was voted. That the sum of $1000. be appropriated to meet general expenses during the ensuing year.
On motion of Prof. Gray the Academy voted to proceed to the choice of Officers, the polls to remain open until 5 1/4 o.clock
Prof. J. P. Cooke and Dr. C. E. Ware were appointed Scrutineers.
Francis C. Gray Esq. called the attention of the Academy to the proposed work of Prof. Agassiz on American Natural History. He made an earnest appeal in its behalf, urging gentlemen to individual effort to obtain subscribers, as in no other way could so expensive an undertaking be carried through. Six hundred subscribers, he stated, would be necessary to pay the mere cost of the work. His remarks were seconded and enforced by the President.
Mr Francis Parkman, nominated by [REDACTED], was elected a Fellow of the Academy.
The Corresponding Secretary read a list of Foreign Honorary Members and Fellows elected during the past year, and announced the decease of the following, viz
{Foreign Honorary Members}
Prof. Carl Friedrich Guass.
Macedoine Melloni
Sir Henry De La Beche.
{Associate Fellows.}
Prof. J. P. Norton. New Haven.
Dr R. M. Patterson. Philadelphia.
Dr. N. Drake. Cincinnati.
Prof. J. L. Kingsley. New Haven.
{Resident Fellows.}
Dr. W. I. Burnett. Boston.
Dr. Samuel Parkman. “
Dr. B. A. Gould addressed the Academy in relation to the recent calamity which had befallen science in the death of Gauss, and concluded by offering the following resolutions.
[end page 490 | begin page 491]
{{489.}}
which were seconded by Prof. Lovering & unanimously adopted.
“Whereas this Academy has recently received intelligence of the afflictive event which has deprived it of its illustrious Foreign Member, and the world of a great Master in Mathematical Astronomical & Physical Science.
Resolved, that the American Academy of Arts & Sciences would unite with other Learned Institutions throughout the world in expressing its sense of the immense loss sustained by science in the death of Carl Friedrich Gauss.
Resolved, that the Academy has regarded with pride and admiration the long & brilliant scientific career of the venerable “Father of Sciences” whose usefulness has been permitted to extend to the last hours of a life longer than is ordinarily permitted to mortals, although it closed with the full brilliancy of its noon.
Resolved, that the Academy offers its condolence to the bereaved family of the illustrious dead.
Prof. Gray moved that the vote of the last Annual Meeting concerning the Assistant Librarian be adopted for the ensuing year, omitting the first part of it and substituting the word Librarian for Library Committee. The vote as amended is as follows, and was adopted:
Voted, That the subject of appointing and arranging the compensation of an Assistant Librarian for the current year, to act also as an assistant to the other Officers of the Academy, be referred to the Librarian, with full power to act on the same, and that the sum of Three hundred & sixty Dollars be appropriated to this purpose for the ensuing year.
Dr. C. T. Jackson exhibited drawings of a microscopic view of a Fungus on the surface of a yellow rose.
Dr. Jackson also read the following analysis of water from the Sacramento river, Cal. Analysis of water from the Sacramento River, California by C. T. Jackson.
70 cubic centimetres equal to 2 ½ fluid ounces nearly gave of solid matter 0.4 grain. This was found to consist of
Silicic Acid = 0.08
Soda & Chloride of Sodium 0.22
Sulphate of Soda traces
Organic Matter – 0.10
0.40
This water contains no salts of lime.
[end page 491 | begin page 492]
{{490}}
Mr G. P. Bond presented the First Volume of the Annals of the Observatory at Cambridge Mass. published by a provision in the will of Josiah Quincy Jr.
The Scrutineers announced the result of the election for officers, as follows:
Jacob Bigelow, President.
Daniel Treadwell, Vice President.
Asa Gray, Corresponding Secretary.
S. L. Abbot, Recording Secretary.
Edward Wigglesworth, Treasurer.
Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, Librarian.
Council for Nomination
{Class I}
[REDACTED].
[REDACTED].
[REDACTED].
{Class II}
[REDACTED].
[REDACTED].
[REDACTED].
{Class III}
[REDACTED].
[REDACTED].
[REDACTED].
Standing Committees
{Rumford Committee}
E. N. Horsford.
Daniel Treadwell.
Joseph Lovering.
Henry L. Eustis.
Morrill Wyman.
{Committee on Publications}
Joseph Lovering.
Louis Agassiz.
Francis Bowen.
{Committee on the Library}
A. A. Gould.
B. A. Gould Jr.
J. P. Cooke Jr.
{Auditing Committee}
Chs. Jackson Jr. & Thos T. Bouve
The Meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot, Recording Secretary
[end page 492 | begin page 493]
{{491.}}
Four hundred and sixteenth Meeting.
August 8th. 1855.
Stated Meeting.
The Academy met at their Hall.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs Asa Gray, A. A. Gould, Guyot, Hayward, Storer, and the Recording Secretary.
The records of the last monthly and the Annual Meetings were read and approved.
The Corresponding Secretary read letters from the Royal Society of Sciences at Upsala, dated Dec. 14. 1854; the Ethnologial Society, London, dated Jan. 1st. 1855; the Royal Society of Sciences Gottigen, dated March 15th, 1855, acknowledging the receipt of publications of the Academy; the Societe des Arts et des Sciences de Batavia dated June 1854, presenting its publications; the Librarian of the University at Freiburg dated Nov. 28. 1854, acknowledging the receipt of the Academy’s publications and presenting books in return; the Society of Sciences at Gorlitz, dated Dec. 3d, 1854; the Royal Saxon Society of Sciences, dated April 20th, 1855; the Librarian of the Royal Bavarian Academy of Sciences, dated March 22nd, 1855, presenting their various publications.
The Corresponding Secretary presented in behalf of the Council nominations of Honorary Members and Associate Fellows.
The Recording Secretary read a communication addressed to him by J. J. Dixwell Esq. requesting in behalf of Dartmouth College that the Publications of the Academy be presented to that Institution.
On motion of Dr. A. A. Gould, seconded by Prof. Asa Gray it was voted that in accordance with the request of Mr. Dixwell the new series of the Academy’s Transactions be presented to Dartmouth College.
On motion of the Recording Secretary it was voted that when the Academy adjourn, it adjourn to the second Tuesday in September.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot Recording Secretary
[end page 493 | begin page 494]
{{492}}
Four hundred and seventeenth Meeting.
Sept. 11th. 1855.
Adjourned Stated Meeting.
The Academy met at their Hall.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs Agassiz, Beck, Bigelow, Cook, Davis, Dixwell, Felton, A. A. Gould, F. C. Gray, Guyot, Hayes, Horsford, Paine, Peabody, Phillips, Treadwell, Ware, J. Wyman and the Recording Secretary.
Letter were read from the Societe Imperiale des Nautralistes a Moscou, dated Moscou Aug. 5. 1855, notifying the Academy of the approaching fiftieth anniversary of the foundation of the Society on the 23d of December next, and inviting the Academy to take part in the celebration of that occasion; from the Smithsonian Institution, dated July 9th, 1855, acknowledging the receipt of the Academy’s publications; and from N. Lord President of Dartmouth College, dated Aug. 25th. 1855. acknowledging the gift of the Academy’s publications to Dartmouth College.
Prof. Henry of the Smithsonian Institution addressed the Academy on the subject of the induction of electrical currents at great distances from the primitive current and on the oscillating movements which he had detected in these currents, giving positive or negative character at any given point at different times. Prof. Henry also gave an account of the numerous experiments he had made to establish the facts which he announced to the Academy.
Dr. Hayes mentioned some facts in confirmation of Prof. H’s statements concerning a neutral point in the course of a hydro-electical circuit of currents, as shown in the deposit at the extremity of a polarized wire immersed in a metallic solution.
Dr Hayes exhibited and explained the peculiarities of several specimens of Iron from the New Jersey Colony of Emancipated negroes in Africa. The Iron is malleable and all the evidence shows it to be a native Iron.
Prof. Agassiz said that he had received through the kindness of Dr. Green of Com. Perry’s Japan Expedition, the
[end page 494 | begin page 495]
{{493.}}
bag containing the immature young of a viviparous fish from Japan. He regretted that the whole of the parent fish had not been preserved, but he hoped to be able from the embryos to make out the characters of a new genus, which may be regarded the Asiatic representation of this interesting type. The specimens were form the Shores of Simoda.
Prof. Cooke gave in detail the processes by which he had obtained perfect octahedral crystals of Arsenic. He was led to do so by the fact that their genuine character had been called in question.
Dr. Hayes confirmed from his own knowledge the fact of the production of such crystals, in other ways.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot Recording Secrtary
Four hundred and eighteenth Meeting.
Oct. 9th. 1855.
Monthly Meeting.
The Academy met at their Hall.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs Appleton, Bacon, Cooke, Cotting, F. C. Gray, Hayes, Jenks, Kneeland, O. Pickering, Treadwell, C. E. Ware & the Rec. Secretary.
The record of the last meeting was read and approved.
A letter was read, from the Academie Royale des Sciences de Stockholm, dated Stockholm Oct. 23d. 1854. Presenting its publications for 1853.
The Recording Secretary presented in behalf of Prof. Lovering the following paper by title, viz
“Descriptions of New Species of Fossils from the Cretaceous formations of Nebraska, with observations upon the Baculites ovatus and B. cornpressus, and the progressive development of the speta in the former of these species.” By Prof. James Hall of Albany N.Y.
Prof. Cooke exhibited and explained a printed chart of his classification of the chemical elements. The plan was the
[end page 495 | begin page 496]
{{494.}}
same as one already published by him, with some modifications.
A miscellaneous conversation ensued upon various topics, after which the Meeting was dissolved.
S. L. Abbot Recording Secretary
Four hundred and nineteenth Meeting.
Nov. 13th. 1855.
Monthly Meeting.
The Academy met at their Hall.
The Vice President in the Chair.
Present Messrs Durkee, Hayes, C. T. Jackson, Lovering, C. Pickering, W. B. Rogers, C. E. Ware, and the Recording Secretary.
The business coming before the Meeting, it was dissolved.
S. L. Abbot Recording Secretary
Four hundred and twentieth Meeting.
Nov. 14th. 1855.
Stated Meeting.
The Academy met at their Hall.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs H. I. Bowditch, J. I. Bowditch, Bowen, Cooke, Durkee, Felton, Folsom, Asa Gray, F. C. Gray, A. A Gould, Horsford, C. T. Jackson, Lovring, Chas. Pickering, Shwerwin, C. E. Ware, Jeffries Wyman and the Recording Secretary.
The records of the preceding meeting were read and approved.
The Corresponding Secretary announced the receipt of the following letters: viz, from the Societe Naturelle des Sciences de Cherbourg. Nov. 14th. 1854; the British Association for the Advancement of Science, Dec 14th, 1854, acknowledging donation form the Academy; the Societe Imperiale des Naturalistes de Moscou, June 25th. 1854; Kaiserliche Akademie der Wissenschaften, Wien, May 1st. 1855; Koniglich Sachsische Gesellschaft, Leipzig, May 18th. 1855; Academie Royale des Sciences de Stockholm, May 31st. 1855. presenting their various publications; Kaiserliche Akademie der Wissenschaften, Wien, May 1st, 1855, on the subject of acknowledgment of donations and reclamations of missing numbers of its publications; Academie Royale des
[end page 496 | begin page 497]
{{495.}}
Sciences &c de Belgique, regretting not to be able to transmit a complete set of its publications.
The Candidates for fellowship were next balloted for, and the following gentlemen were elected Fellows; viz
Hon. John C. Gray in the Section of Literature & Fine Arts. nominated by [REDACTED].
Prof. Jas. Russell Lowell in the Section of Literature & Fine Arts, nominated by [REDACTED].
Rev. Wm. A. Stearns, D.D. in the Section of Philosophy & Jurisprudence, nominated by [REDACTED].
Prof. Francis J. Child, P.D. in the Section of Literature & Fine Arts, nominated by [REDACTED].
Rev. Albert N. Arnold in the Section of Philology & Archaeology. nominated by [REDACTED].
Richard Greenough Esq. in the Section of Literature and Fine Arts, nominated by [REDACTED].
The following gentlemen nominated by the Council were elected Foreign Honorary Members, viz.
Fr. W. A. Argelander, in the Section of Practical Astronomy.
Victor Regnault “ “ “ “ Physics & Chemistry.
L. D. Vicat. “ “ “ “ Technology & Engineering.
Richard Owen, “ “ “ “ Zoology & Physiology.
Sir Benjamin Brodie “ “ “ “ Medicine & Surgery.
P. Rayer “ “ “ “ Medicine & Surgery.
Arch Bishop Whately. “ “ “ “ Philosophy & Jurisprudence.
Victor Cousin. “ “ “ “ “ “
Franz Bopp. “ “ “ “ Philology & Archaeology.
F. Thiersch. “ “ “ “ “ “
Francois Guizot. “ “ “ “ Political Economy & History.
On motion of Prof. Cooke it was voted, that the election of Associate members be postponed to the next meeting.
In order to legalize the balloting at the next meeting, on motion of the Secretary it was voted, that when the present meeting is adjourned it be adjourned to the second Tuesday of December.
[end page 497 | begin page 498]
{{496.}}
Prof. Lovering made some observations on the Precession of the Equinoxes, and the natural laws illustrated by that phenomenon. He exhibited a newly invented and very ingenious apparatus by which all the motions concerned in its production were displayed.
Prof. Felton exhibited a ground plan of the City of Athens, and pointed out the various localities of greatest historical interest. He dwelt particularly on the question of the locality of the Bema and Pryx, and discussed the different opinions of writers upon the subject, giving a historical sketch of all that could be found touching the question from the earliest antiquity to the present time, and concluding with the expression of his own opinion as adverse to that of the most recent German writers.
Prof. Gray presented in the name of the Jussieu family a bronze medal commemorating the three Jussieus.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot Recording Secretary
Four hundred and twenty first Meeting.
December 11th. 1855.
Adjourned Stated Meeting.
The Academy met at their Hall.
The President in the chair.
Present Messr’s Bacon, Beck, H. J. Bigelow, H. I. Bowditch, J. I. Bowditch, Brewer, Felton, Folsom, A. Gray, Lovering, Paine, C. Pickering, Quincy, W. B. Rogers, Swett, Treadwell, C. E. Ware & the Recording Secretary.
The record of the last meeting was read & approved.
The Corresponding Secretary announced the receipt of the following letters, viz; from Hon. John C. Gray, Rev. William A. Stearns and Rev. Albert N. Arnold, accepting the Fellowship of the Academy; K. Bayer. Akademie der Wissenschaften, Juy 26th, 1855, acknowledging the receipt of the Memoirs and Proceedings of the Academy; Societe Royale des Atiquares du Nord, Copenhague, Aug. 2nd. 1855; Zoological Society of London, Oct. 17th. 1855; K. K. Geologische Reichsanstalt, Wien, March 26th. 1855; K. Bayerische Akademie der Wissenschaften, July 12th. 1855; Academie Royale des Sciences a Amsterdam, June 5th, 1855, presenting their various publications.
[end page 498 | begin page 499]
{{497.}}
The following gentlemen were elected Associate Fellows; viz,
Rev. Moses A. Curtis, and Prof. Charles W. Short M.D. in the Section of Botany. Drs J. P. Kirtland and J. C. Dalton Jr. of New York in the Section of Zoology and Physiology.
Mahan in the Section of Technology and Engineering. Hiram Powers, Thomas Crawford, William C. Bryant, and Washington Irving in the Section of Literature and the Fine Arts.
On motion of Prof. Treadwell it was voted, That the meteorological observer of the Academy be requested to make a report of his observations.
Prof. W. B. Rogers exhibited to the Academy a set of Schonbeins test papers for ascertaining the amount of Ozone in the atmosphere and explained their use and the great importance of the observations based upon them.
Prof. Rogers also exhibited a series of diagrams explanatory of certain conditions of binocular combination not hitherto described, & intended especially to demonstrate the form of the curve which results from the binocular union of a straight line with a circular arc or two circular arcs with one another.
Prof. Felton exhibited a number of Attic coins of silver & copper which he had recently received from Athens, some of them probably dating back as far as 400 years before the Christmas era.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot Recording Secretary
Four hundred and twenty second Meeting.
January 8th, 1856.
Monthly Meeting.
The Academy met at their Hall.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Mess’rs Bacon, Brewer, Channing, A. A. Gould, A. Gray, J. B. S. Jackson, Kneeland, Lovering, Chs. Pickering, Octavius Pickering, W. B. Rogers, Treadwell, C. E. Ware and the Recording Secretary.
The record of the last meeting was read and approved.
The Corresponding Secretary read letters from Dr. John C. Dalton Jr.
[end page 499 | begin page 500]
{{498.}}
Rev. Dr. M. Curtis and Dr. C. W. Short accepting their appointment as Associate Fellows.
Dr. A. A. Gould exhibited some engraved stones found in the vicinity of Beyrout, bearing Phoenician characters, & purporting to be of great antiquity.
Prof. Lovering exhibited a specimen of Coral containing lizards.
Prof. W. B. Rogers referring to the ozonometer exhibited by him at the last meeting stated, that he had recently been testing it; and had observed during the great snow storm of the 6th inst, that the quantity of ozone in the atmosphere was very good. At the time of the present meeting there was scarcely any.
Prof. Rogers gave an account of an experiment of allowing the water from a Cochituate pipe to flow with full force into a glass globe, having an outlet the axis of which was at right angles to that of the orifice by which it entered. After a short time the water in the globe took on a rotatory motion about the first mentioned axis, and a column of air was seen to enter from the outlet in the centre of the stream of water, and extend more or less deeply into the globe in proportion to the force with which the water was allowed to enter. When the experiment was tried with a globe with two outlets, at opposite sides, the air column passed quite through it, and the water escaped as a hollow expanding cylinder at each orifice.
Prof. Lovering laid on the table a printed list of the Fellows and Foreign Honorary Members. A discussion having arisen as to the titles which should be appended to their names, on motion of Prof. Lovering it was voted, that the whole subject be referred to the Publishing Committee with instructions to report at the Stated Meeting on the last Wednesday in January.
The meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot Recording Secretary.
[end page 500 | begin page 501]
{{499.}}
Four hundred and twenty third Meeting.
January 30th, 1856.
Stated Meeting.
The Academy met at their Hall.
The Vice President in the Chair.
Present, Mess’rs Bacon, Beck, Cooke, A. Gray, Hayes, J. B. S. Jackson, Lovering, C. Pickering, Sherwin, Swett, C. E. Ware, and the Recording Secretary.
A legal quorum for the transaction of the business of a Stated Meeting not being present, on motion of Prof. Lovering it was voted,
That a notice be sent to the Fellows that the subject of Titles will be acted on at the Meeting in February, to which this meeting is now adjourned.
The Meting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot Recording Secretary
Four hundred and twenty fourth Meeting.
February 12th, 1856.
Adjourned Stated Meeting.
The Academy met at the house of the President.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Mess’rs Agassiz, Bacon, H. J. Bigelow, H. I. Bowditch, Cotting, Dixwell, A. Gray, F. C. Gray, A. A. Gould, Hayes, C. Jackson, J. B. S. Jackson, Kneeland, Lovering, F. C. Lowell, Parkman, W. B. Rogers, Sherwin, Shurtleff, Swett, Winthrop and the Recording Secretary.
The record of the preceding meeting was read & approved.
The Corresponding Secretary announced the receipt of letters from Guizot, Vicat, Richard, Owen & Sir Benjamin Brodie accepting membership; the Linnaean Society, London, Dec 12th, 1855, acknowledging the gift of the Academy’s Proceedings.
Prof. Agassiz addressed the Academy at length on the subject of classification in zoology. The divisions of the Animal Kingdom, he said, are natural, not artificial. They are based upon ideas emanating from the Author of Nature. So far as the systems of Naturalists have been in accordance with
[end page 501 | begin page 502]
{{500.}}
these ideas they are true, but not their own; so far as they have been at variance with them they have been their own, but are artificial and not true. Prof. Agassiz proceeded to remark upon Cuvier’s system of classification and the ideas on which it was based, characterizing it as in the main in accordance with the plan of Creation. He dwelt particularly upon the class of Reptiles and spoke of the divisions which different Naturalists had made in it. He defined the ideas which are the basis of the division into families and orders. He proposed to separate the Turtles from the class of Reptiles, on embryological grounds. He had observed distinct characters of superiority and inferiority among them, which he had adopted as the basis of a division into Sub-orders, by which he was enabled to classify the species under a natural arrangement, based on the features adopted by Bibron for his division into families, but which are not the true characters of families. Prof. Agassiz illustrated his remarks with colored drawings intended for publication in the forth coming volume of his Contributions to American Natural History.
Dr. A. A. Hayes exhibited a specimen of Aluminium which he had received from De Ville of Paris.
The subject of the Titles to be affixed to the names of Fellows and Foreign Honorary Members, was discussed at considerable length by Prof. Agassiz, Mr. Winthrop, Prof. Lovering and others, on the question of adopting the report of the Committee to whom the subject had been referred, presented at the previous meeting. It was finally voted, on motion of Prof. Lovering that the Fellows and Associates be designated by their individual names, and the Foreign Honorary Members in accordance with the usage in the country to which they belong.
Dr. A. A. Gould referred to the loss which the Academy had sustained in the recent decease of Dr. Thaddeus William Harris, and offered the following resolutions.
Resolved, That the Fellows of the Academy deeply deplore the recent decease of Dr. Thaddeus William Harris, one
[end page 502 | begin page 503]
{{501.}}
of the older and most distinguished of their number; and would mingle their sympathies in the sorrow of his bereaved family.
Resolved. That as a Bibliographer, and an Archaeologist in relation especially to the history of our own country, he held a distinguished rank: that as a Naturalist he has not been surpassed by any of his countrymen, and has exhibited a patience, thoroughness and accuracy of observation in the various departments of Natural History, a truthfulness in the delineations both of his pencil and his pen, and a singular facility in employing language intelligible to the common reader and at the same time fulfilling all the requirements of science, which render him a model for the interrogator of Nature; and that through a long life of untiring industry he has accumulated and published a mass of original observations of an eminently practical bearing which have won for him high consideration both at home and abroad, and will constitute for him an enduring monument.
Resolved, that while both the scientific and the practical world are largely indebted to him for his published papers, it is to be regretted that very many others of equal importance, which are known to have been prepared, or are in process of preparation, remain unpublished; and that the Academy tenders its assistance in their publication.
Resolved, that in view of his unobtrusive and virtuous life and the eminent though unclaimed distinction due him as a man of science and letters, a Committee be appointed to prepare a Memoir of his Life and Labors to be published by the Academy.
The resolutions were seconded by Prof. Agassiz, who added that Dr. Harris had had but few equals even if the past were included in the comparison.
The resolutions were adopted unanimously.
In accordance with the last resolution Dr. A. A. Gould was chosen a Committee to prepare a Memoir of the Life and Labors of Dr. Harris for publication by the Academy.
The meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot Recording Secretary
[end page 503 | begin page 504]
{{502}}
Four hundred and twenty fifth Meeting.
March 11th, 1856.
Monthly Meeting
The Academy met at their Hall.
The President in the Chair.
Present Mess’rs H. I. Bowditch, G. P. Bond, Durkee, A. A. Gould, Hayes, Horsford, Lovering, Parkman, O. Pickering, W. B. Rogers, Swett, Treadwell, C. E. Ware and the Recording Secretary.
The record of the preceding meeting was read & approved.
Letters were read form the Geological Society of London, Nov. 22nd, 1855, acknowledging the receipt of Nos. 14-23 Vol. III of the Academy’s Proceedings; from the Municipal Government of Roveneto inviting contributions to the fund for erecting a monument to the memory of Antonio Rosmini.
Prof. Lovering exhibited the apparatus of Duboseg. for the formation of galvanic light, so contrived, by a constant approach of the charcoal points to each other as fast as they are consumed, that the light may be made continuous for several hours.
Prof. Lovering alluded to a paradoxical statement which had been made by Dr. Smith and others that the Mississippi river “runs up hill”. This statement had been combatted by Horace Mann in a communication to the Common School Journal but not in the opinion of Prof. L. in a satisfactory manner. Prof. L. gave his own views of the forces which produced the current of this river, in which Prof. W. B. Rogers expressed his concurrence.
The meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot Recording Secretary.
[end page 504 | begin page 505]
{{503}}
Four hundred and twenty sixth Meeting.
April 8th. 1856.
Monthly Meeting.
The Academy met at their house of the Hon. John C. Gray.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Mess’rs Appleton, G. P. Bond, Bowen, Channing, Cook, Eustis, Folsom, A. A. Gould, Asa Gray, J. C. Gray, Hayward, Horsford, C. Jackson, C. T. Jackson, J. B. S. Jackson, Lovering, F. C. Lowell; J. A. Lowell, Paine, Parkman, C. Pickering, O. Pickering, Swett, C. E. Ware, Winthrop, and the Recording Secretary.
The record of the last meeting was read and approved.
The Corresponding Secretary read a letter from Dr. J. P. Kirtland of Cleveland, Ohio, accepting Fellowship.
Mr. G. P. Bond presented a paper “On the use of Equivalent Factors in the Method of Least Squares,” which on motion of Prof. Lovering was referred to the Committee on Publications.
Prof. Eustis exhibited an apparatus illustrating a peculiar case of warped surfaces. The apparatus consisted of two planes at equal distances from each other, having upon their contiguous surfaces and opposite to each the figure of an ellipse. From the whole circumference of each of these ellipses cords were tightly drawn obliquely across to a corresponding but opposite point in the other. The effect in looking through an aperture in the middle of the apparatus was a very peculiar series of curves resulting from the crossing of so many straight lines.
At the request of Prof. Horsford, Dr. Charles T. Jackson stated that in his recent examinations of Cochituate water, he had found the Crustacea, to which the impurity of this water, he had found the Crustacea, to which the impurity of this water in 1855 was attributed by some quite numerous. A month since the Cyclops was as abundant as at any time, except when the water was first introduced into the city. They always contain more or less oil of various colors. Dr. J. had collected a teaspoonful of them and observed in boiling that they became of a bright orange-red color. He could perceive no disagreeable odor or taste to the oil, but when the mouth was rinsed with water containing it, it left a peculiar stinging sensation in the throat, resembling what Prof. Horsford and himself had noticed in testing the water of the Lake in situ.
[end page 505 | begin page 506]
{{504}}
The oil was always found in these crustacea.
Dr. A. A. Gould remarked that other observers had stated to him that the crustacea are far less numerous this year than last, and contain much less soil. The number is found as then to vary very much at different times and places. He doubted if oil was always found in them. It was his impression that it had only been recently observed. In the figures and descriptions of them by European observers he believed no delineation or mention of its existence occurred. On the authority of Prof. Jeffries Wyman, who had been recently studying those found in the wells
of the College yard, Cambridge, he stated that there was abundance of Oil in the bodies of the specimens from that locality.
Dr. Jackson mentioned that one European observer had recorded its existence, namely, Kolliker.
In reply to a question of Prof. Horsford, whether the animals I question ever feed on anything but
vegetable food, Dr. Gould said that the Crustacea in general are known to be carnivorous. He could not speak positively with reference to the microscopic species.
Dr. Pickering said that no Crustacea had ever been known to feed on vegetable matter.
Prof. Lovering exhibited and explained Wheatstones Photometer.
Dr. A. A. Gould made some statements concerning the supposed ejection of living animals from the human stomach where they had been believed to have resided for some time, but which from their structure and habits could not have lived under such conditions. He mentioned several instances, one that of a snake supposed to have existed for months in a mans stomach, which on being opened was found to contain another snake of a different species in its stomach, which it had swallowed, all tending to confirm the probability that all such stories are palpable fictions or the offspring of honest delusion.
Dr. C. T. Jackson stated on the authority of Prof. Daniels, State Geologist of Illinois that the remains of a child, which having died in mid winter could not be buried in the ordinary manner but was deposited by its parents in a vault, had been found there, the bones of which were entirely converted into
[end page 506 | begin page 507]
{{505}}
pure Phosphorous. The facts were related to Mr. Daniels by Prof. McGoffin of that State.
The statement elicited remarks from various gentlemen, who were decidedly of opinion that it required further evidence to make it credible in its present form. Dr. C. T. Jackson promised to obtain such evidence if possible.
The subject of Electro-Chemical baths was touched upon by Dr. Channing, and remarks were made by Dr. C. T. Jackson, Dr. Gould and others, tending to their entire discredit in the alledged [sic] elimination of minerals from the human system under their use, so boldly promised in the newspapers of the day.
The meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot Recording Secretary
Four hundred and twenty seventh Meeting.
May 13th. 1856.
Monthly Meeting.
The Academy met at the house of the Hon. Nathan Appleton.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messr’s Agassiz, Appleton, Bacon, BECK, Bowen, Brewer, Samuel and Edwd. C. Cabot, Channing, Cooke, Cotting, A. A. Gould, Asa Gray, Felton, Folsom, Hale, Hayes, C. T. Jackson, Longfellow, Chs. Pickering, Reynolds, Shaw, Sparks, Storer, Swett, Treadwell, C. E. Ware, Winthrop, Jeffries Wyman and the Recording Secretary.
The Corresponding Secretary read letters from Rear Admiral W. H. Smyth acknowledging the donation of the Academy’s Memoirs, and from die Kongilich Sachsische Gesellschaft der Wissenschaften, Leipzig and the Lyceum of Natural History, New York, acknowledging the donation of the Proceedings of the Academy.
Referring to the statements concerning the Cochituate water at the preceding meeting, Dr. A. A. Hayes, said, that in a paper read by him last year he had demonstrated that the impurity existing at that time was due to an animal origin, and he had seen no reason to change his view since.
Dr. Bacon remarked that he had noticed the oil-containing Crustacea during the past year, especially in the very cold
[end page 507 | begin page 508]
{{506}}
months, where there was very little vegetable matter in the water. He had seen no reason to change his former opinion concerning them.
Dr. Charles T. Jackson said, that shortly after the Cochituate water was introduced into Boston he had collected great numbers of the Crustacea at a time when the water was very pure. Dr. Bacon had pointed out to him the oil in their bodies a year before there was any complaint of any bad taste in the water. Afterwards when the water was quite impure they were much less numerous, and as the water became purer there was any complaint of any bad taste in the water. Afterwards when the water was quite impure they were much less numerous, and as the water became purer their number increased.
Dr. Beck gave a synopsis of Memoir upon the question of the Epcoh at which Petronius Arbiter lived. From a critical analysis of the historical and linguistic evidence he had come to the conclusion, that his works were written between the years 6 and 30 A.D.; between the reigns of Augustus and Tiberius.
Prof. Jeffries Wyman gave an account of the peculiar structure of the organs of voice in the mal Surinam toad. .
Dr. A. A. Hayes exhibited a peculiar deposit in the tubes of the boilers of the Collins Steamers and explained his theory of its formation.
Dr. Jackson exhibited specimens of Aluminium received from De Ville. The price of the mineral in Paris is $100 a pound. Even if it should not be of great value in the arts it would be very serviceable from its extreme lightness for delicate balances and weights.
Dr. Hayes said, that the metal had already been applied for manufacturing purposes in Philadelphia. The price there was $108 a pound.
Dr. Channing also exhibited half an ounce of this mineral with a piece of silver of the same weight to shew their comparative specific gravities. He also shewed some Alloys of Aluminium of Silver, prepared by Mr. Farmer. For this purpose the mineral would probably be found very valuable.
The meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot Recording Secretary
[end page 508 | begin page 509]
{{507}}
Four hundred and twenty eighth Meeting.
May 27th. 1856.
Annual Meeting.
The Academy met at their Hall.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messr’s Agassiz, Beck, Bowen, Felton, Asa Gray, A. A. Gould, B. A. Gould, Horsford, J. B. S Jackson, Jenks, Kneeland, Lovering, Paine, O. Pickering, Shaw, Shurtleff, Swett, Treadwell, Walker, C. E. Ware, Wigglesworth, J. Wyman, and the Recording Secretary.
The records of the last meeting were read and approved.
The Corresponding Secretary read the following letters, viz; der Director der Sternwarte zu Breslau, Feb. 7. 1856, and le Directeur de l’Observatoire physique central St Petersbourg, March 30, 1855, acknowledging the receipt of the Proceedings of the Academy; the Academie Royale des Sciences a Amsterdam, Jan. 15. 1856, acknowledging receipt of the Academy’s Proceedings and Annals of the Astronomical Observatory of Harvard College Vol. 1. Pt 2. and requesting the gift of Pt. 1. of the same publication; Das Bibliothekariat der H. Bayerischen Akademie der Wissenschaften, Muchen, Jan. 12, 1856, acknowledging receipt of the Academy’s Proceedings, and asking for missing numbers, also presenting various publications, and asking acknowledgment of the same; Die Kaiserliche Akademie der Wissenschaften, Wien, Aug 1st, Nov. st and Dec. 30th, 1855, presenting its publications; Der Zoologisch-botanischer Verein, Wien, Dec 12th, 1855. presenting its publications and asking for the Academy’s in exchange; R. Konigliche Geologische Reichsanstalt, Wien, Sept. 22bdm 1855; l’Administration IMperiale des Mines, St. Petersbourg, Feb 25th, 1855; la Societe Imperiale des Naturalistes de Moscou, Aug. 7th, 1855, presenting their publications; Georg Frauenfeld Wiend, Dec. 12th, 1855, presenting his works and asking an interchange of publications with the Academy.
The President read the following of Fellows &c elected and deceased during the past year.
Deceased
{Resident Fellows.}
Abbott Lawrence
Judge Jackson
Judge Wilde
Dr. Harris
Dr. J. C. Warren.
[end page 509 | begin page 510]
{{508.}}
{Associate Fellows.}
Commodore Morris
Dr. Elisha Bartlett
Judge Cranch
{Foreign Honorary Member.}
Sir Wm. Hamilton (Edingburg
{Resident Fellows.}
Elected
Francis Parkman, Esq.
Hon. John C. Gray.
Prof. James R. Lowell.
Rev. Dr. Wm. A. Stearns.
Prof. Francis J. Child.
Rev. Prof. A. N. Arnold.
Richard Greenough, Esq.
{Associate Fellows.}
Rev. Dr. M. A. Curtis, S. Carolina
Prof. C. W. Short, Louisville, Kentucky.
Prof J. P. Kirtland, Cleveland, Ohio.
Prof. J. C. Dalton, New York.
Prof. D. H. Mahan, West Point.
Hiram Powers, Esq. Florence
Thomas Crawford, Esq. Rome.
Wm. C. Bryant, Esq. New York.
Washington Irving. New York
{Foreign Honorary Members}
Argelander, Regnault, Vicat, Owen,
Sir. Ben. Brodie, Rayer, Archbishop Whately,
Cousin, Thiersch, Guizot, Bopp.
The Treasurer presented his Annual Report which was accepted and ordered to be put on record, as follows.
Treasurer’s Report. .
Dr. American Academy (Rumford Fund) in a/c with E. Wigglesworth Treas. Cr.
[table]
[end page 510 | begin page 511]
{{509.}}
Books Publications Total
[table]
Boston, May 24. 1856. The undersigned has examined the above account & found it properly vouched and correctly cast & has seen the evidences of all the investments & found them correct
(sgd) T hos. T. Bouve.
[in pencil] Whole has been compared by Loring and Leach AW
Dr. American Academy (General Fund) in a/c with E. Wigglesworth Treasurer Cr.
[table]
Boston, May 24 1856, The undersigned has examined the above account and found it properly vouched & correctly cast & has seen the evidences of all the investments and found them correct
(signed) Thos. T. Bouve
[end page 511 | begin page 512]
{{510}}
Prof. Lovering in behalf of the Committee on Publications submitted the following Report, which was accepted.
The appropriation for publication made in May 1855, was $1000.
From this was expended.
For Paper $81.60
“ Printing 153.27
“ Engraving 8 plates for Hall 203.00
“ Printing 72.25
“ Wood cuts 61.00
“ Engraving Emery’s Map 49.75
“ Binding 250 copies of Proc. 1.50
“ Binding 195 copies of Hall’s paper 1.90
$624.33
Balance 375.67
$1000
There have been printed since the last Annual Meeting 88 pages of Memoirs which complete Vol. V. There have also been printed 64 pages of Proceedings, viz. from p. 168 to p 232 of Vol iii of Proceedings.
The Committee on the Library submitted the following Report, which was accepted.
The Committee on the Library would report the Books are in good order, and faithfully cared for. The volumes and parts of volumes received during the year have been promptly and accurately entered upon the Reception Book as well as upon Cards, and the Catalogue has thus been kept complete. The Sub Librarian has been assiduous in his duties, and courteous in his intercourse with the Members.
A part of the time however, he has been obliged to be absent from his post on account of sickness. The number of volumes taken from the Library is 242. The number of accessions by exchange becomes every year greater.
The number added by Donation, has been
Volumes 4to,27: 8vo,60: 12mo,4: 16mo,5: = 96.
Parts & Pamphlets “95 “237: “1. = 333.
By Purchase 429
Volumes, fol.4: 4to.7: 8vo.161: 12mo.2: 16mo.4: 24mo.1. = 179
Parts & Pamph. “7: “16: “140. = 163
342
Volumes & Parts. 771
{Committee on the Library.}
Augustus A. Gould.
B. A. Gould Jr.
[end page 512 | begin page 513]
{{511}}
The following gentlemen were elected Fellows, viz,
Hon. Thomas G. Cary to Class III. Section III. nominated by [REDACTED].
Rev. George G. Ellis to Class III. Section III. nominated by [REDACTED].
John B. Henck to Class I. Section I. nominated by [REDACTED].
Chars J. Sprague to Class II. Section II. nominated by [REDACTED].
The following gentlemen were elected officers for the ensuing year, viz,
Jacob Bigelow, President
Daniel Treadwell, Vice President
Asa Gray, Corresponding Secretary
S. L. Abbot, Recording Secretary
N. B. Shurtleff, Librarian
Edward Wigglesworth, Treasurer
Council for nomination
{Class I.}
[REDACTED]
[REDACTED]
[REDACTED]
{Class II.}
[REDACTED]
[REDACTED]
[REDACTED]
{Class III.}
[REDACTED]
[REDACTED]
[REDACTED]
Standing Committees.
{Rumford Committee.}
E. N. Horsford
Daniel Treadwell
Joseph Lovering
Henry L. Eustis
Morrill Wyman
{Committee on Publications.}
Joseph Lovering
Louis Agassiz
C. C. Felton
[end page 513 | begin page 514]
{{512.}}
{Committee on the Library.}
A. A. Gould.
Jeffries Wyman.
J. P. Cooke Jr.
{Auditing Committee.}
Thomas T. Bouve
Charles E. Ware.
Voted, That the same sums be appreciated for Publications the Library and General Expenses as last year.
Dr. B. A. Gould made some remarks upon the difficulty which Meteorological Observers in other places found in obtaining meteorological observations from the vicinity of Boston. After some conversation on the subject, on motion of Prof. Treadwell it was voted. That Pro’s Treadwell, and Lovering and Mr Hall be a Committee to take the subject into consideration.
Nominations of Fellows were next read.
Prof. Gray gave a synopsis of a paper on the position of the genus Ovellaria as a member of the Gentian family.
The meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot Recording Secretary
Four hundred and twenty ninth Meeting.
August 13th. 1856.
Stated Meeting.
The Academy met at their Hall.
The President in the Chair.
Present; Messrs Aggasiz, Alger, Beck, Cary, A. A. Gould, Hayes, Hayward, Holmes, Jenks, Kneeland, Paine, W. B. Rogers, Swett, Treadwell, C. E. Ware and the Recording Secretary.
The following letters were read: From the Asiatic Society, Calcutta Febry. 15th. 1856, and the Librarian of the University Library, Cambridge Eng. Nov. 26th. 1855. acknowledging the donation of the Academy’s publications; from the Librarian of Amherst College, Aug. 8th. 1856. acknowledging the same and asking for deficient numbers. From the Societe d’Agriculture &c, de la Cote d’Or, Dijon, April 16th, 1856. presenting the volume of its publications
[end page 514 | begin page 515]
{{513}}
for 1855, together with two copes with the request that they may be presented to Agricultural Societies with which the Academy may have relations, and offering to send to the Academy and such Societies all the volumes of its collection which are at its disposal. From the Consulate General of the Netherlands for the United States, New York, June 25th, 1856, accompanying one from the Societe pour le Secours de Noyes, a Amsterdam, presenting an historical review on the subject in which the Society is especially interested.
Prof. Treadwell from the Committee on the subject of Meteorological observations reported that Mr. Hall’s observations are in due process of preparation for the press.
Prof. W. B. Rogers made a communication upon a recent and highly important discovery of Trilobites at Braintree, Mass. by which a clue is given to the hitherto doubtful geological position of this portion of the N. American Continent
Prof. Agassiz expressed his great satisfaction at the announcement of Prof. Rogers. Geologically speaking its importance would hardly be overestimated. We have now, he remarked, a standard level upon which to build up the formation of the Metamorphic rocks. It also confirms the universal law, as elsewhere illustrated, of the creation and development of animal life.
Dr. Kneeland presented in the name of Dr. Augustus C. Hamlin of Bangor, Maine, very perfect casts of an inscription supposed to be Runic, upon a rock on an island near Monhegan, Maine.
Dr. Jenks expressed his gratification at having at last an opportunity of examining so perfect a copy of the inscriptions in question. He had not, although he had been quoted as so doing, given any decided opinion as to their character. Copies had been transmitted to Copenhagen, and he hoped before long information would be received which would throw light upon these interesting inscriptions.
On motion of Dr. Kneeland, it was voted.
That the thanks of the Academy be presented to Dr. Hamlin for his valuable donation.
Prof. Agassiz made a few remarks upon the Orthagoriscus
[end page 515 | begin page 516]
{{514}}
Mota of which he had recently had an opportunity of dissecting a specimen. This fish, which has been well described and figured by Dr. Storer in the Journal of the Boston Society of Natural History has been placed heretofore in the same family with Diodon and Tetradon. Prof. A. found that its internal structure was such as to be entirely incompatible with such a classification. The stomach he found to be directly continuous with the intestine without any indication of difference either in form, or structure of the mucous membrane; the whole tract resembling a long hose from one orifice to the other. Want of time prevented his going into farther details of its anatomy.
Prof. Rogers gave an explanation of the causes of the motion of the Gyroscope, an instrument which is attracting considerable attention, at the present time; ascribing the credit of its invention to the late Prof. Walter R. Johnson of Philadelphia.
The meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot, Recording Secretary.
Four hundred and thirtieth Meeting.
September 8th. 1856.
Monthly Meeting.
The Academy met at their Hall.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messr’s Arnold, H. J. Bigelow, Bowen, Channing, Durkee, Felton, Asa Gray, J. C. Gray, A. A. Gould, Hayes, Henck, Horsford, Chas. Jackson, C. T. Jackson, Jenks, Lovering, Octavius Pickering, Treadwell, C. E. Ware and the Recording Secretary. Mr Cuming of London present by invitation.
The record of August was read, and being amended by Prof. Treadwell, was approved.
Letters were read from Thomas G. Cary, Rev. George E. Ellis, Charles J. Sprague and John B. Henck accepting Fellowship; from the Trustees of the Boston Athenaeum, July 1st, acknowledging the receipt of the Memoirs Vol V, and form the American Philosophical Society, acknowledging receipt of Proceedings Vol III. pp. 1-104, and Memoirs Vol V. Pt. 2.
[end page 516 | begin page 517]
{{515.}}
An application for a complete set of the Memoirs from
{{X}}
was referred to the Library Committee with full power to act in the premises.
A circular was read from the Committee on the Inauguration of the Statue of Franklin, inviting the Academy to join in the procession on the day of that ceremony. It was accordingly voted. That the Academy accept the invitation thus politely extended to them, and that the Committee for locating the Statue be invited to make use of the room of the Academy as a place of rendezvous on the day of Inauguration; Franklin himself having been one of the Earliest Fellows of the Academy.
Dr. Durkee exhibited to the Academy a box of specimens of gigantic Searabaeidae from the vicinity of Gaboon river, Africa; also specimens of Platyfphyllum Concavum. (Katydid) of both sexes, obtained in Milton, Mass; also spectrum femoratum.
Prof. Lovering in behalf of Col. Emory read by a title of a “Memoir containing the results of Magnetic Observations not yet published, and combining the results of all the Magnetic Observations made under my orders in the United States and Mexican Boundary Commission” By Col. W. H. Emory.
The paper was referred to the Committee of Publications.
Dr. Jens read a letter from Dr. Richard Price addressed to the Secretary, which should be among the papers of the Academy. probably there were others in the possession of Prof. Willard which might be had if desired. The subject was referred to a Committee of three, viz. Profs Lovering, Treadwell & Bowen.
Dr. Jenks also stated that he had received a communication from Dr. Hamlin offering to obtain for the Academy, and transmit to its rooms the famous Dighton rock, at an expense of not far from seventy five dollars; and urging the expediency of the measure, on the ground that the inscription upon it is fast wearing away, and its situation is such, being covered by every tide, that it is impossible to obtain an accurate cast of it in its present location. After some discussion it was voted, that the whole subject as to the expediency of copying or transporting the
[end page 517 | begin page 518]
{{516.}}
rock be referred to a Committee of there, viz, Drs, W. F. Channing, Gould and Chas. T. Jackson.
Prof. Horsford referred to a statement made at the meeting of
{{X}}
on the authority of Mr. Daniels of Wisconsin that the bones of a foetal child had been found in that Territory, transformed into the pure phosphorous. The possibility of such a transformation was called in question at the time by several Fellows. He was now able to exhibit to the Academy a stick of phosphorous bearing a rude resemblance to the thigh bone of a child, which had been put in his hands as evidence of the accuracy of the statement referred. It was an ordinary stick of phosphorous which could not by any possibility have been the direct result of a spontaneous decomposition of the remains referred to. How it could have found its way to the place where it was detected no one could tell. Prof. H. had made a calculation of the amount of this substance which might be furnished by the body of a child weighing 10 lbs, and found that the whole quantity could not exceed an ounce
Dr. C. T. Jackson added his own opinion in confirmation of Prof. Horsford’s.
Prof. Gray rad by title a “Synopsis of the Cactaccae of the United States and adjacent regions. By George Engelmann, M.D Associate Fellow of the Academy.
The paper was referred to the Committee of Publications.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot, Recording Secretary
Four hundred and thirty first Meeting.
October 14th, 1856.
Monthly Meeting,
The Academy met at their Hall.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messrs J. H. Abbot, Arnold, Geo. P. Bond, Brewer, Cary, Ellis, A. A. Gould, A. Gray, Hitchcock, Holmes, C. T. Jackson, Lovering, Sprague, C. E Ware; Also Dr. Engelman of St. Louis, Associate Fellow, and Mr Sclater of London, F.L.S. present by invitation.
The Corresponding Secretary acted as substitute for the
[end page 518 | begin page 519]
{{517}}
Recording Secretary, who was absent, and read a letter of acknowledgment from the Librarian of Harvard University for the donation of the Memoirs of the Academy Vol. V. Pt. 2.
Dr. C. T. Jackson from the Committee appointed at the last preceding meeting, to consider the feasibility of removing Dighton rock read a letter from Dr. Hamlin of Maine describing the rock particularly and giving urgent reasons for the removal. He thought it could be safely removed for the sum named by Dr. Hamlin.
President Hitchcock joined in the recommendation, and gave some detailed information respecting the condition of the rock at the time he examined it several years ago.
Dr. Holmes exhibited a suite of Indian arrow-heads or spear heads, found on his grounds at Pittsfield, arranged so as to show all the stages of the manufacture from the rough piece of horn stone to the finished implement.
Dr. C. T. Jackson identified the material of most of the spear-heads as the Amherst horn stone.
Dr. Hayes exhibited a suite of specimens illustrating the changes produced in masses of metal by percussion.
Dr. C. T. Jackson read an extract translated from the Comptes-Rendus of the Academy of Sciences of Paris, containing Prince Napoleon’s account of the floaters thrown overboard from the Frigate Reine Hortense in the N. European sea, to indicate the direction of the currents, with the request that when picked up, information thereof should be communicated to the Imperial Academy.
Dr. Engelmann gave additional and detailed accounts of the generic and geographical distribution of the Cactceae of the U.S.
President Hitchcock gave some notice of a fall of snow at Brattleborough, Vt. on the 24th of May last, in masses of a peculiar form; said masses being all cones with a concave base of about ¼ inch in diameter, and of a pretty firm consistence about that of an ordinary snowball. Their form was illustrated by a model.
[end page 519 | begin page 520]
{{518.}}
The subject of putting up a soapstone stove in the Hall of the Academy was referred to the Library Committee.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot Recording Secretary
Four hundred and thirty second Meeting.
November 12th. 1856.
Stated Meeting.
The Academy met at their Hall.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messr’s Agassi, Bacon, G. P. Bond, Cary, Felton, Hall, Henck, Asa Gray, A. A. Gould, B. A. Gould Jr, Holmes, J. B. S. Jackson, Lovering, Paine, Quincy, Sherwin, Shurtleff, Octavius Pickering, Charles Pickering, Chas. E. Ware, John Ware, Treadwell and the Recording Secretary; also, Mr T S. Hunt Associate Fellow and Dr. Schmarda by invitation.
The record of the last meeting was read and approved.
A letter was read from M. Forteuil, Minister of Public Instruction &c at Paris, dated May 26th, presenting a work by M. M. Biot and Lefort with the title “Commercium Epistolicum &c.
Prof. Agassiz stated that he had recently been engaged in the study of a number of fishes of Greece, which he had received from his friend Prof. Roser of Athens through the agency of Prof Felton. His object had been, if possible, to identify existing species with those mentioned by Aristotle. Of seventeen species he had as yet identified but few. One of them is the fish mentioned by Aristotle under the name of Davis, The stories of the habits of this species had been until recently regarded as fabulous. It was said to lay its eggs in shallow waters, and then to watch over them, the male and female alternately, for forty five days, until they were hatched and afterwards to attend the young until they were large enough to take care of themselves. The incubation of fishes has been unnoticed since Aristotles time until within a few years, when M. Martins observed it in a species
[end page 520 | begin page 521]
{{519.}}
of Gobius found in the lagoons of Vencie. When Prof. Agassiz came to America he was much interested in the stories that were told him of similar facts in the case of fishes of the genus Pomotis and other. The Pomotis + scoops for its eggs a nest in the sand and watches diligently over it to keep off voracious fish. The Horn Pout (Pimelodus cattus) does the same and accompanys its young, while quite small, being surrounded by them in large flocks, leaving them with the greatest reluctance when driven away, and returning to its charge as soon as the danger is past. The fish known in Greece at the present day by the name of Bar isia is one of the Siluroids and is allied to the Horn Pouts. The similarity of name and the fact that it is found in the same river with Aristotle’s [Glanis] makes it almost a matter of certainty in the opinion of Prof. Agassiz that the fish is identical with it. It also makes it highly probable that the statements of Aristotle were the literal truth and not the fables which they have been regarded as being. Cuvier regarded the Silurus glanis of Western Europe as Aristotle’s Glanis, but the habits of this fish are entirely unlike Aristotle’s and they cannot be the same. Prof. Agassiz proposed for the existing species, which has not been described as yet, the generic name of Glanis, with the specific title of Aristotelis.
Prof. Felton expressed much interest in the remarks of Prof. Agassiz, and had no doubt of the correctness of his conclusions/ The name of [Glanidia] would be the modern version among the common people of the Ancient [Glanis], in accordance with the common law of change in the dialect. Educated persons in Athens would at the present day recognize the fish under its original name.
Dr. B. A. Gould acknowledged in the name of Argelander his election as Honorary Member, and offered as an apology in his behalf for not directly addressing the Academy, his inability to write English with facility.
Dr. Holmes exhibited a section of a Hemlock which had recently fallen on his estate at Pittsfield. The section was made at the height of 12 feet and showed by its rings its age to be at least 346 years, dating back to 1570. The section exhibited the usual inequality of growth at different periods in the varying width of its rings. Dr. H made the specimen interesting by indicating at different
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points the epoch of the birth and death of some of the great lights of English literature, comparing the existence of each with the few inches of growth of the tree, exhibiting in striking contrast the shortness of mans earthly career.
Some conversation ensued on the popular notion that under certain circumstances of external condition more than one ring might be formed in a single year. Prof. Gray regarded all such opinions as erroneous, or at least not based on any reliable observations. So far as is known, in temperate climates all ordinary woods make but one ring annually; the fact has not as yet been determined so decidedly in the case of tropical trees. Young trees grow more rapidly and unequally than old ones, and hence an inequality in the width of the rings. External circumstances of varying temperature and moisture may have a similar effect.
Prof. Agassiz said that his assistant, Mr. Clark, had recently noticed that in the Climbing Dogwood, (Rhus radicans), the side of the branches towards any opposing object becomes thickened by an increased development of rings on that side.
Prof. Gray said he had observed such an unequal growth in the same plant, in old stems but had not noticed it as bearing any relation to any circumstances of position. Such anomalies are common in climbing plants, particularly in those of southern and tropical climates. Mr Clark had shown him very young dogwood stems in which the same inequality existed without any reference to position.
Dr. B. A. Gould stated that in Texas it had been pointed out to him that trees grow most on the South side; and the circumstance was depended upon at times by hunters to direct their path.
Prof. Gray observed that such facts are well known, a trees habitually grow most upon the side on which the most favoring influences predominate. On the sea coast the trees naturally grow most freely on the land side.
On motion of Prof. Gray it was voted, that when the Academy shall adjourn, it adjourn to the evening of the next monthly meeting.
The following gentlemen were elected Resident Fellows;
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viz,
Prof. Henry W. Torrey in Class III. Section III. nominated by [REDACTED].
Rev. N. L. Frothingham Class III. Section IV. nominated by [REDACTED].
Benjamin A. Gould Class III. Section II. nominated by [REDACTED].
E. A. Sophocles Class III. Section II. nominated by [REDACTED].
Dr C. H. F. Peters Class I. Section II nominated by [REDACTED].
Henry James Clark Class III. Section III. nominated by [REDACTED].
The Meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot Recording Secretary
Four hundred and thirty third Meeting.
December 9th, 1856.
Adjourned Stated Meeting
The Academy met at the house of the President.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Mess’rs Agassiz, Appleton, Beck, H. J. Bigelow, H. I. Bowditch, Bowen, Brewer, Cary, Clark, Channing, Everett, Felton, Frothingham, Asa Gray, A. A. Gould, B. A. Gould Sr., B. a. Gould, Jr, Hayes, Henck, Horsford, Chas. Jackson, J. B. S. Jackson, Lovering, John A. Lowell, Chas. Pickering, Reynolds, Sherwin, Swett, Treadwell, Winthrop, Jeffries Wyman and the Recording Secretary.
The Corresponding Secretary read letters from the Rev. N. L. Frothingham, accepting Fellowship; from the Imperial Academy of Sciences, Vienna March 10th, and April 15th, acknowledging the receipt of the Academy’s publications; the Zoological and Botanical Association, Vienna May 10th, the Royal Society of Sciences at Upsal, Nov. 16. 1855. the Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences, Berlin, March 6, the Natural History Association of the Prussian Rhine Countries and Westphalia, Bonn, Jan. 12th, the Imperial Geological Society, Vienna, March 20th, the Imperial Academy of Sciences, Vienna, May 23d, and July 16th, presenting their various publications; the Society of Physics and
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Natural History, Geneva, March 11th, in acknowledgment of the receipt of the Academy’s publications and presenting its own, with a Circular offering the fifth annual Botanical prize on the foundation of De Candolle.
Prof. Felton, Thomas G. Cary and A. A. Gould were chosen a Committee to take into consideration the expediency of reducing the annual assessment.
The President read a paper on the probably cause and nature of the death of Pliny the Elder, taking the ground in opposition to the commonly received opinion, that he died of apoplexy and not of suffocation.
The reading of the paper was followed by a discussion generally favorable to the views expressed in it. It was stated by Dr. Channing from his own observations, that the popular opinion which regards all the noxious vapors in the vicinity of volcanoes as sulphurous is erroneous; vapors of Chlorine and Muriatic acid being much more abundant.
Dr. Hayes remarked that eruptions are of a mixed character distinguished by lava overflows, sublimations, chloridic and aqueous exhalations in some cases, while in others the presence of atmospheric air and vapor of water in large quantity gave rise to sulphurous acid fumes, and sulphydric gases, with Sulphur depositions.
Regarding the account of the death of the elder Pliny, as remarkably explicit in details, he thought the statement in relation to emission of sulphurous fumes at that time, in accordance with present knowledge on this subject and yet in no wise opposing the interesting view, which has just now been presented of the cause of his death. The abundant source of Sulphur fumes and sulphydric gases, is the zolfataras which generally in action, exhibit during eruptions their highest activity, and these existed, and now exist, in the low grounds in the vicinity of Vesuvius, changing their places as the decompositions on which they are dependent proceed, zolfatara action can hardly be classed with true volcanic action, although primarily dependent on it. It is a slow combustion, requiring the presence of water, taking place among the aggregates formed at the time of previous volcanic action. The earliest history of Vesuvius, presents it as a solftara consuming the lava rocks of an earlier period, and its cones of later dates, have been craters
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of elevation, subject to degradation, which has several times occurred. Pliny at the time of his death was at Stabiae, where were hot volcanic waters along the shores, marking the points of zolfatara action.
The Sulphur of commerce is derived from the deposits formed by zolfataras and its immense quantity, affords some estimate of their extent and antiquity.
Mr. Everett followed, illustrating the changes in the locality of the zolfataras, from his own observations after an interval of a few years had elapsed. He also stated as his experience, that the crevices of the lavas in the vicinity of the crater of Vesuvius emitted Sulphur fumes; the napkin containing eggs while being cooked, was coated with Sulphur.
Dr. Pickering remarked that so far as his observations extended, Sulphur vapors were abundant in lower crevices, wherever vapor was emitted. Referring to the great lava lake of the volcano of Hawaii, he said there was no perceptible smell of Sulphur near its surface.
The President, Dr. Peters and Prof. Horsford, also took part in the discussion.
The President expressed an interest in the question of the origin of volcanic ashes, referring to the fact of their being carried by winds and dispersed over extended areas at the time of eruptions; falling on vessels at sea far from any land. In answer to an inquiry from the President, as to the nature of volcanic ashes, Dr. Hayes replied, that they are the finely divided parts of broken down volcanic aggregates, having generally the composition of silicates of alumina, slightly contaminated by other silicates. To have a clear view of the origin of these ashes, it is necessary to consider that volcanic action, under its differing intensities, fuses together, or merely compacts assemblages of diverse minerals, including Sulphur compounds of metals and of earths. This action is often aqueous, or hot water action and the rocks formed include the elements of their own destruction, on exposure subsequently to the air and moisture. Thus one of the most solid is the true Argitic Trachyte, which will not resist exposure to a New England atmosphere one year, without crumbling and disintegrating. Craters of elevation are composed in large part of this rock, often covered by true fused lavas, in part. The latter at the points near their source, are tolerably compact, but as they pass along the surface, they become tumefied and scoriaceous and hence subject to decomposition. When the sulphurets have been engaged in the trachytes decomposition
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commences soon after exposure to humidity, attended by the emission of vapors and acid fumes, which corrode and decompose all the superincumbent mass of rock, more, or less. In Craters of depression, as water can more copiously fall in, this decomposition of compound aggregates, proceeds with great rapidity and to great depths. The changes resulting from the chemical action thus established, are not merely mechanical; salts more, or less soluble form and are dissolved in the escaping waters, while the rocky masses are reduced to their insoluble, finely divided, proximate elements. Few of the compound silicates resist this action, thus soda feldspar, which generally is found in trachytes and in the vessels of the laboratory, decomposes slowly, yields its silicate of soda to the acid and aqueous vapors and is soon reduced to a mixture of silicic acid and pipe clay. From this brief statement of facts, it becomes apparent that every volcanic focus becomes covered to a great depth, with finely divided materials resulting from rock decomposition, and any succeeding eruption must be preceded by a removal of this matter in the way of upheaval. The narratives of the eruptions of Vesuvius, so remarkable for graphic description show, that after periods of repose, the first efforts of reawakened vigor are expended on the materials covering the crater. One of the most instructive examples, also is that of the eruption so called of the volcano Morne Ronde on the Isl. of St. Vincent in 1792, the marks of which I have examined. This as is well known is one of the volcanic vents of the Windward West India Islands and its resumption of activity, was preceded by no preliminary efforts. The inhabitants of the island were roused from their slumbers about 2A.M. by a terrific convulsion, the earth swaying under their feet, while the atmosphere suddenly displaced, was rushing in opposing currents from all directions, attended by deafening reports. By one sudden explosion, the top of the mountain, about 3000 ft high lost several hundred feet in height, while as afterward appeared about 800 feet deep and was formed. The larger masses of the covering material rolled down its base, while the more freely divided part, was carried upward falling into the sea, nearer in proportion to the size of its fragments. The finer parts rose above the current for the trade winds and taking the upper and opposite flow spread over the sea and island of Barbadoes [sic], obscuring the light of a tropical sun and causing the greatest consternation on land and sea. This ash, I have examined from several parts of its
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course, and it differed in no respect, from the fine parts of the trachyte undergoing decomposition by atmospheric agents, on the spot. There followed after this explosion, no flow of lava, but a shower of rude balls of half fused, tamified trachyte, succeeded by fragments of rocks, earths, and finally mud and water. The final action took place obviously within the crater, formed more than 800 feet below the surface of the top of the mountain and resulted in the production of a regular cone of sand and gravel, which remained. Twenty years after (1812) a similar explosion took place and the point of greatest interest is, that a new centre of action appeared. A smaller crater was formed, so near the older one, that the rim of the later one breaks its continuity. The action which followed the dispersion of the disintegrated covering in this case was of a kind among the most remarkable on record. A large part of the force was expended in discharging from the crater, rocks broken into fragments from the size of a cubic inch, to that of grains of sand; nearly every fragment and grain being bound by straight lines, square, or rectangular, with sharp angles and edges. As the volcanic vents of the W. Indies, and indeed whole islands, have been elevated from below a deep ocean which surrounds them, they offer the best examples of that secondary effect, resulting from chemical action taking place within the aggregates formed, which I could adduce.
Prof. Horsford suggested that, as the volcanic ashes are silicates of alumina, it might be possible for the mixed chlorides of aluminum and silicium to be shot as a bolt, from a crater, and at a distance from that point, find moisture and atmospheric oxygen to convert them into oxides and hydrochloric acid; when they would unite to form silicate of alumina.
Dr. Hayes replied that, if such a supposition were for a moment entertained, the mixed chlorides could only form hydrochlorates under the conditions, and if the mixed metallic bases were to be oxidized in union, a crystalized silicate of alumina would result, while volcanic ashes under a microscope are either scales with rough imbrications, or feathery forms, such as we every day see in decomposing trachytes and micacesus rocks, water being present.
In reply to the President. The chloridic sublimates are not true chlorides usually, but hydrated compounds which do not form solid crystals, being transported in a vesicular state by watery vapor, which with atmospheric oxygen is always present in the gases evolved during the most active eruptions; hence true chlorides, excepting
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common salt, are rarely found.
Dr. Hayes exhibited specimens of iron prepared by Bessemer’s process, and gave an account of his method of obtaining iron of a high quality directly from iron ore.
Mr. Charles Jackson expressed a doubt as to the practical value of the new process, and cited the opinion of iron masters in general as unfavorable to it.
Dr. Hayes rejoined that he had presented to the Academy only the interesting chemical points, avoiding the economical bearing of the discovery. He was however prepared to discuss this part, in view of its importance to the English, rather than to the American Manufacturer.
Prof. Gray presented in the name of Dr. Engelmann a paper containing additions and corrections to a former paper on the Cactaceae.
Prof. Agassiz addressed the Academy on the general character of Orders in the Classification of the Animal Kingdom. Orders, he said, are natural groups characterized by complication of structure. There are groups, however, which do not come under this definition, hence he concludes that the different Classes of the Animal Kingdom do not admit of similar division. Prof. Agassiz illustrated his views by the different orders of Echinoderms. In conclusion he remarked that orders are of different kinds, some synthetic, some prophetic, others gradated.
The following gentlemen were elected Associate Fellows,
viz,
Pres. Lawrens P. Hickock. of Union College, Class III. Sec. I.
Dr. George B. Wood. of Philadephia “ II “4.
Dr. Isaac Hays. “ “ “ II “4.
(Foreign Honorary Members)
John Stewart Mill of London Class III. Sec 3.
Manuel J. Johnson of Oxford, E_ Class I. Sec. 2.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot Recording Secretary
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Four hundred and thirty fourth Meeting.
January 13th. 1857.
Monthly Meeting.
The Academy met at the house of the Hon. Robt. C. Winthrop.
The President in the chair.
Present, Messr’s J. H. Abbot, Agassiz, J. I. Bowditch, H. I. Bowditch, Bowen, Brewer, Cary, Cotting, Ellis, Eustis, Felton, Folsom, Asa Gray, A. A. Gould ,Hayes, Hayward, Henck, Horsford, Chas. Jackson, C. T. Jackson, Lovering, J. A. Lowell, Octavius Pickering, Chas. Pickering, Quincy, Reynolds, H. D. Rogers, Sherwin, Shurtleff, Sparks, Treadwell, C. E. Ware, Winthrop, Jeffries Wyman and the Recording Secretary. Dr. Reed of Edinburgh and Mr Sonte of N. York present by invitation.
The record of the preceding meeting was read and approved.
The Corresponding Secretary read letters from Dr. George B. Wood, Dr. Isaac Hays, and Lawrens P. Hickok accepting Fellowship; the Essex Institute, the American Antiquarian Society, the Royal Institution of Great Britain, the Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, Prof Faraday, and C. Babbage, acknowledging the receipt of the Academy’s publications; the American Oriental Society, acknowledging the same, and presenting Vol.5, No2. of its own Journal; and from the Societe Nationale d’Agriculture &c de Lyon, and the Academic Nationale des Sciences &c de Lyon presenting their publications.
The Committee appointed to consider the expediency of reducing the annual assessment of members reported unfavorably to the proposition. After some discussion, on motion of Prof. Treadwell the report was recommitted, with the request that a final report be made at the next Stated Meeting, as there was a question as to the legality of any action by the Academy on the subject at any other than a Stated Meeting.
Prof. Agassiz reminded the Academy of the recent death of a distinguished Associate in the following words.
It is the first time we meet since the death of the Hon. F. C. Gray, one of our own fellow members. Though there are others, longer acquainted with Mr. Gray than myself, who are better qualified to speak of his general merits, allow me to take this opportunity to make known to you some incidents relating to the last objects upon which his mind was seriously engaged. I have not had the happiness of knowing Mr. Gray intimately for many years; but for the last two years peculiar circumstances, which are among the most fortunate of
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my life, have brought me gradually nearer to him and enabled me to become more closely acquainted with his extensive attainments and the great powers of his vigorous and clear intellect and to appreciate fully the kindness of his feelings and his unbounded benevolence.
There is hardly any field of intellectual activity which did not engage at some time or other his inquisitive mind. But among the many objects to which he has turned his attention, there is one topic which particularly deserves to be noticed on an occasion like this, when the members of the Academy must feel that they have sustained a severe loss by his departure. Taking, as was his habit in every thin else, a broad view also of the events of the day, he had satisfied himself that there is no field in which young men of ability could seek for a better opportunity of doing good service to their country, than in the pursuit of science, literature and the arts. And this subject was one to which he returned constantly in conversation, for the whole past year. Early in 1856. he was invited by the Regents of the University of the State of New York, to deliver an address in Albany, on the occasion of the inauguration of the Geological Hall. His sickness unfortunately prevented him from attending the celebration. The subject he had selected for the occasion was that of his constant thoughts. He hoped to make an impression upon the community by an earnest appeal to the rising generation in favor of a deeper and more thorough cultivation of the learned vocations and especially of science. No one among us was better prepared than he was, to set forth the great importance and the true dignity of such pursuits. He never tired of repeating that he considered intellectual and moral culture as the object worthiest of the highest ambition. It was not, he used to say, by prowess of arms on by wealth that nations could in future take a high standing among civilized communities, but by their devotion to and their appreciation of the higher interest of science, literature and the arts. I need not say, that, with him, these were not idle words. I deem it my duty, as it is my pleasure to refer to the great exertions he made, for a number of months in succession, to render possible the publication of my Contributions to the Natural History of the United States, and I truly lament that he did not live to see at least the first volume, complete. But his great heart had higher aims than the personal success of a friend. He had conceived the plan of a great institution, devoted chiefly to the study of Natural History,
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in its widest ramifications, which should in course of time be for this country, what the British Museum and the Jardin des Plantes are for England and France. He spoke repeatedly of the part he would take himself in fostering such a plan, and his will bears testimony of the importance which he attached to the establishment of such an institution. When he felt his strength failing him, he lamented his inability to make an energetic appeal to his friends for such a purpose. He thought if he could go only once more into the street, he might effect something towards this end, worthy of the country. The last time he spoke to me upon this subject was to hint at the possibility and the means of carrying out this great plan. The emotion with which he spoke is still fresh in my memory and will accompany me through life, as an evidence of the fervor with which a truly noble mind may be occupied with the highest interests of his fellow men in a moment when he feels himself already at the threshold of another world.
I beg to offer the following resolution:
Resolved: That the American Academy of Arts and Sciences has sustained in the death of their late Associate, the Hon. F. C. Gray, a loss not soon nor easily to be supplied. He was a man of vigorous mind, of large and liberal culture, of generous devotion to all good and noble objects, and a true friend.
The Hon. Josiah Quincy expressed his hearty concurrence with the sentiments expressed by Prof. Agassiz, and referred to his own long acquaintance with Mr. Gray in public and private, in terms most eulogistic and friendly. In conclusion he moved that the resolution offered by Prof. Agassiz be adopted, and that a copy of it, with the prefatory remarks, be printed in the public newspapers. The motion was seconded by Prof. Treadwell and adopted unanimously.
Mr Sherwin inquired if any Fellow had ever heard of a certain enormous telescope, said to be a refractor, with an object glass of 2 feet diameter, and a focal length of 76 feet, reported to be in existence at Wadsworth Common near London, and described and figured in a text book for schools which he exhibited. No one present responded in the affirmative, and the existence of the instrument was generally regarded as problematical.
Mr. Sherwin read a paper on a new theory of Parallel lines
Mr. Folsom laid upon the table two manuscript pam-
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phlets, containing interesting memoranda of early meetings of the Academy &c, which he had found among rubbish in the Athenaeum. He regarded them as objects of much value, and in conclusion moved that they, with such other loose papers of the Academy as may be worth preserving, be suitably bound and placed in the Library of the Academy, and that a Committee of four be appointed to attend to the matter.
Voted accordingly, and Messrs Folsom, Bowen, Felton and the Librarian were chosen a Committee for this purpose.
Prof. Horsford read a paper on The “Oleic acid series of Fatty Acids” by George C. Caldwell, B. S., Ph.D.
Prof. Lovering of the Committee to whom was referred the subject of Dr. Price’s letter to President Willard, on matters concerning the early history the Academy, as well as other letter of similar import, reported; that the Committee had had free access granted them to such papers of President Willard in the possession of his heirs, with full permission to publish those portions of them as related exclusively to the Academy.
Dr. Gray referred to the action of the Academy at the last Stated Meeting, in electing Dr. Peters a Resident Fellow, there being some doubt in his mind, as he had stated at the time, of his coming within the statute requisitions for Resident Fellowship. Acting under this impression he had temporarily witheld [sic] the notice to him of his election, and had sought further information on the subject and obtained the legal opinion of Judge Parker, which sustained him in his view of the question. Dr. Peters having temporarily returned to Cambridge, he had notified him of his election before the last meeting.
Prof. Gray’s course called forth remarks from Prof. Agassi Mr. Winthrop and others, and on motion of Mr. Bowen it was finally voted; that Mr. Winthrop and Professors Jeffries Wyman and Felton be a Committee to consider the subject, to report at the next Stated Meeting.
Prof Agassiz said that in the course of his recent studies of the Turtles he had been anxious to ascertain whether the different stages of embryonic development and the different Orders of this Class corresponded with the different
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stages of geological succession. He was satisfied that the tracks in the Potsdam Sandstone and the Trias attributed to these animals were not made by them. The earliest remains of Turtles were found in the Jura, and they are of the Fresh water type. Now the order of position among Turtles places the Marine types lowest, next Fresh water and the last Land Turtles. Here was a want of correspondence with the geological succession. From the descriptions of these specimens and his own recollection of them, however, Prof. Agassiz was satisfied that these fossils present a Synthetic type, like the Crinoids among the Radiata; showing characteristics belonging to several types. A similar instance he had found among the living species of S. American Turtles from Brail, the Podomanaemyds; which although belonging to the Fresh water type, yet present certain characters in the formation of the temporal region very similar to these of marine species, constituting a true synthetic type. Prof. Owen obtained from the Chalt the next geological species which had been discovered, and they belong to the Cheloniams with some characters of the marine species, but not the general form, another synthetic type. Prof. Agassiz did not regard these forms as presenting true exceptions to the law of correspondence between geological succession and grade of development in living species, but only as evidence of the existence in past ages, as well as at the present, of what he had called Synthetic types.
Prof. Horsford announced a new and convenient method of determining the value of Saltpetre for the manufacture of Nitric acid, by ignition with Sal Ammoniac.
The meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot. Recording Secretary
Four hundred and thirty fifth Meeting.
January 28th 1857.
Stated Meeting.
The Academy met at their Hall.
The President in the Chair.
Present, Messr’s J. H. Abbot, Agassiz, Bouve, Bowen, Cotting, Clark, Folsom, A. A. Gould, B. A. Gould, Asa Gray, Hayes, Henck, Holmes, Horsford, C. T. Jackson, J. B. S. Jackson, Lovering, J. A. Lowell, Chas. Pickering, Octavius Pickering, Sparks, Sprague, Treadwell, C. E. Ware, Winthrop and the Recording Secretary.
The record of the preceding meeting was read, and
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being amended by Prof. Gray, was approved.
The Corresponding Secretary read a letter from M. J. Johnson accepting his election as a Foreign Honorary Member.
A communication was read from Dr. Francis Dana requesting an increase of salary. On motion of Prof. Gray it was referred to the Committee on the Library.
Mr. Winthrop Chairman of the Committee on the course of Prof. Gray with reference to the election of Dr. Peters stated, that he was unable to present a report, owing to the absence of Prof. Felton and other circumstances which he had prevented any action by the Committee. At his request it was voted that two members be added to the Committee, and Messrs John A. Lowell and Oliver W. Holmes were appointed by the Chair.
On motion of Mr. Winthrop it was voted, That farther action in the matter be referred to the meeting in March.
Hon. Robert C. Winthrop exhibited a piece of the Submarine telegraph cable, by which it is proposed to connect Europe with America.
Dr. Hayes remarked that the copper wire in the centre with its Gutta percha envelope will be protected from all action by the salt water, by the sulphurizing action of the sea. This would convert the outer layer of iron wire with which the cable is invested in an impervious Sulphuret of Iron.
Dr. Charles T. Jackson exhibited a terrestrial globe showing by colored sections De Beaumonts “reseaux pentagonales” by which he explained his theory of elevation of mountain chains.
Prof. Agassiz commented upon De Beaumont’s theory as being extremely beautiful and ingenious, by which the whole earth was likened to am immense crystal, formed by the cooling of the heated mass, the mountain ridges appearing on the lines of greatest resistance to shrinkage. He spoke in the most eulogistic terms of his authority, as a geologist, and gave a general outline of his favorite theory, as applied to different parts of the globe. He stated that there was a singular coincidence between the number of distinct systems of Faunae as made out by Naturalists of the present day and the geological systems of De Beaumont
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These are each from 55 to 60 in number.
Dr. Hayes exhibited specimens illustrative of his remarks at the previous meeting on theaction and products of volcanoes
Dr. Holmes said that he had recently observed an unusual anatomical fact viz, the power of voluntary motion of the ear in a man. This is extremely rare occurrence. The individual in question was able to draw backwards and upwards either or both ears with considerable force, to the distance of from a quarter to half an inch; and this was a natural movement whenever he listened intently
In answer to an inquiry from Dr. Holmes, Dr. Hayes explained the action of gas stoves in the generation of heat. An animated discussion resulted from the inquiry, in which, besides these gentlemen. Prof. Horsford and Dr. Charles T. Jackson took part.
The following gentlemen were elected Resident Fellows,
J. Lothrop Motley, Esq. nominated by [REDACTED].
Hon. Chs. Francis Adams. nominated by [REDACTED].
Hon Geo. S. Boutwell. nominated by [REDACTED].
On motion of Prof. Gray it was voted, That the meeting be adjourned to the second Tuesday in March.
The Meeting was then dissolved.
S. L. Abbot Recording Secretary.
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Statutes and Standing Votes of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
(Adopted May 30th. 1854.}
Chapter 1.
Of Fellows and Foreign Honorary Members
1. The Academy consists of Fellows and Foreign Honorary Members. They are arranged in three classes, according to the Arts and Sciences in which they are severally proficient; viz. Class I., The Mathematical and Physical Sciences; Class II. The Natural and Physiological Sciences; Class III. The Moral and Political Sciences. Each Class is divided into four Sections; viz. Class I. Section I., Mathematics; Section 2. Practical Astronomy and Geodosy [sic]; Section 3. Physics and Chemistry; Section 4. Technology and Engineering. Class II. Section 1. Geology, Mineralogy, and Physics of the Globe; Section 2. Botany; Section 3. Zoology and Physiology; Section 4. Medicine and Surgery. Class III. Section 1. Philosophy and Jurisprudence; Section 2. Philology and Archaeology; Section 2. Political Economy and History. Section 4. Literature and Fine Arts.
2. Fellows resident in the State of Massachusetts can alone vote at the meetings of the Academy.* They shall each pay to the Treasurer the sum of five dollars on admission, and an annual assessment of two dollars, with such additional sum, not exceeding three dollars, as the Academy shall, by a standing vote, from time to time determine.
3. Fellows residing out of the State of Massachusetts shall be known and distinguished as Associate Fellows. They shall not be liable to the payment of any fees or annual dues, but on removing within the State, shall be admitted to the privileges and be subject to the obligations of Resident Fellows. The number of Associate Fellows shall not exceed one hundred, of whom there shall not be more than forty in either of the three classes of the Academy.
4. The number of Foreign Honorary Members shall not exceed seventy five; and they shall be chosen from among persons most eminent in foreign countries for their discoveries and attainments in either of the three departments of knowledge
*The number of Resident Fellows is limited by the Charter to 200.
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{{535.}}
above enumerated. And there shall not be more than thirty Foreign Members in either of these departments.
Chapter, II.
Of Officers.
1. There shall be a President, a Vice-President, a Corresponding Secretary, a Recording Secretary, a Treasurer, and a Librarian, which officers shall be annually elected, by written votes, at the Annual Meeting on the day next preceding the last Wednesday in May.
2. At the same time and in the same manner, nine Councillors shall be elected, three from each class of the Academy, who, with [REDACTED] shall constitute a Council for Nomination. It shall also be the duty of this Council to exercise a discreet supervision over all nominations and elections, and to exert their influence to obtain and preserve a due proportion in the number of Fellows and Members in each of the sections.
3. If any office shall become vacant during the year, the vacancy shall be filled by a new election, at the next stated meeting.
Chapter III.
Of the President.
1. It shall be the duty of the President, and, in his absence, of the Vice-President or next officer in order, as above enumerated, to preside at the meetings of the Academy; to summon extraordinary meetings, upon any urgent occasion; and to execute or see to the execution of the statutes of the Academy.
2. The President, or in his absence, the next officer as above enumerated, is empowered to draw upon the Treasurer for such sums of money as the Academy shall direct. Bills presented on account of the Library, or the publications of the Academy, must be previously approved by the respective committees on these departments.
3. The President, or in his absence, the next officer as above enumerated, shall nominate members to serve on the different committees of the Academy.
4. Any deed or writing, to which the common seal is to be affixed, shall be signed and sealed by the President, when thereto authorized by the Academy.
Chapter IV.
Of Standing Committees.
1. At the Annual Meeting there shall be chosen, upon the
[end page 537 | begin page 538]
{{536}}
nomination of the President, the following Standing Committees, to serve for the year ensuing; viz,:
2. The Rumford Committee, of five Fellows to consider and report on all applications for the Rumford Premium.
3. The Committee of Publication, of three Fellows, to whom all memoirs submitted to the Academy shall be referred, and to whom the printing of memoirs accepted for publication shall be intrusted [sic].
4. The Committee on the Library, of three Fellows, who shall examine the Library, and make an annual report on its condition and management.
5. An Auditing Committee, of two Fellows, for auditing the accounts of the Treasurer.
Chapter V.
Of the Secretaries.
1. The Corresponding Secretary shall conduct the correspondence of the Academy, recording or making an entry of all letters written in its name, and preserving on file all letters which are received; and at each meeting he shall present the letters which have addressed to the Academy since the last meeting. With the advice and consent of the President, he may effect exchanges with other scientific associations, and also distribute copies of the publications of the Academy among the Associate Fellows and Foreign Honorary Members, as shall be deemed expedient; making a report of his proceedings at the Annual Meeting. Under the direction of the Council for Nomination, he shall keep a list of the Fellows, Associate Fellows, and Foreign Honorary Members, arranged in their classes and in sections in respect to the special sciences in which they are severally proficient; and shall act as Secretary to the Council.
1. The Recording Secretary shall have charge of the Charter and statute book, journals, and all literary papers belonging to the Academy. He shall record the proceedings of the Academy at its meetings; and after each meeting is duly opened, he shall read the record of the preceding meeting. He shall notify the meetings of the Academy, and apprise committees of their appointment. He shall post up in the Hall a list of the persons nominated for election into the Academy; and when any individual is chosen, he shall insert in the record the names of the Fellows by whom he was nominated.
3. The two Secretaries, with the chairman of the Committee of Publication, shall have authority to publish such of the Proceedings of the Academy as may seem to them calculated to
[end page 538 | begin page 539]
{{537.}}
promote the interests of science
Chapter VI.
Of the Treasurer.
1. The Treasurer shall give such security for the trust reposed in him as the Academy shall require.
2. He shall receive officially all moneys due or payable, and all bequests or donations made to the Academy, and, by order of the President or presiding officer, shall pay such sums as the Academy may direct. He shall keep an account of all receipts and expenditures; shall submit his accounts to the Auditioning Committee; and shall report the same at the expiration of his term of office.
3. The Treasurer shall keep a separate account of the income and appropriation of the Rumford Fund, and report the same annually.
4. All moneys which there shall not be present occasion to expend shall be invested by the Treasurer, on such securities as the Academy shall direct.
Chapter VII.
Of the Librarian and Library.
1. It shall be the duty of the Librarian to take charge of the books, to keep a correct catalogue of the same, and to provide for the delivery of books from the Library. He shall also have the custody of the publications of the Academy.
2 .The Librarian, in conjunction with the Committee on the Library, shall have authority to expend, as they may deem expedient, such sums as may be appropriated, either from the Rumford or the General Fund of the Academy, for the purchase of books and for defraying other necessary expenses connected with the Library. They shall have authority to propose rules and regulations concerning the circulation, return and safe-keeping of books; and to appoint such agents for these purposes as they may think necessary.
3. Every person who takes a book from the Library shall five a receipt for the same to the Librarian or his assistant.
4. Every book shall be returned in good order, regard being had to the necessary wear of the book with good usage. And if any book shall be lost or injured, the person to whom it stands charged shall replace it by a new volume or set if it belong to a set, or pay the current price of the volume or set to the Librarian, and thereupon the remainder of the
[end page 539 | begin page 540]
{{538}}
set, if the volume belonged to a set, shall be delivered to the person so paying for the same.
5. All books shall be returned to the Library for examination at least one week before the Annual Meeting.
Chapter VIII.
Of Meetings.
1. There shall be annually four stated meetings of the Academy viz, on the day next preceding the last Wednesday in May (the Annual Meeting), on the second Wednesday in August, on the second Wednesday in November, and on the last Wednesday in January, to be held in the Hall of the Academy in Boston. At these meetings only, or at meetings adjourned from these and regularly notified, shall appropriations of money be made, or alterations of the statutes or standing votes of the Academy be effected.
2. Fifteen Fellows shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at a stated meeting. Seven Fellows shall be sufficient to constitute a meeting for scientific communications and discussions.
3. The Recording Secretary shall notify the meetings of the Academy to each Fellow residing in Boston and the vicinity; and he may cause the meetings to be advertised, whenever he deems such further notice to be needful.
Chapter IX.
Of the Election of Fellows and Honorary Members.
1. Elections shall be made by ballot, and only at the stated meetings in May, November, and January.
2. Candidates for election as Resident Fellows must be proposed by two or more Resident Fellows, in a recommendation signed by them, specifying the section to which the nomination is made; which recommendation shall be read at a stated meeting, and then stand on the nomination list during the interval between two stated meetings, and until the balloting.
3. The nomination of Associate Fellows shall take place in the manner prescribed in reference to Resident Fellows; and after such nomination shall have been publicly read at a stated meeting previous to that when the balloting takes place, it shall be referred to a Council for Nomination, and a written approval, authorized and signed at a meeting of said Council by at least seven of its members, shall be requisite to entitle the candidate to be balloted for. The Council may in like manner originate nominations of Associate Fellows; which must be read at a stated meet-
[end page 540 | begin page 541]
{{539.}}
ing previous to the election, and be exposed on the nomination list during the interval.
4. Foreign Honorary Members shall be chosen only after a nomination made at a meeting of the Council, signed at the time by at least seven of its members, and read at a stated meeting previous to that on which the balloting takes place.
5. Three fourths of the ballots cast must be affirmative, and the number of affirmative ballots must amount to eleven, to effect an election of Fellows or Foreign Honorary Members.
6. Each section of the Academy is empowered to present lists of persons deemed best qualified to fill vacancies occurring in the number of Foreign Honorary Members or Associate Fellows allotted to it; and such lists, after being read at a stated meeting, shall be referred to the Council for Nomination.
Chapter X.
Of Amendments of the Statutes.
1. All proposed alterations of the statutes, or additions to them, shall be referred to a Committee during the interval between two stated meetings, and shall require for enactment a majority of two thirds of the members present, and at least eighteen affirmative votes.
2. Standing votes may be passed, amended, or rescinded, at any stated meeting, by a majority of two thirds of the members present. They may be suspended by a unanimous vote.
Chapter XI.
Of Literary Performances.
1. The Academy will not express its judgment on literary or scientific memoirs or performances submitted to it, or included in its publications.
Standing Votes
1. Communications of which notice has been given to the Secretary shall take precedence of those not so notified.
2. Resident Fellows who have paid all fees and dues chargeable to them are entitled to receive one copy of each volume or article printed by the Academy, on application to the Librarian personally or by written order, within two years from the date of publication.
3. Resident Fellows may borrow and have out from the Library six volumes at any one time and may retain the same for three months and no longer.
[end page 541 | begin page 542]
{{540}}
4. Upon special application, and for adequate reasons assigned, the Librarian may permit a larger number of volumes, not exceeding twelve, to be drawn from the Library, for a limited period.
5. Works published in numbers, when unbound, shall not be taken from the Hall of the Academy except by leave of the Librarian.
6. The annual assessment upon Resident Fellows shall be five dollars, until otherwise ordered.
7. The annual meeting shall be holden at half past three o’clock, P.M. The other stated meetings at half past seven o’clock, P.M
8. A meeting for receiving and discussing scientific communications shall be held on the second Tuesday of each month, excepting the three summer months.
Rumford Premium
{{See page 49 [in pencil}}
In conformity with the last will of Benjamin Count Rumford, granting a certain fund to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and with a decree of the Supreme Judicial Court for carrying into effect the general charitable intent and purpose of Count Rumford, as expressed in his said will, the Academy is empowered to make from the income of said fund, as it now exists, at any annual meeting, an award of a gold and silver medal, being together of the intrinsic value of three hundred dollars, as a premium, to the author of any important discovery or useful improvement in light or in heat, which shall have been made and published by printing, or in ay way made known to the public, in any part of the continent of America, or any of the American islands; preference being always given to such discoveries as shall, in the opinion of the Academy, tend most to promote the good of mankind; and to add such medals, as a further premium for such discovery and improvement, if the Academy see fit so to do, a sum of money not exceeding three hundred dollars.
[end page 542 | begin page 543]
{{541}}
Letter of Saml. Appleton Executors referred to on page 470.
Copy
Boston Nov. 18. 1854.
Dear Sir,
As Trustees under the will of the late Samuel Appleton and in accordance with what we believe to have been his wish we have transferred to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, the following stocks amounting by appraisement of his estate as nearly as may be to the sum of Ten thousand dollars
Two shares in the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company.
The shares in the Stark Mills.
One share in the Merrimack Manufacturing Company.
One share in the Appleton Manufacturing Company.
One share in the Hamilton Manufacturing Company.
One share in the Massachusetts Mills.
One share in the Suffolk Manufacturing Company.
One share in the Manchester Print Works.
This donation is made in trust to constitute a fund, the income of which is to be applied to the publication of the Transactions of said. Society.
{Trustees}
Signed
N. Appleton
Wm. Appleton
N. I. Bowditch
To Edward Wigglesworth
Treasurer of the American Academy of Arts & Science.
A true copy
S. L. Abbot Recg. Secy.
[end page 543 | begin page 544]
{{542}}
[blank]
[end page 544 | begin page 545]
{{543.}}
{sent by Professor Treadwell, February 1835}
The Royal Society of London
The Royal Society of Dublin
The Royal Society of Edingburgh
The British Museum. London
The Bodleian Library, Oxford
The Astronomical Society, London
Trinity College, Cambridge
Inserted in the Receiving Book [in pencil]
[end page 545 | begin page 546]
{{544}}
{sent by Professor Treadwell February 1835}
George Biddell Airy Esqr Plumian Professor of Astronomy, Cambridge
Charles Babbage F.R.S Esqr Lucasian Professor of Mathematics, Cambride
Francis Baily Esqr F.R.S. London
Peter Barlow Esqr F.R.S. Royal Academy, Woolwich
Sir David Brewster F.R.S. Edinburgh
Rev William Buckland D.D. F.R.S. Professor of Geology, Oxford
Michael Fraday Esqr. F.R.S. London
Davies Gilbert Esqr F.R.S. London
William Hamilton Esqr Andrews Professor of Astronomy, Dublin
Sir John F. W. Herschel F. R. S. London
Capt. Henry Kater F.R.S. London
John W. Lubbock Esqr F.R.S. London
Mark Isambard Brunel Esq. F.R.S. London.
John Dalton Esq F.R.S. Manchester.
Sir Francis Palgrave London.
Marked in the receiving book [in pencil]
{{Dies for Rumford Medal see page 125 [in pencil}}
[end page 546 | begin page 547]
{{545.}}
List of Members elected since 1822.
1822.
Jany 30.
Baron Niebuhr.
Count de la Place.
Count Couvier.
Count Berthollet.
Sir Humphrey Davy.
W. H. Wollaston L.L.D.
William Olbers L.L.D.
Prof. Guas.
William Humboldt.
Alexander von Humboldt.
Aug. 21.
John Pond, Astronomer Royal, England.
Thomas Young, London.
J. Brinkley, D.D. Trinity College, Dublin.
D. Brewster, LL.D. Edinburgh.
Prof. Berzelius, Stockholm
J. B. Biot, Paris.
J. T. Burg Vienna.
J. C[sic]. Burckhardt, Paris.
Le Chev. J. B. J. Delambre, Paris.
S. D. Poisson, Paris.
Baron von Lindeman, Gotha.
1823.
Jany. 29.
Dr John White Webster,
Rev. William Allen, Prest. of Bowdoin Coll.
Rev Samuel Farmer Jarvis, Boston.
Mr. D. Stansbury, of Belle Ville, N Jersey
Dr John Ware, Bosont.
Henry A. S. Dearborn Esq. Boston
Dr. Enoch Hale, Boston.
May 27.
Samuel Parkes, London.
Rev. John Brazer, Salem.
Mr Joseph E. Worcester, Cambridge.
Willard Phillips, Esq. Boston.
Nov. 12.
William Jackson Hooker F.R.S. Glasgow.
Caleb Cushing Esq. Newburyport.
Prof. Edward T. Channing, Cambridge.
Hon. Judge Howe, Northampton.
Mr Daniel Treadwell, Boston.
Lemuel Shaw Esq. Boston.
Mr. Thomas Nuttall, Cambridge.
1824.
Feb. 18.
Alexander H. Everett.
Prof. Robert Hare, Philadelphia.
Dr A. Seybert, Philadelphia.
George Blake Esq. Boston.
James T. Austin Esq. Boston.
James Savage Essq. Boston.
Leverett Saltonstall Esq. Salem.
May 25.
Hon Levi Lincoln.
Hon. Samuel Putnam.
Samuel Hoar Jr Esqr.
1825.
May 21.
Hon. Samuel S. Wilde
James Bowdoin Esq.
Rev. Jared Sparks.
Rev. Henry Ware.
Rev. Dr William Brickland, England.
H. J. Brooke Esq. F.R.S. London.
Aug. 10.
Joel R. Poinsett of S. Carolina.
Dr Samuel Moreno, Buenos Ayres.
John Godfrey Eichhorn, Gottinen.
Octavius Pickering. Salem.
Novemb. 9.
John Murray Forbes, Boston.
Prof. Kingsley. Yale College.
1826.
May 30.
Prof. Davies, of West Point.
Washington Allston Esq. Boston.
1827.
May 29.
Charles Folsom, Cambridge.
Thaddeus William Harris, Dorchester.
George B. Emerson, Boston.
Solomon P. Miles, Boston.
Warren Colburn, Lowel.
1828.
Jany 30.
Baron Jules de Wallenstein.
Dr George Hassel, of Wiemar.
1829.
May 26.
Dr. Abel L. Peirson, Salem.
1830.
May 25.
Dr. Gamaliel Bradford.
[end page 547 | begin page 548]
{{546.}}
List of Members
1830.
Novemb. 10.
Hon. John Reed, of Yarmouth. N. A.
Rev. Ezra S. Goodwin, Sandwich. N. A.
Dr Francis Lieber, Boston. N. A.
Robert Treat Paine Esq. Boston. N. A.
Rev. Francis Wayland, Providence
Mr. J. J. Audubon, Louisiana.
1831.
May 24.
Prof. James Henry Anderson, Columbia College, N York. C
Prof. Renwick, Columbia Coll. C
Rev. Alonzo Potter, Boston. N. A.
Wm Sweetser, Boston. N. A.
1832.
Jany 25.
Eugenius Nulty, Philadelphia C.
Stron, New Brunswick NJ. C.
{{9}} Professor Hamilton, Dublin. C
Charles L. Bondaparte
{{3}} Francis Baily. C
{{19}} John F. W. Herschell. C
{{12}} Capt. Henry Kater. C
{{2}} Charles Babbage. C
{{4}} Peter Barlow. C
{{7}} Michael Faraday, London. C
{{1}} G. B. Airy. C
F. T. D. Arago, Paris. C
A. M. Le Gendre. C
J. L. Gay-Lussac. C
F. W. Bessel, Konigsberg. C
M. G. Plana, Turin. C
Sir Everard Home, Bost. C
J. F. Blumenbach, Gottingen. C
Mr William Cranch Bond N.
(Dorchester
Nov. 14.
Benjamin D. Greene Esq. Boston. N. A.
{{8}} Davies Gilbert Esq. London. C
{{13}} John W. Lubbock Esq. London. C
A. L. Cauchy. C
M. Le Baron Damoiseau, Paris. C
1833
May 28.
Francis Alger, Boston N. A
1834
Jany 29
Saml L. Dana Waltham N. A
Benj Peirce, Cambridge N.
Edward Wigglesworth, Boston N. A
Sylvanus Thayer, Boston. N.
H. C. Schumacher, Altona C
F. G. W. Struve, Dorpat C
R. M. Patterson, Virginia C
May. 27.
Francis Palgrave, London. C
John Dalton, Manchester C
Mr Ostrogradsky, Petersburgh C
Edward Hitchcock, Amherst N. A
Joshua Bates, Middlebury. C A
James Hayward Esq. Cambridge N. A
Novr. 12
Sir Edward Curtis, St Petersburg. C
J. Ingersoll Bowditch Esq, Boston. C
Mark Isambert Brunel [sic] Esq. London. C
Thomas P. Jones. M.D. Washington City. C.
1835
May 26
Rev Jasper Adams. Charleston S.C. C
Dr. Francis Bart M.D. London C
1836
May 24
Thomas Sherwin.
1837
Jan.y 25
{{c}} Nicolas Cacciatore – A
A Quetelet
Nov. 8
{{c}}Daniel Humphreys Storer. M.D. N A
Charles T. Jackson, M.D. N
1838
August 8
Rev. F. W. P. Greenwood, Boston N
Augustus A. Hayes Esq. Roxbury N
John B. S. Jackson M.D. Boston N
Domenico Lo Faso, Pietra Santa Duce of Serra di Falco.
1838
Novemr. 14
Oliver Wendell Homes M.D. of Boston N A
Joseph Roby M.D. do N A
Martin Gay M.D. do N A
Mr Joseph Hale Abbott do N A
Professor C. Gill of St. Pauls College, Flushing L.I. N
Professor C. Avery of Hamilton College N.
Professor M. Catlin of Hamilton College. N.
1839
Jany 30
Professor Lovering of Cambridge, Ma. N. A
Nov. 13
{{(}} Joaquin Jose da Costa de Macedo c
{{x2}} Ed.d Reynolds M.D. Boston c
{{x4}} Nicholas Tillinghast of Medfield c
1840
Jany 29
{{(}} William Vaughan F. R.S. of London c
{{x1}} William H. Prescott, Boston. c
{{x3}} Charles S. Storrow c
May 26
{{C}} Joseph Henry, Prof. Nat Phil. Princeton N.J. c
{{x0}} Uriah A Boyden, Boston. c
Aug. 19
Commodore Charles Morris, US Navy. c
Lieutenant Charles Wilkes, US Navy. c
Daniel Oliver, M.D. of Boston c
Prof Roderick Impey Murchison c
Nov 11
Charles Cramer of St Petersburg. c
/41
Jan 27
Prof Albert Hopkins of Williams College. Williamstown. c
Col. George Bomford Chief of the Ordinance Department, Washington. c
May 25
James Englebert-Teschemacher of Boston. c
Augustus A. Gould. Boston. c
Aug 11.
Jean Baptiste Benoit-Eyres of Paris. c
Col. Jos. G. Totten, Chief Eng.r of U.S. Army. c
James F. Baldwin, Esqr .Boston c
May. Delafield, Sup.t &c c
Rev Mark Hopkins, D.D. President of Williams College c
Nov. 10
Charles Lyell, F.R.S. c
John Amory Lowell, Esqr. c
William Oakes, Esqr. of Ipswich. c
John Torrey, M.D. of New York. c
Asa Gray, M.D. of New York. c
Edward. H. Courtenay of . c
[end page 548 | begin page 549]
Manner of recording the List of Members[in pencil]
See page 85
[end page 549 | begin page 550]
167 [in pencil]
[end page 550 | begin page 551]
[blank]
[end page 551 | begin page 552]
Page 63 [in pencil]
Mr John Read
Revd Ezra S Gordon
Dr Francis Lieber
Rev T Paine Esq
Revd Francis Wayland DD
Mr J J Audubon FRS Louisiana
58
Saml Bradford MD
35
Charles Adams
Thadd. W. Norris
Geo B Emerson
Sol. P Miles
Warren Colburn
29
Professor Davies West Point
Washington Allston
27
John Murray Forbes
Prof Kingsley Yale College
Joel R Poinsett
Dr Samuel Moreno
John Godfrey Eichorn
Octavius Pickering
22
Judge Wilder
James Bowdoin Esq
Jared Sparks
Henry Ware [circled]
{London}
Revd. Dr. Wm. Buckland
H. I. Brooke
19
Sam Putnam
Levi Lincoln
Saml Hoar Jr
18
A. H. Everett Ch. d’Af. at ye Court of ye Netherlands
Prof. Rob. Hare of Philad
Dr. A. Seybert
Geo. Blake Esq
James T. Austin Esq
James Savage Esq
Leverett Saltonstall Esq Salem
Foreign Members
Pg260
com. 215
227
[illegible] Library 228x
Anderson
[illegible]
[Strong]
Biot
[end page 551]
[END VOLUME 2]