est and least technical that has been made. He reviewed the work done by Lockyer and others in spectrum analysis, and, without committing himself to the conclusions drawn from them by the several workers, pointed out that the advance in our knowledge of molecular action is in the direction of effacing the distinction between chemistry and physics. It seemed to him even that all the sciences were becoming more and more branches of physics—that they "are yielding results of vast importance when the methods and established principles of physics are applied to them." Professor Adams closed his address with a consideration of the influence of the sun in producing magnetic diurnal variations. A number of reports were submitted in this section, the most important of which was that on the present state of spectrum analysis. It gave an account of recent progress both in the methods and results, together with an extended list of everything that had been published on the subject in the past few years. Papers were contributed by Mr. Preece, on the proper form of lightning-conductors, and by Mr. Richard Anderson, on the necessity of inspection of them. Dr. Tempest Anderson described an improved heliograph and an apparatus for estimating astigmatism. A powerful magnet for magneto-machines was described by Mr. Ladd, and a new form of electro-motor by Mr. Weisendanger. In the Chemical Section Dr. J. H. Gilbert gave an able summary of the state of agricultural chemistry, with an account of his own researches during a number of years, and criticism of various methods of applying chemistry to agriculture that have found advocates. The report upon the best means of obtaining light from coal-gas was the one in this section of the greatest interest to the public. It concludes that improved light must be sought in the use of more perfect burners, and that the best, fitted with governers, now made by Sugg, Peebles, and others, answer all practical purposes. In the Biological section, the principal feature was the address of the Vice-President, F. W. Balfour, before the Department of Anatomy and Physiology. He sketched briefly the progress recently made in embryology by applying the laws of variation and heredity. He contends that the evidence now in favor of the development theory is overwhelming, and there are very few naturalists who do not accept it in its main features. Dr. Sorby's address before the Geological Section was an important discussion of the structure of volcanic rocks and artificial slags, showing that a study of the process of formation of the latter throws much light upon that of the former. Professor Prestwich here took exception to the conclusions of Professor Ramsay's address regarding unvarying uniformity, contending that the superficial deposit termed "trail," "warp," and "head," in the southwest of Europe showed that this part had been submerged in recent geological times. Other papers of interest and value were those by G. M. Dawson on the "Geology of British Columbia," by Dr. Phené; on the geology of the Balearic Islands; and by Mr. W. T. Blanford on the age and relations of the Pikermi and Sewalik faunas in India. Sir J. H. Lefroy, in the Geographical Section, devoted his address to the advances made in geographical research in North America, showing that the great increase of our knowledge of this region is due to railways and the various State surveys. Among the interesting facts mentioned are the rise in the level of some American lakes, and the depths to which the ground is permanently frozen in the northern part of British North America. Though, before 1866, the surface of Salt Lake had been falling, since that time it has risen eleven feet. Pyramid Lake has risen nine feet, and Lake Winnemucca twenty-two feet. No theory of the cause was advanced. The ground at Fort Norman, on the Mackenzie River, is frozen to a depth of forty-five feet, and at York Factory, on Hudson Bay, but twenty-three feet, while at Yakutsk, Siberia, it is frozen to a depth of three hundred and eighty feet! Quite a number of papers were read in this section, showing a large and rapid increase of geographical knowledge. The most important of the public lectures was that by Mr. Francis Galton, on "Mental Imagery," which is published in the present number of the "Monthly." Professor Boyd Dawkins delivered an address on "Primeval Man," which was mainly a summary of the matter of his recent work. An account of "Professor Nordensjöld's Expedition" was given by Mr. F. Seebohm to an audience of workingmen.
